One entry is all that's necessary
by Carl PurbrickThe CIA software allows one entry to update everything necessary, for example, if you enter a Purchase Invoice, the Accounts and VAT is updated as with any system, but you also allocate the invoice to the job/s involved.
You setup each job as you win the contract, you can break it down to any number of subdivisions (analysis codes), some people breakdown by build phase, other breakdown by labour, materials etc. The user can decide how much or little detail is recorded according to their requirements.
Has the industry embraced construction accounting software?
by Carl PurbrickI think the Construction Industry as a whole has always been a bit slower in embracing technological improvements, obviously there are always exceptions, but (particularly the smaller to mid-range companies we deal with) there is a reluctance to change from the current system, whether that is Construction specific that they are not 100% happy with or generic systems. It’s not just the cost of the software but the hassle of re-training staff. There is also the awareness issue, we are not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, and where we don’t sell to the big companies, it has always been difficult to get the word out.
The amount of times I have been told “why didn’t I know about you 4 years ago when I bought my current system”. We have tried to address this by offering customers accountants free software so they can re-load their clients data, this works for everyone as we very often find once the accountant is aware of CIA (Construction Industry Accounts) they often recommend us to their other construction clients.
Importance of job costing software to the Construction industry
by Carl PurbrickI think Job Costing has always been vital to Construction companies, but particularly now, when companies are starting to get busier. More jobs hopefully means more profit but only if the jobs are managed properly, to do this people need to know exactly what is being spent on the job at any point in time, not wait for the information to be collated. Back office staff may have been reduced after the recent slump so if software can help make everyone more efficient (and accurate) it’s a great help.
The whole idea of an integrated Accounts and Job Costing system is that information is only entered once and updates everything, there is no need for extra spreadsheets or other systems. This means job costing information is up to date and relevant, ensuring issues are spotted as early as possible when something can still be done, variations are spotted and customers charged where possible, Retentions are claimed when due, Invoices and Applications are produced as quickly and accurately as possible. All helping the Contract Manager to stay on top of their projects.
History of CLiP IT Solutions
by Carl PurbrickCLiP IT Solutions was formed in 2002, when the Directors believed there was a gap in the market for an Accounts and Job Costing software package designed solely for the Construction Industries smaller to mid-range companies. The ethos was to produce software that met the majority of the targets needs backed up by un-rivalled customer support, where all calls where answered immediately by experts. The directors wanted to make sure the customers were able to fully trust that the support line was always available, and that any issues would be answered in a timely fashion.
