#ajera

[wally-b-feed]

Anthony Fineran, Hina Ajera, 2024

[randomfixes]

Ajera 8 (by Axium/Deltek) does not launch

After an update, the update should have pushed the old ClickOnce application out. Occasionally Windows will leave the old one in and the Ajera application will not launch. The web based dashboard will load, but not the application itself (such as Project Command Center).

Solution:

Delete this folder (it’s a hidden folder, so you must show hidden folder)

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Apps\2.0

This will force the application to redownload the new ClickOnce app.

[doriscahill]

Adapting for the "The Accountancy Revolution"

Hi this is Doris!

We came across an article today about how the accounting industry is changing, and quickly. It was an interesting read and brought up a complicated question: what will accounting look like in 10, 30, 50 years? As computers and technology become more and more integrated into our every day lives, many occupations are facing the growing pains of adapting or becoming obsolete. We know that accounting isn’t going anywhere any time soon (you know that saying: “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.”) but who’s to say what role it will take in the future? We talk about staying on top of technology a lot at DMC. Our best clients want to remain current on their software so many use the Axium Ajera application. Software by Axium is big on operational improvements, and since they are a small, privately managed software company we find their updates are timely and directly responsive to what clients need. We advocated for a quick project look-up field and got it. We wanted overhead allocation across departments and got that too. The upgrades are not complex nor do they take the entire office down for a day. Thanks Axium! Don't be left in the dust of the “accountancy revolution”!

www.dmcsystems.com

[doriscahill]

Axium - Ajera Portfolio

This video is a software webinar about Timesheets in Axium's Ajera. DMC Accounting + Technology holds webinars on a regular basis. http://www.dmcsystems.com

[doriscahill]

December 2008 Newsletter: Steps to Conversion Success

Message from Doris: Wow, it’s year end again....! As I get older it seems year end is always around the corner and comes once a week. 2008 stands on its own as a business roller coaster for some of us. Not that we want to wish it away, but I suspect many will not miss 2008. Despite all the scary news headlines (terrorism, credit crunch and health crisis) there have been some very exciting things that have been going on at DMC and with our clients. It’s important to remain positive and move forward in respect to our businesses. Let's stay far from the gloom and doom band wagon and talk about those things that are working well and bring hope for an excellent 2009. Great news in the arena of accounting products: With the onset of certain accounting companies announcing the end of their legacy products life cycle, the market has been opened for new accounting software for the first time in many years. A few smart developers seized this opportunity and aimed their products toward ease of use and stronger reporting. Additionally, some chose to solve for web and remote access without having to maintain web server technology. Simplicity and cost effectiveness are what clients want. For example, in Ajera Portfolio there are a bunch of things that we've seen done simpler for AE Firms without driving cost through the roof.

Reporting in SQL views; this sounds complex but it’s not, it means it acts and looks like excel, thus you don't really ever need excel.

Reporting in SQL views is faster, way faster and flexible to add columns and mathematics without being a programmer.

Applying an overpayment is easier.

Refunding an overpayment simpler (not multi-step).

Credit card tracking (I don't know too many firms that don't struggle with this).

Tracking consultants on Fee jobs through billing.

Sorting and customizing the look of your screens simpler.

Editing, writing, voiding vouchers and checks simpler.

Viewing and approving timesheets/expense reports by project better interface.

You don't need a web server to have remote access to the web.

Real time entry while keeping good accounting control and security without complexity.

So what's new for 2009? We believe clients are looking to adapt better ways for 2009 and that may mean changing software, working with new, more modern solutions. DMC is communicating and working with new ideas and solutions that follow that philosophy. Axium Portfolio - Some Observations From the Field By Catherine Chubbuck Some months ago in September 2007, we introduced the Ajera Portfolio at one of our DMC sponsored events to many of you. Since then, we have had the opportunity to work with this software and its developers. Now that we have fully implemented and trained our staff on this software, we feel that this is indeed a satisfactory solution for the smaller client who wants an economical solution to their accounting system. To assist you in your decision making, we have listed below some of the strengths we feel you will find in this software.

The software is competitively priced. Specifically, the entire product is bundled and essentially not sold in many modules. Time and Expense and Planning are part of Ajera Portfolio.

You will get good quality for your money.

Installation and configuration is relatively simple. A single CD is supplied and installs in short time. The workstations are as simple.

Fully integrated General Ledger with job cost.

Entering opening balances and history is logical for the most part.

User friendly for all, no matter what skill level you are on. For instance, simple to apply retainers, handle credit cards, apply retainers to invoices, approve timesheets, view timesheets by projects.

Learning curve is slight, very straightforward.

Ajera features a “Real time” look at projects and invoices, while retaining good accounting period control.

Invoicing can be processed prior to posting of timesheets, thereby speeding up your cash flow.

Your company logo can be easily inserted into your Invoices and reports.

Good security, able to set up user rights for each group of employees.

Fully integrated payroll including direct deposit.

Vendor processing is simple, with the ability to segregate and report separately on consultants.

Cutting checks is a piece of cake.

