| 3.
Choose a consultant |
| It's possible
that your organization has the internal staff to successfully
implement your new accounting system. It's more likely,
however, that you don't have the people or time resources-or
expertise-to devote to analyzing, purchasing, installing
and maintaining a system. |
| A software
consultant can help considerably. Consultants have special
expertise-they've been through the purchasing and implementing
process many times. And while they charge fees, they can
help your organization in three significant ways: |
1. Evaluate
and select the best accounting system for your organization.
2. Save time and money during system installing and subsequent
training.
3. Get the most out of your new system based on the system's
capabilities and your organization's requirements. |
| Some of the
best consultants are accounting software resellers. Most
accounting software products are purchased through resellers.
Therefore, they can focus their complete attention on
helping you automate business systems. Software resellers
have a valid stake in your organization's success, as
they want to continue servicing your company in the future. |
| Finding a consultant |
| There are many ways to
find qualified accounting software consultants. Here are
a few proven ideas. |
| Ask your IS department
with whom they have previously worked. |
| Ask colleagues for suggestions
or recommendations. |
| Attend an accounting
industry tradeshow or seminar. |
| Review accounting publications.
|
| Talk to your business
associates, particularly in your industry. |
| The
ideal consultant |
| The ideal consultant
to work with is someone who has reviewed and installed
accounting systems at businesses similar in size and scope
to yours. To learn what types of organizations a consultant
has previously assisted, simply ask. Here are some questions
to ask a prospective consultant or reseller. |
| Can
the reseller provide references? |
| Ask for contact
names and phone numbers, then call to learn as much as
possible about the customer's working relationship with
the reseller. |
| Can
the consultant provide a complete service package? |
| Critical elements of
any software implementation are product training, technical
support, and future maintenance and upgrading. Look for
a reseller who wants to assist you not only with the immediate
sale and installation, but also with longer-term training
and service. |
| Does the
reseller listen effectively? |
| This question separates
the true consultant from the person peddlingb a product.
To make the best recommendations for your organization,
a reseller must first learn about your organization- including
its current capabilities and those missing (but required)
items or functions. Has the reseller attempted to learn
as much as possible about your organization? Has the reseller
spoken to more than one person within your company? |
| Does
the reseller communicate clearly? |
| Be wary of resellers
who spend all their time discussing features-what a program
does. Your focus during discussions with a reseller should
instead be directed toward what benefits the accounting
software can bring to your organization. |
| Do you think
you can work with the reseller? |
| While purchasing accounting
software is a business transaction, you'll be working
closely with the reseller over a period of days, weeks,
maybe ever months. Hence, it's important to find a consultant
who you enjoy working with, who is a good fit with your
company's philosophy and culture, and who you feel will
provide the necessary expertise and consultation in a
professional way. |
