Best Software is the world's leading publisher of mid-market and business software and makes a very comfortable fit with ACCPAC.  Best Software's new "Common Desktop" and "Integration Framework" will allow ACCPAC's products to work in conjunction with a widening range of other mid-market software.

Can ACCPAC do my bank reconciliations for me?

In version 5.3 you can download a file from the bank and have ACCPAC Bank Services create a draft bank reconciliation for you.  You will also find in 5.3 that bank entries made directly into Bank Services can be posted immediately without waiting for your bank reconciliation.

Is ACCPAC Security sufficient?

New security controls have been put into version 5.2 (and further enhanced in 5.3) allowing management for example to force password changes and limit the hours of access of individual users.  With new remote access functions security becomes more important.  Enhanced security tools are also available - please ask.

Am I using all the features of ACCPAC Advantage?

Probably not, are you using Source Journals? They are under used and very useful!

Which database should I use?

ACCPAC Advantage is now available with Pervasive, IBM DB2, MS SQL Server and Oracle. For existing users there is usually no good reason to change databases. For new users please note that IBM DB2 and Pervasive are least expensive and MS SQL Server and Oracle are more costly. DB2 is available also on Linux.

Should we put multiple companies into a single database?

Under ACCPAC Advantage, multiple companies with the same year end can be treated as "divisions" inside a single database. Some clients do this, others, often citing legal and tax reasons, want to keep the entities totally separate, and so use separate databases. Executive Series allows for multiple companies within a single database, with built in inter-company and consolidation functionality.

I have multiple companies in separate databases, but I want to consolidate some information in inventory availability and receivables exposure.

You need some additional tools - the obvious ones are Data Habitat's data warehouse or ACCPAC's new reporting tool, ACCPAC Insight. For the record, ACCPAC Executive Series can report on such data using its single database approach.

How often should I do backups?

These should be done daily and be "full" backups of the data, not just a backup of incremental changes. You should keep a log of all backups done so that a restore can be made with confidence. Backups should be kept for at least a week, with an "end of week" being kept for a month and "end of month" backups being kept for a year. Most backups are done on tapes, but CDs are becoming more common. It is probably wise to test your ability to restore from a backup - sometimes referred to as "lifeboat drill".

Can I save postage by faxing or emailing invoices or statements?

Yes, ACCPAC Advantage allows for printing to be done to a "device" other than a conventional printer - this can be a fax board in your computer. There are some more sophisticated tools available too from ACCPAC and outside vendors which can speed this process too. Without any additional software, reports in ACCPAC Advantage can be saved as pdf documents (that is an Adobe format) and e-mailed or can be e-mailed directly instead of being printed.

Can I write my own reports or is Crystal too difficult?

The full use of Crystal can be complex - but you can probably write basic reports without assistance. You may find that the use of ACCPAC Query, which is an "easy to use" report writer is however a softer option. AECC does run classes in basic Crystal report writing.

How can ACCPAC CRM be customized to my business?

ACCPAC CRM is designed to be customized - new fields can be added in just a few minutes, new pages can be added and the terminology can be changed if you wish. Different users can use a language of choice and the order of events can be defined by use of "workflow" so that all new customers are, for example, automatically scheduled for a Thank You letter from the president on placement of the first order.

Does all new software need extensive installation consulting?

Some software needs more hand holding than others! Some modules are surprising easy, ACCPAC HR Series comes to mind - although many subjects in HR are complex, such as benefit plans for example, HR Series does such a good job of "wizarding" this, that it makes a very easy installation and set-up.