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SELECTING AND IMPLEMENTING NEW CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ACCOUNTS (CIA) Construction Industry Accounts (CIA) is designed and written specifically for the construction industry. CIA is not based on an older package, it was developed and written from scratch as a modern Microsoft Windows compatible package, tailored to meet specific needs. As CIA was not written as an upgrade from another package, there have been no compromises to support legacy platforms, technologies, or database structures. This has resulted in a solution that maximises modern tools, specifically designed to fulfil the needs of today’s construction companies from basic accounts, job costing and construction industry scheme (CIS) requirements, to time-critical, relevant management information.
WHY CHOOSE CIA?
Feedback is a key part of our relationship with our customers. When asked, the key features they cited for choosing CIA were: • Job costing • CIS • Applications, certificates and retentions (stage payments) • Accounts
INFORMATION IS POWER
CIA combines being simple to use, with being a fully comprehensive system. It produces information and analysis quickly and accurately; making it a truly vital tool for effective decision making and business planning; and enabling companies to save time and money in today’s competitive market.
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CALL 01935 434435 • EMAIL SALES@CLIPITSOLUTIONS.CO.UK OR VISIT WWW.CLIPITSOLUTIONS.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION
WHEN it comes to the construction industry, the decision as to whether to stick to a basic ‘standard’ version or try something a little more specialised is often the point where innovation and improvements become prolific – why should software be any different. From BIM and real-time project planning to accounts and payroll, is the construction industry looking for something to meet its specific needs? Normally, you’d expect to pay more for a tailored solution than something you can pick off the shelf. Whether handmade tools vs. a DIY store bargain or gourmet burgers vs. a fast food chain. We associate higher costs with higher quality but, with certain specialised products, these assumptions are not always true.
Take accounting software for the UK construction industry – surely an accounting industry standard, mass produced product will be more cost effective than something tailor made? Think again! Purchasing a construction specific accounting package can save you both time and money in the short and longer term.
WHAT CAN INDUSTRY SPECIFIC ACCOUNTING PACKAGES OFFER YOUR BUSINESS? • Construction specific packages are ready to go, out of the box (or after the download as is often the case). • No need for hidden costs and add-ons for meeting CIS requirements, verifying subcontractors, managing and keeping track of applications and retentions.
• Job costing solutions are fit for purpose to easily understand where your profit and risk is coming from. • And, possibly even more importantly, the support staff are used to working with the construction industry so they understand your accounting needs and can even help keep you up to date with the latest HMRC legislation and information. CLiP IT’s Construction Industry Accounts (CIA) software not only caters to the specific needs of the UK Construction industry; it has amazing client satisfaction and aftersales support, to offer you one less IT headache when managing your business accounts.
GENERIC ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFIC ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
My accountant/architect/project manager uses it for all their other projects/clients
Costs - the same or less
I know roughly what my jobs are costing me/where to find the documents I need/which are the latest plans
Product - fit for purpose without costly add-ons or tailoring Functionality - has everything you need in one simple package Speed - Ready to go straight out of the box
Change is scary I’d kind of miss the ongoing struggle to get it to work how I need (ok, maybe we made this one up)!
Training and support - helped by people who understand your industry and your needs
LET’S WEIGH UP THE BENEFITS
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Ok, so you’ve tried the patches, add-ons, plug-ins and upgrades; read or re-read the manual and revisited your training notes; spoken to your services provider’s help desk and tried making the changes to YOUR business processes that 3 they suggested were necessary; but, it still doesn’t quite work. WHY do you find yourself looking forward to updating your accounts and job costing activities with the same joy as a pending visit to the dentist? As a construction company, there are a few things you need to (or are likely to) consider differently to other industries. CIS and subcontractor verification is one of these; understanding what a job is ACTUALLY costing you and ensuring that you’re billing accurately (taking into account retentions and variations) is another. Whether using a generic accounts software or an industry tailored package, if your accounts leave you a little frustrated, perhaps a look at what other products out there might better fit your needs is long overdue? But, don’t leap into a new software relationship (whether for accounts, document management or any other software requirement) without considering these six key factors:
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WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO CHANGE? CRUCIAL IN AVOIDING HAVING THE SAME ISSUES ARISE WITH A NEW PROVIDER
WHAT ARE THE MUST HAVES VS. THE NICE TO HAVES?
IS YOUR BUDGET REALISTIC FOR THE SERVICE YOU NEED?
