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Top Ten Myths about Today's ACCPAC Systems (Jul 30, 2001) 

1. You don’t need to keep your software current.
If you don’t remain current, you won’t be able to add other modules or options to your system without first purchasing upgrades for the ACCPAC software you are now using. You won’t be able to take advantage of Service Packs issued to correct problems or add functionality. ACCPAC International will only support 2 versions back, so protect your investment by keeping your versions current.

2. You’ll save money by not investing in training.
When people learn on their own, they take time away from their regular job to read manuals and engage in “trial and error” learning that wastes management’s money.  This results in decreased productivity, more dollars spent undoing mistakes that could have been avoided and even poor customer service. I've often seen new clients, who are self-taught and unhappy with their system because they didn't understand what they could do with it.

3. You have to manually update ACCPAC with data from another type of program.
Most repetitive retyping or importing procedures of this nature can be automated by an ACCPAC Development Partner (like us).

4. Your ACCPAC system is just for accounting.
Although your ACCPAC system contains a wealth of information and functionality for accounting purposes, your data contains plenty of sales and marketing information which you should be using. You can access this information from a variety of report writers and products that integrate with your ACCPAC database. With the addition of products like eCRM (Customer Relationship Management), HRM (Human Resource Management), WHM (Warehouse Management ), and eTransact (e-commerce)  there is no question that ACCPAC now an end-to-end business solution.

5. Everything is “simple” (or everything is “difficult’).
The truth is ususally somewhere in between.  ACCPAC Advantage Series is capable and flexible software. Everyday operations are “simple” once you know how.  However, no matter what the system, you need to allow reasonable time to implement software as well as the time to get used to running it.

6. Hiring separate companies to do your ACCPAC and your network is better than hiring one company who can do both.
It is always preferable to engage an ACCPAC company that excels in both ACCPAC and network services. The reason for this is that there are environment issues that persons who are not familiar with ACCPAC often overlook. This costs you in support dollars and frustration with your system.

7. Any consultant you trust can provide advice and support on your ACCPAC system.
ACCPAC consists of many products, technologies, and services which are unfamiliar to uncertified ACCPAC individuals, especially since the release of ACCPAC Advantage Series.  Only certified ACCPAC companies have the expertise as well as the access to new developments, service packs, knowledge bases and other tools that may be required to provide service or advice regarding your ACCPAC system. 

8. Any network or database will do.
Whether you have a peer-to-peer network or a dedicated server, whether you are running Windows 95, NT, or Novell, there are definite differences in network performance and capabilities depending on the transaction volume, number of users, security setup, e-business  and communication requirements. Then there are also differences in performance depending on the type of database (i.e. SQL or Pervasive). Today’s ACCPAC is capable of many things so make sure your network and chosen database can handle the plans you have for your ACCPAC software.

9. It isn’t costing you anything to delay upgrading to ACCPAC for Windows from ACCPAC Plus.
Not upgrading is costing you money 1) if Windows features would improve efficiency or enable you to take new opportunities 2) if you are spending money on Plus training that will have to be repeated in Windows, or 3) if you are investing any money on Plus upgrades when you know you are moving to Windows.

10.You don’t need to think about security.
It is more important than ever to think about security not only as it relates to in-house users but to outside intruders who may be able to access your system remotely. The continual threat of viruses and the danger of the internet make it more important than ever to implement a security policy in your organization.

written by Brenda Zinck, Vice-President at Zinck Computer Group

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