The continued growth of web-based and web-enabled Accounting Software and systems, including: • Cloud computing / SaaS - wholly online accounting software • Hosted or combined online / on-premise accounting software services and systems (and the beginning of the reduction of solely on-premise accounting software) • Web services, web support • e-procurement, e-commerce, e-expenses systems and electronic payment integrated within accounting software • Web interfaces from 3rd party web-based systems such as e-expenses • Workflow functionality integrated within accounting software • Improving analytics, business intelligence and reporting • e-filing for taxation returns • Enhanced security - online and offline Non-web Accounting Software trends - continued growth of: • Industry sector specific or vertical market solutions • Accounting software combined (or integrated) with specialised modules for industry specific needs / vertical markets (and the reduction of generic accounting systems) • Integration with other associated accounting software modules eg CRM (and the consequent reduction of stand-alone accounting systems) • Improved integration with 3rd party software • Seamless integration with 3rd party office products eg Excel, Word • Software scalability • Functionality and features added to accounting software • Accounting software suitable for large organisations, redesigned for medium and smaller sized businesses. And conversely accounting software that is suitable for small / medium sized businesses, extended to be suitable for medium / larger size businesses • International functionality of accounting software - to support employees in multiple countries with multiple languages • Software customisation capabilities • Intuitive use of functionality / ease of use • Financial and accounting regulations • Using technology and workflow functionality to reduce operational accounts department costs • Faster software set up, implementation and upgrade time scales Accounting Software market trends - continued growth of: • Replacing existing systems with web-based accounting software and web-enabling activities and processes • Competition, especially in the mid-range Accounting / ERP software market • Accounting software market / vendor consolidation Tags: Axia Consultants, Accounting, Software
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You’ve finally got board approval to select a new software system - then what? You’ve actually got to do it! So, here is a quick ‘project initiation checklist’ of 30 things to consider at this stage. If you can tick everything ‘yes’ - you’re ready to start! Project Initiation Checklist What is the software / system selection project? 1. Has the project proposal been approved by the board without any changes to the proposal? Or if the board has made changes, can you manage these? 2. Has sufficient funding been approved for the software selection phase? 3. Are the project objectives still the same as within the proposal? 4. Is the project scope (inclusions and exclusions), still the same as within the proposal? 5. Are the project deliverables still the same as within the proposal? 6. Have deliverables been defined for each stage within the software selection? 7. Have acceptance criteria been defined for each deliverable? When will the project be undertaken? 8. Have the start and completion dates been defined and agreed? 9. Have dates for the key deliverables within the project been defined and agreed? Who is involved with the project? 10. Provide names for: - project sponsor: - project manager: - project team: - key users: - user management (who are responsible for signing off the requirements and accepting the system selection deliverables): 11. Have all the roles and responsibilities been defined? 12. Have all the roles and responsibilities been communicated? 13. Do all resources (involved) have sufficient time available for the project? 14. Is project resourcing sufficient? 15. Do all resources have sufficient knowledge / skills to undertake their part in the project? 16. Have you prepared and issued a project organisational chart? 17. Does everyone understand their role within the project? How will the project be carried out? 18. Have you determined your project management / system selection methodology? 19. Have you prepared a revised (or final) project plan / gantt chart? 20. Are the responsibilities, milestones and deliverables clear? 21. Has this been issued and discussed with all involved? 22. Does everyone understand it? 23. Have you purchased tools to help you document your business requirements / select your new system? eg Axia’s System Requirements & RFI/RFP Templates 24. Have you set up project communications? eg planned regular (weekly) project meetings, defined an email list of other people to be kept informed? 25. Have you set up an issues escalation process? 26. Have you set up project monitoring? eg using a project management tool 27. Have you defined quality standards and specified how these will be maintained? 28. Have you reviewed your risk analysis and mitigation strategies? 29. Have you reviewed your project constraints / assumptions and checked that they are still valid? 30. Have you created project contingencies? eg additional time, funding or resources which can be called upon if required Tags: Axia Consultants, RFI RFP, Accounting, Software, United Kingdom, USA, Tokyo, Korea, Hong Kong
With skill backgrounds in Accounting, Payroll, HR, processes, project management and IT, we can rapidly contribute to time-critical projects by providing the expertise, focus and drive needed to meet key deadlines. Axia Philosophy Our philosophy is to involve client’s staff as much as possible, whilst providing the in-depth expertise. So client’s costs are minimised and all concerned obtain a complete understanding of the solution. We believe in providing outstanding quality and excellent value for money. We continuously aim to be responsive, flexible and provide personal attention to our client’s needs. For more information about Axia’s services visit: consulting services / system selection and shortlisting service / client case outlines / commendations Tags: Axia Consultants, RFI RFP, Accounting, Software, United Kingdom, USA, Tokyo, Korea, Hong Kong
One solution is to identify the total cost of ownership, not just the software, as clearly as you can prior to acquisition. If you establish and compare the total costs associated with each software package for 1 year and 5 years from the date of acquisition, you will have a much better idea of what to expect. Fairly obviously, a low cost for software does not necessarily mean that it is the best overall value.
