So you’ve decided to consider getting the proper financial accounting and reporting package for your construction business. It’s a daunting task on the one hand and exciting on the other. The general idea is to bring into your organization a tool that will better allow you to understand what is making money, what is costing money, and to provide information allowing you and your in-house accounting team to keep up with the paperwork requirements that go along with being in the construction business.

This time of year, we talk with many construction companies considering a new accounting software purchase. Maybe it’s the change in seasons, the closing of the calendar year or the tax season looming on the horizon; what ever the psychological trigger, there are rational reasons to replace generic accounting software with a construction-specific accounting and job costing system. Here are the 5 top reasons we hear from companies thinking about a purchase.

In direct response to customer’s requests, Dexter + Chaney has enhanced the service management capabilities in Spectrum Version 13. The updates aim to support mechanical, HVAC, electrical and plumbing contractors’ unique business processes and workflow.

“We’re very excited that these updates will make it easier and more profitable for those clients – most of whom have been with us for years – to operate and manage their busy companies,” said John Chaney, co-founder and president.

Software Advice today announced that they have assisted over 500 electrical contractors during their evaluation of new electrical estimating software, accounting and project management systems for their businesses. Moreover, Software Advice has now developed partnerships with the majority of software vendors serving the electrical division. This network of software partners allows Software Advice to recommend the ideal systems for a wide range of electrical firms with a variety of technology needs.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve noticed a marked change in medical office’s views on the web-based, or Software as a Service (SaaS), model of using EMR and practice management systems. Among practices looking for new software, we’ve observed:

• ~30% are asking specifically for a SaaS system;

• ~45% are aware of SaaS and considering the model; and,

• ~25% remain adamant about managing software “on premise.”

These numbers are substantially different from what we might have seen a few years ago from buyers of electronic medical records and practice management software. Why is that?

Should you implement an EMR or an EHR? Do you know the difference? Is there a difference?

In theory, and by definition, there is a difference and it should play into any provider’s clinical software selection. At the same time, marketing messages and technical terminology have clouded provider’s understanding of the two software definitions.