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Frequently Asked Questions Who is Reiter and Company? Reiter & Company is focused on helping construction and related businesses improve their bottom line. We do that through delivering technologically advanced software solutions (such as Sage Timberline and Sage Masterbuilder) that dramatically improve business performance. Our customers are all over the US. Take a look at our solutions and services here.
If you're in business with no plans to expand, then an inexpensive bookkeeping program is probably your best option. The problem we find however, is that as a business grows, basic accounting and check writing programs fall short in several areas which tend to translate into lost time, opportunity and business.Business
accounting software programs provide several benefits.
First, since they are typically housed on a SQL (standards query
language) database, there's an added measure of stability and
security. If you ever lost data, you realize the
importance of this first point. Second, accounting
software programs provide an audit trail. This saves a lot
of time when it comes to any kind of reporting. Finally,
the programs offer a comprehensive look at all aspects of the
business...and can also do this in real-time. This is
perhaps the most valuable aspect as you're better able to manage
the business. Bookkeeping programs just don't allow that
kind of insight. When is the best time to change to a new accounting program and what are the challenges, if any? Because of the benefits of upgrading...along with a relatively short break-even period, any time is really a good time. Of course, it's best to do so when the systems aren't being used...such as late in the day or at the end of a week or month.Challenges consist only of some time in learning the applications. After implementation, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the applications to become proficient and get the most benefit out of them. After a month or so, we find that clients realize the benefits.
There have been a lot of construction-oriented software applications offered over the years. Many on the market have excelled within their own specific discipline. Unfortunately, as the industry grew, businesses were caught using disparate programs that didn't work or integrate well with each other. For those businesses, the result has meant manual entry (time lost, errors) from one program to the other.
Some of the bigger software manufacturers learned from this
problem and now offer comprehensive systems that cover every
aspect of the business and integrate seamlessly with each other.
One such system is the Sage Timberline Suite of Products.
Our experience is that companies that use a comprehensive set of
accounting processes are better able to manage their business.
And this results in increased productivity and profitability. What's the best way to choose a software vendor? We think there are a few important things when considering a software vendor. The first is experience. How long has the software company been in business? Based on the industry's history, it's important to select one that has participated (and better yet, led) in its development. Second is support. If you've ever waited on the line for more than an hour for help, then you've experienced a typical problem within the software applications field. We recognize that problem and have developed a client-centric support process...which consists of a quick response. Finally, a large client base with lots of happy customers should be a signal that this is a quality vendor. Ask us about some of our clients.
The critical component of an effective software application system is scalability. The foundation is one that can provide the end user with easy usability along with meaningful financial and operational information. Translated, this means basic financial reporting, operational and analysis tools. Core modules usually include General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and, in many cases, Payroll. The next step is the industry-specific applications, such as those for construction, development, property management, and others that have unique needs.
Scalability of this scope is offered by manufacturers such as
Sage Software, through their Sage Timberline Office products. What's the difference between construction software and other general business software programs, namely accounting? Construction companies need a strong core accounting software solution. However, the center of the universe for most construction companies is the Job Cost Analysis tool. Job Cost Analysis is the comparison of estimated/budgeted construction costs (using cost codes) to actual costs along with a variance. The job cost information is required during the life (eg. monthly) of a construction project and not just at the end of a project. This is not to be confused with general ledger budgets.Job Cost is oftentimes overlooked in the world of construction. This is unfortunate because our experience has shown it to be the most critical as successful owners use this information as a real-time rudder for profitability.
Reiter & Company, Inc.
Sage Timberline Office &
Accounting | Project Management |
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