Monthly Archives: September 2023

Fence Company Grows Sales 20% Without Adding Staff Due to Business Management Software

Posted on by

In the world of business, success often hinges on the ability to adapt and evolve. For West Memphis Fence & Construction Co., Inc., a family-owned company established in 1967, this mantra has been at the core of their journey. Specializing in a wide range of fencing solutions, including chain-link, ornamental iron, custom wood, and PVC, West Memphis Fence serves both residential and commercial clients. They don’t stop at permanent fencing; they also provide temporary rental fencing for construction sites and crowd control at events.

What sets West Memphis Fence apart is their unwavering commitment to customer service. Stephen Bius, Vice-President of the company, emphasizes that it’s more than just a job for them; it’s their family’s name and reputation on the line with every project they undertake. This dedication is reflected in their experienced team and a fleet of trucks, bobcats, and compressors, allowing them to bid on over 100 jobs each day.

The Challenge: Streamlining Job-Costing

West Memphis Fence faced significant job-costing inadequacies that made accurate bidding a cumbersome task. Their old, proprietary system required hours of manual labor to put together quotes, considering various factors such as material, labor, sub-contractor costs, and project specifics like fence type, class, size, and location. Government projects added complexity, demanding certified payroll tracking. The inefficiencies and limitations of their system were affecting their bottom line.

The Solution: A Technological Makeover

To tackle these challenges head-on, West Memphis Fence turned to a trusted AccountMate partner. They decided to implement AccountMate SQL, chosen for its scalability and open architecture, which could adapt to their specific business needs. AMBR Technologies also introduced JobCost, a comprehensive job costing system integrated seamlessly with AccountMate.

The technology makeover began with an overhaul of the job tracking and bid process. JobCost allowed detailed and efficient bid generation, with real-time cost tracking and comparisons to estimates. It facilitated compliance with certified payroll requirements for government projects and streamlined employer payroll tax data, overhead costs, and hours worked tracking.

Another hurdle West Memphis Fence faced was managing multiple customer ship-to addresses. JobCost logic was modified to save ship-to addresses for previous jobs, simplifying the management of repeat jobs.

The Results: Efficiency and Growth

With industry-specific solutions for job costing and AccountMate as their financial software backbone, West Memphis Fence achieved impressive results. Their sales revenue increased by 20% over 12 months, all while avoiding the need to hire additional office personnel. AccountMate’s open architecture, scalability, and seamless integration with industry-specific programs provided the foundation for West Memphis Fence’s technological growth.

West Memphis Fence & Construction Co., Inc.’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptation and embracing technology to overcome challenges and drive growth. With a commitment to excellence and the right tools at their disposal, they continue to build a legacy of success in the fencing industry.

Read the full case study here.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.

Bundles, Suites, and Tiers, Oh My! Determining Which Software Components to Buy

Posted on by

In today’s tech-savvy world, choosing the right software components for your business can be as overwhelming as a journey through the mystical land of Oz. With a plethora of options available, including bundles, suites, and tiered offerings, it’s easy to feel like Dorothy on the yellow brick road, trying to find the Emerald City. But fear not! In this article, we’ll serve as your trusted guide, helping you navigate the complex landscape of software components, and empowering you to make the right choices for your business.

Understanding the Software Landscape

Before we embark on our journey, it’s essential to understand the terrain we’re traversing. Let’s break down the key terms:

Bundles: Bundles are collections of software components or applications packaged together by vendors. They are often designed to address specific business needs or industry requirements. Think of them as gift baskets filled with carefully selected treats.

Suites: Software suites are comprehensive packages that encompass a wide range of tools and applications, typically designed for a specific purpose. Imagine them as a toolbox filled with all the necessary instruments for a particular job.

Tiers: Tiers refer to different levels or versions of software offerings, often categorized by features, capabilities, or pricing. They resemble a pyramid, with each tier building upon the one below.

The Quest for the Right Software Components

Now, let’s embark on our journey to determine which software components best suit your needs. Follow these steps to navigate the path effectively:

