The ability to provide a `one stop technology shop` to expanding electrical contracting specialist Buzzard Electrical has clinched a half million rand contract for Multisoft SA. Multisoft SA targets medium sized and larger businesses where requirements are for fully integrated and highly functional financial accounting and business software which is also easy to install and use. With more than 350 clients in South Africa, Multisoft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Softline Limited and has exclusive rights to Multisoft Premier from Multisoft, one of the largest manufacturers of accounting software in the UK. Multisoft Premier Plus, developed in the UK for the contracting industry, is capable of handling all aspects of accounts, tendering, job control, loss control and profitability. Crucial criteria for Buzzard were the provision of an integrated system to handle accounting and contracting requirements, plus the ability to use existing equipment, with minimum disruption to day-to-day business during rollout. As well as gearing the company up to deal with increasing demand for its services, Multisoft will also streamline company operations. Buzzard opted for Multisoft`s Premier Plus Contractors` Software after extensive evaluation of a range of contracting packages. The decision to overhaul the company`s technology structures was made after existing software proved inadequate in addressing several issues Buzzard faced, says MD Gary Buskin. "We had previously purchased software to solve particular accounting or administration requirements, but the problem in running different software packages for various parts of the business was that there was no integration and that different systems` figures had to be reconciled manually," says Buskin. "The contracting business is very competitive and timely information on the progress and status of contracts is vital if we are to stay profitable on contracts we are awarded." The new system covers financial accounting requirements, contract valuations and retention tracking, subcontractors, and contractors purchasing. This module integrates fully with the contract costing module to provide committed, accrued and actual costs on contracts as they progress. Kevin Glennon, responsible for purchasing within Buzzard Electrical, says this feature will prove to be a key benefit to the company`s estimators and surveyors. "It allows us to track variances between budget and actual costs in real time as the contract progresses - instead of looking back at historical information and missing an opportunity to investigate why the variance occurred in the first place. "We can also keep track of deliveries of materials to site, reliability of suppliers and price competitiveness, as well as maintaining tighter control of paperwork." The project will kick off with financial accounts, followed by the design of the coding structures in the contract management module. The contractor`s purchasing system will then be introduced to integrate with the creditors and contract management system. In addition, Buzzard Electrical has purchased the Plant and Tool Hire package from Multisoft SA , which also integrates with the contract management module to ensure that company-owned plant items are tracked and costed effectively between contracts. "We have a large stock of plant items which was difficult to track and cost to contracts because of the manual system we used," says Colleen Carter, Buzzard Electrical`s operations director. "The plant and tool hire module will allow us to accurately calculate revenue generated by each plant item against cost of ownership, while also making each contracts manager accountable for the use and return of any plant items taken from stock." Financial director Jeff Chonowitz says: "We had some teething problems with the hardware installation, which was to be expected, but it was very reassuring for us to deal with a single company to have any computer problems resolved, rather than the frustration of chasing different suppliers to get things done." Buzzard Electrical has experienced unprecedented growth over the past 12 months - in addition to purchasing the new computer system, the company has expanded its premises and now occupies five new offices. "We believe the investment in a new computer system will be justified in view of our current workload and anticipated business opportunities in the near future," concludes Buskin. "It should give us an additional edge in a very competitive marketplace."
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