What is an Integrated Accounting Software system?

It seems to be a topical issue these days – the true definition of an integrated system as it applies to accounting and/or point of sale software.  What are the differences and benefits to having a system that is truly integrated and one that might not be? 

In a nutshell having an integrated accounting software system has generally become known as a way to emliminate the need to enter the same information manually into the appropriate modules.  This not only reduces the risk of errors, but can save some time as well in labor and training. Yet, there are varying degrees (and tolerance) as to what the term ‘integration’ truly means.

On one side of the integration accounting camp there are various companies that offer and tout multiple integration solutions.  One solution is the ability to export/import data from the various programs and would require only additional clicks and set up.  This can reduce human error when manually inputting data, but it still takes time.  Other systems might have the ability for their modules to talk with one another at an appointed hour(s) each day.  Again this eliminates the need to enter information manually, but there is a delay in seeing that information until the modules have synched up with one another making it tough to get a real-time picture of your business performance.

Cougar Mountain Software believes a truly integrated accounting software system means information entered is automatically and instantly shared between all components.  There is no time lag, no exporting/importing of data.  The information just seamlessly flows from one function to another, allowing you to pull reports that show real-time information.  We anticipate our competitors making a counter point that we are ‘locking’ you into a suite of solutions.  But is that so wrong when we can offer you real-time information when you want it so that you can make decisions based on fact, not feeling? 

There’s no question one of Cougar Mountain Software’s greatest strengths is that our modules are truly integrated.  And yes, we do offer a complete and integrated suite of solutions – AP/AR, GL, POS, Inv, PO*, OE, Bank Rec* and Payroll* (*available as add-on products). We even have additional third-party add-on products that integrate completely with ours. 

To learn more about what we mean by true integration as it relates to point of sale, inventory and back office accounting, read our latest white paper.  Or if you would like to find out more about our software products, contact us.

Published by Terri on May 8th, 2007 tagged White Papers

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