SMARTER ACCOUNTING SIMPLY 

Occasionally I review the latest in computer software. But I find myself becoming biased toward's programs that are not the most popular amongst the accounting litterati. I didn't even trust myself to select an alternate person to do a guest review on the latest in accounting packages. So I had someone else select someone to do the review. Here is that evaluation on Bedford Software's Simply Accounting .

" Most, if not all, small and medium-sized businesses suffer from the same affliction - a shortage of management time. Therefore any legitimate method of stretching or conserving time should be examined carefully for the sake of the balance sheet and the management's ulcers. Which brings us to a very neat program for the Macintosh computer written right here in British Columbia. 1. Simply Accounting, by Bedford Software in Burnaby, is viable proof that you don't have to "go South" or pay a fortune to get an efficient, user-friendly small business accounting package that can save a bundle in time and money. Just remember, General Motors you ain't and don't try to use S.A. like a quill pen. It was written for you in the1980s and 90s, not for Bob Cratchit. 2. The list of 'Can-Do's' is impressive. Six ledgers, eight journals and complete posting immediately after a transaction is completed give 'right now' answers to the "Where are we cashwise?" question. You know where, seconds after any transaction is completed. G/L, P/R, Payroll (auto, pension and tax deductions), Inventory and Job-costing all in one well integrated, seamless, snug little package. Used correctly, this gem will propel your accounting right into this century. You may even keep ahead of the big boys. 3. Utilizing the power of S.A. might prove enlightening. * Is your bank or credit card "playing the float" at your expense?

* Is the time lag between the time your numbers get to your accountant and you get the results back costing you money?

* Where art thou, O inventory update? As close as your keyboard. Nice to work in "realtime", isn't it?

* Is the jobcost totally out of whack with estimates? S.A. will show you where things went sour right now if you made the entries when you should have. Used in conjunction with MacProject or MicroPlanner Plus this program can save the hides of more building contractors than good political connections

* Has the payroll "blossomed"? S.A. will pinpoint the time the bloom started. 4. Bedford has done a good job in providing templates etc. to assist in transferring from your present system to "Simply Accounting". Confer with your accountant. Don't let him steer you onto a DOS system because "That's what I use". Accounting is his vocation, maybe even his avocation. It is not yours or shouldn't be. Successful business requires imagination which is drilled out of accountants the first week of training (only to surface again at tax time). 5. The beauty of this set-up is its cost. With a little judicious shopping, you can have a comprenhensive accounting and word pro cessing system in operation for under $4,000. GM needs a spread sheet with two million cells and statistical functions. You don't. Keep it simple. You are buying a tool, not a way of life. 6. A bit of advice on computer "shopping" with expediency and efficiency.

* Stay away from MS-DOS unless you plan to make this a hobby. DOS is for puzzle freaks. You are trying to save time, not waste it. Look in your local bookstore at the number of DOS "accessory" instruction manuals. Just because IBM is biggest doesn't mean they are the best in all situations. Same goes for Microsoft.

* Buy a Macintosh. Believe me. Your Mac dealer may require a few lessons in price/product negotiations. Just remind them that the border is only a few miles south and U.S. mail order is as close as the phone. If he or she climbs on their high horse, go south. Those people down there want your business.

The main thing is, with the Mac you will be doing useful work while the DOS users are still learning the basics. Your learning time will be one tenth (Ed. note: The manufacturer claims one third) the time required for equal proficiency in DOS. There are conversly, many things a Mac can do right out of the box that a DOS PC can not do without thousands of your dollars in add-ons. Ignore the DOS users that call your machine a toy; there is nothing that a PC can do that the Mac cannot do better, with less irritation". This software program was evaluated by Sam McCready, Port Moody, B.C. More information: Bedford Software Ltd., 201 - 4180 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5C 9Z9.

Phone (604) 294-2394.

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