  1. Identify Your Needs and Objectives. Before you set off on your adventure, know what you’re looking for. Identify your business’s specific needs and objectives. What challenges are you trying to address, and what goals are you aiming to achieve?
  2. Consider Budget and Resources. Pay attention to your financial resources and budget constraints. Software components come in various price ranges, so knowing your limits is crucial.
  3. Analyze Your Industry and Business Size. Different industries and business sizes have unique requirements. Ensure that the software components you choose align with the specifics of your field and the scale of your operations.
  4. Evaluate Integration Requirements. Think about how the software components will integrate with your existing tools and systems. Smooth integration ensures seamless workflow and data exchange.
  5. Assess Scalability. Consider the future. Will your business grow, and can the software components scale with you? If so, opt for solutions that allow flexibility and growth.
  6. Vendor Reputation and Support. Investigate the reputation of software vendors. Read reviews or case studies, seek recommendations, and assess the quality of their customer support and ongoing maintenance.
  7. Customization Possibilities. Evaluate the degree of customization offered by the software components. The ability to tailor solutions to your specific needs can be a game-changer.
  8. Security and Compliance. Prioritize security and compliance. Ensure that the software components adhere to industry standards and regulations, especially if you handle sensitive data.
  9. User-Friendliness. User experience matters. Choose software components with intuitive interfaces and adequate user support to minimize the learning curve for your team.
  10. Trial and Testing. Don’t skip the testing phase. Many vendors offer trial periods. Take advantage of these opportunities to see how the software components perform in your environment.

There’s No Place Like the Right Software Components

Just as Dorothy and her companions discovered, the journey might be challenging, but with careful planning and guidance, you can reach your destination to find the right software components successfully. By considering your needs, resources, integration requirements, scalability, vendor reputation, customization possibilities, security, and user experience, you’ll be well-prepared to make the best choices for your business. Some vendors (like AccountMate) will allow you to purchase exactly the modules you and your consult have identified for your specific needs without acquiring unnecessary modules (and continued maintenance).

So, off you go, and remember, there’s no place like the right software components for your business needs!

Are you considering AccountMate and want to learn more? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537 to talk to someone about your specific needs.

Green Cleaning Manufacturer Doubles Revenue and Triples Sales Order Volume with AccountMate Software as Their Business Backbone

Posted on by

In the heart of the environmentally conscious cleaning industry, EnvirOx, LLC shines as a beacon of innovation. Established in 1995, this Illinois-based company set out to revolutionize the cleaning landscape with its commitment to eco-friendly solutions. What began as a research project culminated in the development of a single concentrated product that eliminated toxic ingredients without compromising efficiency. With a focus on utilizing stabilized hydrogen peroxide cleaning technology, EnvirOx has emerged as an industry leader, championing sustainable cleaning practices.

Growing Pains: Rising to the Challenge

As the demand for their eco-friendly cleaning solutions soared, EnvirOx found itself facing the challenges of rapid growth. The company’s commitment to toxin-free cleaning solutions had garnered significant attention, driving revenue growth of more than 10% annually since its inception. However, their technology infrastructure lagged, unable to accommodate the escalating sales volume and expanding workforce.

Traditional accounting packages fell short in supporting the company’s multifaceted needs. Every customer service and sales representative needed to become a master of customer interactions. Additionally, managing inventory, production planning, and distribution requirements became increasingly intricate as their operations expanded.

The Solution Takes Shape

EnvirOx turned to an AccountMate Elite Solution Provider for a comprehensive solution. Recognizing the need for a unified and sophisticated business system, the solution provider recommended implementing AccountMate SQL. Its scalability and open architecture made it an ideal fit for EnvirOx’s growing requirements. The platform’s program design seamlessly integrated industry-specific solutions to address sales, support, and distribution challenges.

A Unified Approach: Empowering Excellence

To tackle their customer relationship management needs, EnvirOx implemented INFOtrac for AccountMate, an advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution. This real-time customer management system provides employees with immediate access to historical data, enhancing customer service quality. It also synchronized with the outside sales force, ensuring that the sales team had updated product, pricing, and customer information on the go. This consolidated approach fostered a knowledgeable and efficient workforce, ultimately improving customer relationships.

Handling the direct consumer market through their OurHouse brand required a dynamic order fulfillment solution. Integration with Accurate Direct Access Remote Terminal (ACCU-DART) provided real-time warehouse and inventory management capabilities. The use of radio-frequency barcode scanning technology streamlined the pick-pack process and ensured that all users had up-to-the-minute information. This solution was further complemented by Freight+, which seamlessly integrated with FedEx to provide real-time shipping and handling cost assessments.

The Transformation Unveiled: Positive Outcomes

EnvirOx’s partnership with AccountMate resulted in a comprehensive front-to-back office solution. Since adopting these industry-specific program solutions in 2003, the company’s revenue has doubled, and operational efficiency has tripled. The scalability and seamless integration of AccountMate’s solutions enabled EnvirOx to not only keep pace with their growth expectations but to exceed them.

Through a blend of innovation, forward-thinking partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable practices, EnvirOx has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the cleaning industry. This transformation underscores the power of integrated solutions in boosting efficiency, enhancing customer relationships, and driving substantial growth. As they continue their journey, EnvirOx stands as a testament to the positive impact that technology-driven sustainability can have on businesses and the environment alike.

Read the full case study.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.