Built in Project management reports including graphs are available for all project managers.

Simple to set up ACH payments for your vendors or consultants.

The software comes with standard accounting reports built in.

There is also an “Inquiry” tool feature with which you can write your own reports with ease.

Very simple to sort all reports by Project Manager. Simple easy to learn report inquiry, no need to be a programmer to build a report that looks like and exports to excel.

Backup utility included in each package that is simple to run.

Remember us if and when you want to hear more about this product, or would like some more information. 10 Steps to Conversion Success By Brian Siefkes (AXIUM)

We’ve all heard the horror stories of switching to a new accounting and project management software. Is all that pain and worry really necessary? Axium has spent much time speaking with clients, consultants and industry experts to devise a step-by-step process aimed at helping firms through their transition to Ajera/PORTFOLIO. By following these 10 steps, you can make certain that you know what to expect and how to avoid any pitfalls. Plan ahead. There are no push button conversions, they take time and effort no matter who you’re switching to. To be prepared you must consider the total time commitment for your conversion including getting your staff trained. Start the process when your financials will be up-to-date or your business usually slows down. You should also ensure that none of your key staff will be on vacation during your conversion. There’s nothing worse than trying to get important information from somebody drinking margaritas in Mexico. Talk with a consultant. After the sales process, you will be introduced to a consultant for your implementation. Don’t move forward until you and your consultant know exactly what you need to do to complete your transition. A helpful tool is to write out your specific goals and cross each one off as they are accomplished. “The Axium personnel and the consultant assigned to our conversion were very helpful and available. Axium trained our administrative staff on the software before the conversion and we spent the time to check all our data for accuracy. The conversion matched to the penny what we sent to Axium. Any questions we had were answered quickly and accurately. We were nervous about the switch, but Axium made it as painless as possible. There is always a learning curve with new software. We found this switch to have very few problems.” Jane Neal, Frank W. Neal & Assoc., Inc. Thoroughly prep your data. Any errors or corrupt data will result in a longer conversion process and major headaches. Here you will need to reconcile your general ledger and your sub-ledgers for AR, AP, Cash, WIP and prepayments. Use this opportunity to clean up the junk data you have in your database. The last thing you want to do is clutter your new software with old employees, vendors, or projects that should be closed. Verify all of your active projects. Consultants sight this as a major drag on conversions. Active projects will transfer but many firms still have old projects or contracts that are open even though there are no billable services remaining. Those projects need to be closed and archived. Post every account. You are now ready to send in all of your data for conversion so it’s important that you post all of your accounts. After you post, run a few reports so you have a copy of your balances on record. Suggested reports include: AR Aging, AP Aging, WIP Aging, Accrual Trial Balance, Cash Trial Balance, and Project Detail. Learn the new software. Use your trial database to train staff on Ajera/PORTFOLIO. Make sure you cover all the training that is vital first, in case you exceed your consulting time. Complete your training. Your new workflow processes with Ajera/PORTFOLIO may be different and take time to get used to. For instance Project Managers (PMs) are meant to be more involved than they are with legacy programs. That’s a scary thought for accountants and there’s usually resistance to allow PMs access to the system. One trick is to ease PMs into it by first setting up limited access, then gradually allow them to do more as they learn the proper procedures. Verify the returned data. Use the reports you ran to make certain your returned totals match the totals you submitted. Take your time and review every section to avoid future issues and ensure your data is correct. Keep your old software accessible. The amount of historical data transferred to Ajera/PORTFOLIO depends on your conversion level. You’ll need to have access to past projects and financials for audits or client issues that arise. Take the Process Audit. With any new software there can be growing pains. Process Audit’s are designed to address problems you have after implementation. Issues usually stem from adjusting to new processes and as a result accounts can fall out of balance. Keep in mind that with any conversion, you get out what you put in, so make sure you’re prepared when the time comes.

www.dmcsystems.com

[doriscahill]

April 2008 Newsletter: Understanding Software Competition

Message from Doris: Understanding Software Competition There are good and bad ideas. In my opinion, a single software resource for any vertical industry is bad for a number of reasons. Price tends to go up, quality can go down and diversification stall. A loss of checks and balances. The federal government has laws to protect consumers against monopoly and unfair trade practices. The Sherman Antitrust and the Clayton Act. But, you have to “prove it”. You also need to understand what constitutes breaching our antitrust laws to warrant complaint. If you didn't know, the Department of Justice lost the most important part of the Microsoft case. They were unable to prove monopoly, whether through acquisitions or collusive price strategy. MS proved you can seek alternatives solutions and that there are market alternatives. Thus, don't lose sleep thinking the consolidation in the mid-range accounting software products via merger-acquisition strategy is on our government radar. If lack of regulatory interest or involvement bother you, and despite what seems to many businesses as a squeeze to buy more and get less, you can do something: BUY SOMETHING ELSE, there are software companies that want your business and what they have to offer IS competitive. My experience is that firms are willing to pay more for existing accounting upgrades to avoid change. They will look at other options, sometimes if at all, but become afraid to change. Then surprise and frustration sets in. Blindly, paying 2 and 3 times on upgrade costs is not a great idea, sorry, likely a bad idea. If what you need NOW doesn't match up with the offering or price then wait and look for new options. We, at DMC, are supporting and hosting alternative companies into the Boston area. We understand the vertical accounting industries we service and want change for firms that need something different. How does one know what to do? Here is a list of what NOT to do, this too can propel you into action:

A year to year one million dollar service firm paying more than $10K-$15K to purchase and implement accounting software. Payback will be tough if your not in the growth mode.

