Many businesses are not satisfied with their accounting software and use spreadsheets, databases, and/or manual systems to compensate for missing features in their software.  It’s expensive and intimidating to change software and choosing the new accounting software package is an important decision that can help a company grow or cripple an organization.  Here’s my approach:

1. Document the unmet needs of the organization.
   1. This list can be quite extensive and it’s important to determine what is absolutely necessary and what items would be optional features.
   2. Contact the current software publisher and discuss the list of must-have features
      1. Is this something that an upgrade will satisfy or is the software too small for the organization?
      2. What is the cost of the software, installation, training, technical support, maintenance upgrades.
      3. Does the Software publisher have another product that will meet your needs?  Will the data covert easily to that product?
   3. Search for other software that may meet your needs and  (Ask your peers, Accountant, do web research)
      1. Pay close attention to the consultant or company contact.  Do you want to work with these folks?  How do they compare to your current provider?  The human interaction is can be more important than the cost in a successful implementation and ongoing support.
      2. Document the cost of the software, installation, training, technical support, maintenance upgrades.
   4. Take time to evaluate your options!!!  Keep you budget in mind but do not make a decision on costs alone.