5 4 HAVE YOU DONE YOUR RESEARCH? WHAT DO THEIR OTHER CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT THEM?
6 HOW WILL YOU BE SUPPORTED ONCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW SOFTWARE IS COMPLETE?
DOES ANY POTENTIAL NEW SUPPLIER UNDERSTAND YOUR ACCOUNTING NEEDS?
Considering these points, as part of a little pre-planning and forethought about what your business needs, increases your chances of finding a solution that fits you rather than you fitting your business to the needs of your accounting software.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK OF CIA AND CLiP IT’S SUPPORT TEAM “If any company within the construction industry was looking for financial software we would definitely recommend CIA for the smooth running and straight forward system this package gives.”
“We were attracted to the Software because the issues particular to our industry were clearly understood by CLiP IT, and it was not just a standard package with a construction add-on.”
Mannings Harlequin Ltd
Robore Cuts Limited
“I would go as far as to say that it is probably the best single investment I have ever made on behalf of the company, it really is that good!”
“Any change in legislation is dealt with in a professional manner and changes in software are always user friendly. The whole package allows us to run our business efficiently and with confidence.”
Goodwin Tanks
Sibley Bros LLP
“The installation and transfer of data from our old system was straight forward and we find the CLiP IT Software user friendly.” Perry & Son Ltd
“The system is constantly updated and any problems are sorted very quickly. CLiP IT Solutions have always seemed to move with their clients’ needs, and deliver friendly and helpful support…” Rosemead Developments Limited
“The at a glance reports are easy to access and read, payroll is easy to use and links in with HMRC so there is no need to leave the programme to go online to file the RTI.” Heritage Cornwall
“No problem is too BIG or too small, and more importantly you are spoken to calmly and professionally and not treated like a computer programmer who should know everything!!” George Bros (Builders) Ltd
“...have revolutionised our Back Office systems, allowing us to improve the quality and speed of management information. ...Even with this growth we have not needed to employ any more office staff, due to the increased efficiency with the new systems.”
“It’s as if CIA (Construction Industry Accounts) has been written by someone sat in my chair. I can’t believe how easy it is to use.” Lloyd Clough & Sons Ltd
Barnet Window Company Ltd
Find out more about what our customers have to say at: www.clipitsolutions.co.uk/construction-accounting-software-reviews
THE phrase ‘it isn’t rocket science’ is commonly used for many, seemingly simple, tasks. But somehow, these can still fill many of us with dread. Introducing new processes, or software, into a business has the potential to send many people’s blood pressure sky-rocketing. However, with some simple planning, effective support AND the right tool for the job in hand, implementation doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
1. SIMPLIFY
Know what you want (and actually NEED) from your software.
SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION LAUNCH PLAN
2. TIME Be realistic about how long implementation will take.
3. PLAN
What do the users need to be able to do with the software and what do they need to achieve?
4. COMMUNICATE
Work with your supplier so there are no disappointments or surprises.
5. CONFIDENCE
Follow these steps for a successful, less stressful software launch.
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If applying these implementation steps to your new accounting software, this more detailed list of things to consider could be valuable:
3. PLAN What do the users need to be able to do with the software and what do they need to achieve?
1. SIMPLIFY Know what you want (and actually NEED) from your software.
Plan your implementation process and decide your user roles. Ensure your plan includes:
CIS is a must have for construction accounting but you may also need to think about:
• Time for: o Installation o Training o Practice scenarios (if using) o Final roll-out
• How will you manage applications and retentions?
software, how will you know if you’ve achieved this? 4. COMMUNICATE Work with your supplier so there are no disappointments or surprises. Be honest about what you need to achieve and any quirks or issues you may be concerned about. Make use of all the training and support available. If you don’t know something, ask – they are there to help you.
• Job costings and cost codes – how many will you need?
Think about the user roles you’ll need, plan who needs what access and the associated training e.g:
5. CONFIDENCE Follow these steps for a successful, less stressful software launch.
• What payroll and pension auto enrolment requirements do you have?
• Accounts Administrator – Data entry, bank reconciliation, VAT returns
2. TIME Be realistic about how long implementation will take.
• Accounts Manager – Nominal reports, P&L, purchase and sales orders
You know what you need, you’ve picked the right product, followed the plan, allowed time for training and asking questions and everyone knows their role – now sit back, relax and enjoy an implementation well done.
