Small Project Design

Our 12-member architecture/engineering firm is researching new accounting software, and I'm curious if anyone in this forum has advice to share. What does your office use, and would you recommend it? What are the software's pros/cons? Does your software include project management and/or CRM functions, and are they useful?

Thanks in advance!


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Mitra Engan
Engan Associates, P.A.
Willmar MN
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There are a number of important issues to consider when choosing accounting software, especially if you want it integrated with project management and CRM functions. Many integrated systems are weak on the accounting end and many strong accounting systems are weak on project management or CRM. To get it all, you may have to purchase software that is more suited to a much larger firm.  

In 2008, I wrote about these issues in an article for the AIA Architects Knowledge Network. Obviously, the article does not include discussion of the latest web-based software available by subscription. However, it does cover the basic concepts you will want to understand as you make this decision. The article can be accessed here:  http://www.aia.org/akr/Resources/Documents/AIAP072711?dvid=&recspec=AIAP072711
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Rena Klein FAIA
Principal
RM Klein Consulting
Spokane WA
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I use Quickbooks Pro 2007--yup, that's right--2007.  It allows me to bill by phase, create estimates, bill by percentage of completion, and generally does what I want.  Newer versions of Quickbooks have this capacity, but they are much more expensive, so I didn't upgrade.

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Mary Holley AIA
President
ma2 architects
Basalt CO
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