Another solution is to look out for potential hidden costs and either include them or a contingency, and then manage them as best as possible at the time they occur. To help, here is a (not exhaustive) list of such potential hidden costs: The software application licence - the modules you really need, rather than what you would like to have (or be talked into), what the prices are based on - number of concurrent system users, number of employees or records (eg for Human Resources Software), number of transactions or a mix of these? What are the different price bands? How it will work out for your organisation? Training costs – number of days and day rate. What is the typical amount of training required for the average customer and specifically, what would be required for your organisation? What is the cost of setting up a training facility on your site? Or to use the vendor’s facilities? Vendor support services fees eg for interface development, report writing, implementation consultancy assistance. Other support services eg contractors, temporary staff (plus their agency fees) to assist with the implementation. Annual licence fees – are these charged? And if so are they on top of, or instead of annual maintenance charges? It starts with the software vendor’s additional costs (after all they are in business to make money) and carries on throughout the implementation. One solution is to identify the total cost of ownership, not just the software, as clearly as you can prior to acquisition. If you establish and compare the total costs associated with each software package for 1 year and 5 years from the date of acquisition, you will have a much better idea of what to expect. Fairly obviously, a low cost for software does not necessarily mean that it is the best overall value. Another solution is to look out for potential hidden costs and either include them or a contingency, and then manage them as best as possible at the time they occur. To help, here is a (not exhaustive) list of such potential hidden costs: The software application licence - the modules you really need, rather than what you would like to have (or be talked into), what the prices are based on - number of concurrent system users, number of employees or records (eg for Human Resources Software), number of transactions or a mix of these? What are the different price bands? How it will work out for your organisation? Training costs – number of days and day rate. What is the typical amount of training required for the average customer and specifically, what would be required for your organisation? What is the cost of setting up a training facility on your site? Or to use the vendor’s facilities? Tags: Axia Consultants, Accounting, Software
The 2 main types of internal IT project proposal for replacing business systems, such as a CRM system are: • outline proposal for system selection and system replacement in principle – to obtain approval for limited funds to undertake the system selection process • detailed proposal to implement a replacement system – carried out at the end of the system selection process – to obtain approval for much larger funds to purchase software, hardware, consultancy, training and implement the chosen system If your organisation has a defined internal project approval process or framework, you will have to closely follow it if you wish to obtain project approval. If there is no defined process, you will have greater choice as to what and how to include in a proposal. But this probably makes it harder, so consider the following points when preparing your IT project proposal: Ensure you fully understand the business and end user needs for the project. If you have yet to prepare more than a ‘back of the envelope’ spec of requirements, these RFI/RFP Templates can help you to quickly and easily prepare your requirements specification, RFI and RFP. Make sure the business and user needs (requirements) are crystal-clear in the proposal. Understand what the other key project drivers are eg cost containment, time scale, project quality. Once known, make sure you give this adequate emphasis within the proposal. Next, consider the proposal recipients ie the executive management / board, what they are looking for, the information they require and what is important to them and the organisation. Then provide the information they require eg if they want details give them, if not don’t. If you are unsure what they want – find out, before preparing the proposal. Picture them going through your proposal with a checklist – does your proposal tick all the boxes? Tags: Axia Consultants, RFI RFP, Accounting, Software, United Kingdom, USA, Tokyo, Korea, Hong Kong
While some legal matters need the use of an attorney, some such as going to small claims courts or fighting a speeding ticket do not require an attorney. Nevertheless, some situations like the ones dealing with legal disputes, deal or challenge may require you to hire a lawyer because the last thing you want to do is risk the chance of going it alone. To file court documents properly: Aside from understanding how to file court documents properly, attorneys can comfortably handle other legal procedures. If you are not a lawyer, you are likely to have difficulties filling out or filing certain legal documents. Beating the deadline and following the protocol properly while filling out those documents may also be a problem. Remember, one incorrect filing or late filling can delay a given legal procedure, derail your case, or even worse; have your case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor). To challenge or suppress evidence: The complexity of a court of law makes it difficult to even know that the main piece of evidence against you was obtained improperly. Ideally, without an experienced attorney, you may not know that the testimony of a witness contradicts an earlier statement. It may also be difficult to know whether the crime lab comprehensively handled the evidence. With an attorney, you will be in a good position to challenge and even suppress evidence. When you are not certain how to plead: Let alone knowing how to plead, more than a few people do not know the definition of “pleading”. To some, pleading guilty may be the only choice, especially if there are charges pointing directly at them. However, if you have an attorney who knows and understands the law well, your situation can be twisted until you escape the potential severe penalties of a court of law. In some cases, attorneys have helped their clients escape the penalties of a court of law even before the start of a criminal trial. Because the law is normally complicated: Certain legal instances do not require you to act like an attorney, especially if you are not one. Reviewing a contract and embarking on other endeavors with legal ramifications are two examples. Considering the fact that even experienced and knowledgeable attorneys hardly represent themselves in a court of law, hiring a lawyer is highly crucial. A solid case can quickly come into existence without the help of an attorney. Furthermore, failing to have a lawyer when dealing with certain procedures such as starting a business, can lead to otherwise avoidable penalties. Tags: Singapore Lawyer, Singapore, lawyer