Give yourself enough time to learn before you need to rely on the new system. A month* is a realistic starting point but will depend on your team and your requirements. Know your deadlines!
• Contract Manager – Job reports and purchase orders
*based on construction accounting software implementation; other software and enterprise solutions may take more or less time – ask your supplier.
• Payroll Clerk – Payroll, pensions What are your goals from using the
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CONSTRUCTION Industry Accounts (CIA), has been providing straightforward, user friend software and unrivalled customer service to the UK construction industry for over a decade. Speaking to users of the package, the message is very clear – not only is the software easy to use and totally fit for purpose, the after-sales support is first class. Below, two of CIA’s long term users explain what their business was looking for and how CLiP IT offer the best solution for their business both then and now.
CASE STUDY MIFFLIN STEEL CONSTRUCTION About Mifflin Steel Construction Established in 1951, Mifflin Steel Construction services the UK construction industry supplying steel fabrication for commercial offices, public buildings, student accommodation, hospitals, schools, academies and retail developments. They work with for main contractors and manufacture complex steel structures from 50-2,000 tonnes.
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construction industry features but we were increasingly frustrated by poor customer service. Issues were not dealt with well and there were no quick responses.”
the software and can deal with what you need.
What were you looking for?
What would you say to someone considering the move to CIA?
Mifflin have a team of 35 employees, complemented by specialist site subcontractors delivering quality and value to their clients.
“We needed a software that could deal with CIS, job costing and other construction related specialities. We looked at lots of options but CLiP IT just really stood out and we’ve certainly never regretted the move. Every aspect of the changeover was handled extremely well and the onsite training was excellent.”
Why were you looking for new accounting software?
What do you like most about using CIA?
Peter Norsworthy explained, “Our previous accounts package did have
“The support. You can pick up the phone and speak to people who know
…Perfect, is how we feel about our relationship with CLiP IT.”
“They have developed a product that is a million times better than what was out there. Importantly, they have continued to develop and adapt to improvements in technology. CLiP IT listen to ideas and either actions change or advises other options to meet your needs. I’d recommend the strength of the software and the availability and approachability of the customer support, which is priceless.”
CASE STUDY WYNBROOK LTD About Wynbrook Ltd. Established in 1986, as a housing and development company, Wynbrook diversified in to the construction of high-quality residential and care homes in 2009. Based in Nottingham and working across the East Midlands and surrounding areas, Wynbrook work with a variety of new and repeat clients. Their recent portfolio includes construction to complement Listed structures and associated restrictions, demolition and site redevelopment, and new build projects. With a permanent team of 12 and numerous highly skilled subcontractors, Wynbrook incorporate innovative approaches to design and end user experiences to deliver exceptional project standards. What prompted your decision to change your accounting software? Chris Smith, commercial manager and company secretary at Wynbrook explained that their existing supplier had recently been taken over, coinciding with the introduction of new rules
around CIS, “…our old software couldn’t cope and we were being offered a new product from our existing supplier… that is when we came across CIA, which not only met the CIS requirements, but was better overall and had better reporting and job costing elements.”
for CIS, before we switched it was a really manual process (even though we were using a computer), now it’s simple. Above all, we just have the faith that the information and reports from CIA are right.”
What about CIA most attracted you?
“The move to CIA was easy, the package has a Windows feel to it, so it seems familiar. It certainly wasn’t a bind to take it on and new people have picked it up really quickly. It’s very intuitive.”
“Number one is its ability to tailor a project to suit how we formulate valuations and costs, and how simple it is to change and adapt costings to what we need. Whatever level of detail we need, it’s possible with CIA. We use everything except for the payroll elements, which our accountant deals with externally, and it all does just what we need from sales, purchasing and CIS to job costings and banking.” How has using CIA affected your business? “It just makes the whole operation run more smoothly… we’re just getting in to BACS but even cheques were simplified when we moved to CIA. As
But was changing systems difficult?
What would you say to someone looking for a construction accounting package and evaluating CIA? “In a nutshell, CIA is an allencompassing construction accounting package. It just takes care of all of your needs… and the customer support is spot on, someone who knows the system answers the phone, deals with your questions and you get a quick response.”
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TO FIND OUT HOW CIA CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS CONTACT US: T: 01935 434435 • www.clipitsolutions.co.uk • info@clipitsolutions.co.uk CLiP IT SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Unit 3, Plot 5b, Watercombe Lane, Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2SU