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Flo-Chart Web-based Accounting Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the Flo-Chart remote accounting system and why is it unique?

• Secure, web based system allows for flexible access

• One system can serve multiple companies/users

• Flexible design allows for customization to best fit customer needs

• System upgrades and support are handled by proven professionals

• Real cost savings versus traditional "in house" maintained systems

• Proven stable system allows for smooth continual operation

+ Is it safe to keep data "off site"?

Perhaps the most frequent concern companies express when considering web-based accounting, involves having their data reside "off site."

It's easy to assume your data is safest only when you can touch and feel it. What companies discover however, is that their sense of security is based more on perception than on reality. Data is similar to other valuables and it makes sense to let experts provide security. That's what they get paid to do: provide iron-clad protection fro viruses, intruders, and equipment failures. Protecting your data IS a serious business, and it should be evaluated logically rather than emotionally.

+ What if the internet goes down?

Most clients access the Internet via a DSL,T1 or cable connection to their office.
Fortunately, most of these data lines reliable. Your Internet connection is your only responsibility. Therefore, it's your only point of failure. But every business should have a backup connection to the Internet. Our clients who expressed this concern at the outset quickly see that the advantages far exceed the disadvantages.

+ Who are some of your long standing customers who use the system?

• Excel Steel Tube (steel manufacturing): since 1984

• Roth Graham (marketing & promotion agency): since 1986

• Delta Industrial (job shop): since 1988

• BDC Management (property mgt.): since 1990

• Triad Aerospace (distributor): since 1991

+ Why customers stay

• Exceptional value for the price

• High quality delivery of systems and support

• High level of service to ensure needs are met

+ Why customers have discontinued

Most have been bought out by larger companies and integrated into the parent's Accounting Systems.

+ What's the process and average ramp up time needed to bring a system online?

• Discovery phase of one to two months

• Development of formal system blueprint

• System testing/integration/deployment, 7 to 10 business days

+ What's the average contract period?

Two years

+ What does an average system cost?

• Discovery phase is estimated on an hourly rate upfront basis customer needs

• Average system cost is $2500 to $3000 per month

• Cost based on number of users, modules and customization required

+ What about support?

• Standard contracts include 2 hours per month basic support and 15 hours of custom programming included

• Additional support can be contracted for

+ What about down-time guarantees?

• The standard contract states no more than 24 hours of downtime

• Provision for quicker  emergency return to service can be contracted

+ How secure and stable is the system?

• 2 servers, located in 2 different parts of the country

• Backup is automatic

• No security breeches to date

• No catastrophic data losses to date

• Customer's cannot penetrate the server system

+ What savings is afforded by integrating this system?

The average company will save 25% to 30% over two years vs. investing in ongoing hardware, software, training, employee cost, downtime troubleshooting

+ What are the cost saving advantages of remote accounting?

• No IT infrastructure

• No IT support staff required

• Automated backup

• Security

• 24 hour technical support

+ What Desktop OS does it run on?

• Windows 95/98/Me

• Windows NT 3.x

• Windows 2000 Professional

• Windows XP Professional

+ What is the system based on?

• Customizable modules that interface completely

• Developed to allow flexibility vs. "off the shelf" products that are modified

+ How are the modules unique?

• One base system can serve multiple companies and or divisions

• All are date sensitive to allow working in multiple time periods (if needed)

• Create valid financials for any month

• All roll together

+ Describe the modules

• General ledger

• Accounts Rec/Pay

• Inventory

• Sales order/purchasing

• Payroll

• Property management

+ Describe some unique advantages for each module

+ General Ledger

Flexible to work in cash/accrue simultaneously

Can provide detail and summary journal simultaneously

Handles any number of periods

Sub module allows for Misc Cash and hand checks

Close is almost automatic

Custom financials are easily created

+ Accounts Receivable/Payable

Complete audit trail (credit/debit) , no minus entries

Posting table allows single module to keep multiple company/division data

Flexibility of aging report

Ability to print checks

Handles "hand checks"

Allows automatic payments via due dates/pick dates

+ Inventory

Date driven

Min/max reorder point formulas

Handles bar codes

Allows for single item purchase from different vendors

Item numbers tagged to different income accounts

+ Sales Order

Manual or scheduled release

Gross profit reporting

Freight cost, tax estimating

Packing list

Multiple quick query reports

Salesman history tagged to specific companies

Customer access via web to view order status

+ Purchase Order

Automatic reorder

"Non stock" items

Helps keep live inventory low

+ Payroll

Multi state and multi company/division capabilities

Time card functionality

Union benefits

Deductions

Bonus/commissions

+ Property Management

Lease dates

Rent and maintenance

Deposits & interest

Non recuring expenses

Multiple payers

Renovation dates

CRP yearly statements

Certification for subsidized housing
 

©2005 Flochart Software Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.