Finding and hiring the right lawyer in Singapore is not only essential to win a case but is crucial to ensure that you do not end up facing graver dilemmas even when you have to lose. Most people have the tendency to think that any lawyer would be able to handle their case forgetting that lawyers have their specialized areas of law such as civil, criminal, bankruptcy and DUI. The mistake of not finding the right lawyer at the right time results in loss of money and time. Here are six mistakes you should avoid committing when hiring the right lawyer in Singapore. 1. Hasty Hiring: It is an accepted fact that most people hunt for lawyers only when they hastily need one. This in most case makes them hire the first lawyer they meet. The probability of getting the best lawyer following this strategy is very bleak. So, to find the best and the right one, you need to give yourself as much time as is permitted to get appointments with as many lawyers as possible. Take the advantage of free the consultations that many lawyers offer to pick your choice. Keep on hunting until you are satisfied that you’ve found the right one who perfectly fits your bill. 2. Hiring an acquaintance because you know: If you have a friend or a relative who is a lawyer and you are in need of a lawyer, will you hire him right away? Most people will take the wrong instantaneous decision of hiring a lawyer who they knew. Well, this does not imply that you should not hire someone you know even if they possess the relevant expertise, experience and is an expert in your field. What is meant here is that, first you need to look around for the most suitable specialist in the area that you seek advice or counsel and hire only the best. Provide yourself ample time to investigate about as many lawyers as possible, have as much conversations and interviews with them in order to find the best. If the best turns out to be someone who you knew before, it is an added advantage. 3. Going by the name: Many people have the tendency to think that long years of practice or owning bigger law firms ensure better outcome for their clients. This is a wrong concept as most of them can turn out to be just hypes. It is not necessarily those people with long years of practice who will make you win but it is those that have time to understand you and your requirements. Most experienced lawyers with long years of practice and those working in big law firms hardly have time for their clients. And if this is the scenario you are in, it is better to find the one who’ll have enough time to sit and discuss with you your requirements. 4. Not asking what you want: Asking questions is the only way to know whether the lawyer you are going to hire is fit for your purpose or not. Most people tend to be timid about asking questions and this can bring about grave situations. Opening up is pertinent for both the lawyer and you to understand each other and this is realized if you ask him questions no matter how silly you may think they are. 5. Vague money deal: Will you hire a Singapore lawyer if his fees are low? Not necessarily, your selection will depend on many other factors. Cost is not be the prime concern for many people, but it becomes a bone of contention when the detail is not discussed initially but left to understanding. Hesitating to talk about your budget and not discussing about the rates and fee structures of the prospective lawyer before hiring can spell disaster. Knowing your liabilities, discounts, and fee arrangement details makes a lot of sense. Hire only if the bill fits and not necessarily if the person or firm fits. To make sure that there are no disputes in the matter of fees, it is good to sign an agreement that defines all known parameters for which you are asked to spend. 6. Tele Hiring: Never hire a Singapore lawyer over the telephone or by just reading an attractive newspaper or online advertisement about the lawyer. By hiring him, you are putting your future in his hands and this deserves to be done after a series of face to face interviews with him. Shoot whatever queries you may have to know him and also to let him know you. This is the only way you can be assured of his commitments and capabilities. Tags: lawyer, Singapore, criminal, fraud, cases
Lawyers are specially trained in the law and will advise, assist and offer proper legal presentations. Amid the so many lawyers in Singapore, you should only hire a lawyer who will properly help you overcome charges and escape jail, or win the case. At times, bad things can happen to good people. You may have a legal issue, whether you are the plaintiff or defendant, you need proper legal presentations. Lawyers are specially trained in the law and will advise, assist and offer proper legal presentations. Amid the so many lawyers in Singapore, you should only hire a lawyer who will properly help you overcome charges and escape jail, or win the case. Thus, it is very important to hire proper lawyer. For example, if you are lawsuit or criminal charges, your lawyer will help you understand your rights, weaknesses and strengths of your case. They know the rules and procedures for arguing the case in court. In fact, a lawyer can make the difference between winning and losing out your case. Among other ways, a lawyer can help you file bankruptcy, get a divorce, file a lawsuit if you have been mistreated or injured. In some situations, failing to call a lawyer immediately can worsen the situation- for example, if you are involved in a car accident or arrested, you need to get legal advice before police or any other person, including the media interviews you. But hiring a lawyer is not an easy task, the following are 6 smart ways to hire the right lawyer. Do research. As noted, finding the right lawyer is not an easy task, you need to do research. Internet is among the best place you can easily identify reputable and able lawyer. But you should check customer’s reviews before making the final call. It is also good to talk to their past client- this allows you to know how they handle their clients. Apart from internet, it is good to friends, family member, and a co-worker or any other person who may have hired a lawyer. This will help you in making final decision. Tags: lawyer, Singapore, criminal, fraud, cases
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