5 Steps to Deploy A New Accounting System

Considering a new accounting system this year?

As you are enjoying the long days of the summer months, it’s probably not on the top of your mind to start planning a purchase or implementation of a new accounting system. Not to disrupt your summer, but it’s time to start the process if you are looking to deploy and go live with a new accounting system for January 1.

At Plumb, we are a premier Sage construction accounting software partner, and specialize in working with contractors, developers, home builders, subcontractors and service providers for the construction industry.  We work with clients across the United States, either remotely or on-site, and setup new accounting software to best fit the needs of each client.  Plumb is also an outsourced accounting firm, providing fractional and remote accounting services to the construction industry.  With Plumb, there is no need to solve difficult construction accounting or software challenges alone.

Our Sage Certified Consultants have years of experience implementing new accounting software, such as: Sage 100 Contractor and Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate. Many clients want to start fresh for the beginning of the new year, and here are some helpful tips to reach that goal.

5 Steps to Deploy a New Accounting System

#1 Do your research

If you are in the construction industry, consider a software solution that is industry-specific with features already included from years of research.  There are many accounting software options, such as QuickBooks, that are readily available and do not take months of installation, but they do not offer construction-specifications, like job costing or integrate with estimating.

#2 Identify your needs/wants/dreams

You can better identify your needs if you first determine your current software challenges.  After you list off your challenges and pain points then you can figure out what functions you need.  A need is a function critical to day-to-day operations.

Here is a list of questions to help get you started in the process:

• What does my current accounting software do well?
• What does my accounting software lack?
• Are there critical functions done outside of the software I’m currently using?
• What is our transaction volume?
• What functionality is vital to my day-to-day operations?
• Does my new accounting software need to integrate with any existing software or hardware?

#3 Schedule your demos

Start by selecting a VAR, or Value-Added-Reseller. When you consider Sage construction software, you work directly with a VAR or Sage Partner, typically with a team of Sage Certified Consultants to help with the purchase, implementation and ongoing support and training. 

In business since 1996, Plumb has been providing Sage construction software and services. Take a look at this video by Plumb’s President, Robert Scherer.  He explains why Plumb is a VAR of Sage construction software and why it’s a good fit for the construction industry.

#4 Purchase software

Consider establishing a budget in the beginning phase of your software purchase.  Make sure that you include the cost of the software with the amount of users or licenses you will need and any additional add-ons or modules.  There will also be implementation fees associated with the cost of new accounting software, plus training, setup and support.

Make sure you inquire about any end of the year discounts or current promotions. You can also ask about financing packages for new accounting software.  We offer bundled solutions as well.

#5 90 days out – start the implementation process

Before you can install new software, your financials must be up-to-date, including basic information from the Work-In-Progress report.  Since this information will be migrated over to your new accounting software, it needs to be accurate and current.