Being afraid to change software because of your bookkeeper and staff hold off on change. Now is the time to aggressively seek out talented individuals that will help you build your company for the long haul, not drag you into inaction.

Buying software and never meeting the implementer. Implementation often makes or breaks success, the sales person only approach is passé.

Buying software and not gathering the full cost of the upgrade. IT, implementation and ongoing maintenance fees are additional.

Ignoring software company warnings that they will not support your software in the near future. Is your software on a termination path (i.e. reduced over the next two years).

Accepting price increases year after year and not reviewing other reliable options.

There are alternatives, we have made a deliberate effort here at DMC to invite Companies in an introduce them to our service based markets. We have previewed each vendor’s offering and feels as though we have made good faith effort to present qualified alternatives that meet needs. A single software provider to a single industry erodes the good checks and balances that need to be in place for competitive markets. The consumer should drive needs, value and price. Look for our events, they are complimentary and a great way to meet colleagues and peers. Despite the chaos in the financial markets, there is a silver lining, we still have choices.

Axium Releases New Business Development Feature for the PORTFOLIO Software Solution by AXIUM Axium, a leading provider of accounting and project management software, announces the expansion of the PORTFOLIO’s capabilities with a new Business Development (BD) component. BD is completely integrated with PORTFOLIO and provides a centralized, real-time database with access to the information needed to plan and manage potential new business. It allows easy tracking of opportunities through the various stages and provides visibility to a firm’s opportunity pipeline to forecast future revenues as well as project workloads and resource schedules. BD is accessed from the Project Command Center and its seamless integration eliminates barriers to entry and provides easy firm-wide adoption of the advance functionality. BD’s functionality allows for easy distribution of responsibilities through task management and also promotes accountability with assignments recorded directly to the project record. As tasks and activities are completed they build a rich historical record of contact allowing firms to build better relationships when working to secure new business. Further, PORTFOLIO’s BD tracks a firm’s win/loss rate to determine the effectiveness of securing new business. The vast information that can be garnered from BD in conjunction with its flexibility, customization and ease-of-use allows for the integration of project managers and principals into BD and marketing efforts. PORTFOLIO Business Development is an integrated solution that merges BD, accounting and project management, allowing firms to streamline processes firm-wide. It provides firms the ability to capture and properly track the actions involved with BD efforts for historical analysis which will assist in future contacts and actions. Technology Brings Data Access to Age by AXIUM A/E firms today use and analyze data to review past trends and obtain perspectives for strategic business decisions. To gather the information a firm needs, they usually have to go on a “data mining” expedition - a long and difficult but necessary process. Most accounting and project management software’s effectively collect data but fail to harness the power of technology and fail when it comes to organizing and displaying the data. This lack of visibility and structure greatly limits efficiency and productivity. To extract pertinent information for decision making, firms rely on standard reports with limited views of the information needed. Customized reports can often be costly and time consuming, yet because standard reports often do not provide the necessary information, many firms rely on custom reports for their data analysis needs. Custom reports, however do not always provide all the answers and are often missing critical information thus leaving the firm with inadequate results. Another downside to custom reports is that they require a great deal of time and programming knowledge of languages like SQL, Crystal Reports or MSRS. Further, the information needed to reach decisive conclusions is often a result of interpolating data from several custom and standard reports. Easily accessing data is usually limited to only a few employees who have the expertise within a firm. This limitation greatly reduces the timely accessibility of critical information for those who need it. This is common among legacy systems that are obsolete because of their rigidity, difficulty to use, and inaccessibility to all in a distributed manner. Almost all systems are capable of collecting massive amounts of data but the organization and access to that data is what many systems fail to manage. Firms need to be able to quickly and easily gather data, analyze and use it to provide the answers to their day to day needs. Simply put, to improve decision making, a firm’s software solution should provide the following features or capabilities for data accessibility:

Centralized, real time database providing easy access to all of the data within the software

Customized (not just configurable) views and the presentation of data quickly and cost effectively

Analyze data through custom formulas

Eliminate barriers to entry – easy to learn and use

Generate custom workflows for different roles and functional area needs leading to greater productivity, efficiency and ultimately profitability

To grow and succeed in today’s A/E industry firms need to adopt a software solution that allows users to view financial and project information instantly on their screen. The immediate visibility increases access to key information that is pertinent for better business decisions. When investing in a new software solution, firms should require comprehensive access to the information stored in the database and an intuitive interface that allows users access to an unlimited array of possibilities.

www.dmcsystems.com