Considering a new project-based accounting system for your company? If you’re even thinking about making the switch to a new system, don’t take another step until you’ve seen this video! Bob Stalilonis of Deltek, a leading enterprise solutions provider, explores issues such as what kind of system to choose, what (and who) should be involved in the selection process, cost involved, how to avoid potential problems along the way, and much more.

If you’re overwhelmed by the mere thought of implementing a new company database, stop! Have someone walk you through the process. This video is the next-best thing to a personal consultation.

• Why change to an industry-specific project accounting system?
• Why would a firm change systems in the first place?
• What are the obstacles to conversion from one system to another?
• What are the unique needs of smaller firms as compared to the requirements of larger firms?
• How much is all of this going to cost?
• When a company decides to implement a new database, who should be involved in the decision?

Before you take one more step, see this video!

Are you considering making a switch to a different company database? If you thought it ended with choosing a new system, think again! This is more than a purchase. It’s a commitment—to a new, more productive way to work! Do you have all the right information? When you choose, you need to make sure you find a program that represents the needs of the entire company. Once you’ve chosen the system, you’ll need to find a time-effective way to transfer the old information into the new system. You’ll also need to maintain the program.

If you feel like this is more than one person can handle, that’s because it is. Take a deep breath and a couple of steps back! Let an expert walk you through the process. In this new video, Implementing a New Project Cost Accounting System in Your A/E/P or Environmental Consulting Firm, a Video Conversation with Bob Stalilonis, Author Jennifer Zaslow talks with Bob about everything you need to know to implement a new project cost accounting system at your firm—from A to Z. Bob Stalilonis is Vice President Northeast of Deltek Systems. He was instrumental in developing the original client services methodology as well as its systems planning and implementation procedures. He knows his subject well because system implementation is what he does for a living—and he’s going to share this knowledge with you in this new video.

He’ll start at the very beginning by discussing the motivation firms have to switch to a new system. Growth and time are both factors in this decision. Maybe your firm has outgrown the simpler system, or you’re finding the old way of doing things is just taking too many valuable hours! If this is the case, this video could be your key to a smooth transition.

In 60 minutes, Bob will discuss what differentiates industry-specific software from generic systems. He’ll explain how a sophisticated system can help a firm improve its bottom line, outline the key components of a project-based accounting system, and use examples of where firms have gone wrong in the process of transferring from one system to another.

When a firm has made the commitment to switch, Bob will talk about how the selection and implementation process is a team effort, not a decision to be made by just a few parties. There’s no doubt about it—a comprehensive, efficient system helps everyone to do their job better—but only when the needs of each department are represented. The project-based accounting system can create flexible invoicing options, quicker transfer time, and less time-consuming work for the accounting department. And when you think he’s covered everything, there’s more! Consider these questions:

• What do large firms need to think about when implementing a system?
• How much is this going to cost?
• How long does it usually take to recoup the investment?
• The unique needs of smaller firms?
• What A/E firms specifically are looking for in new software?

If you’re serious about implementing a new project cost accounting system, don’t make more work for yourself by "winging" it and trying to figure everything out for yourself. See the video and tackle the project with the best tool—knowledge!

• What’s the difference between generic systems and systems designed for A/E/P and environmental consulting firms?
• Why is it important for firms to have an industry-specific project accounting system?
• How can a sophisticated system help a firm improve its bottom line?
• What are the key components of a project-based accounting system?
• What motivates a firm to change systems?
• What are A/E/P and environmental consulting firms looking for in new software?
• What are the obstacles to conversion from one system to another?
• Where do firms go wrong?
• How can firms overcome these problems?
• What do large firms need to think about when implementing a system?
• What are the unique needs of smaller firms?
• Let’s talk about costs. What’s the price range for these types of systems?
• How long does it usually take to recoup the investment?
• Walk us through the selection process. Who should be involved?
• What does each group (senior management, project management, accounting, marketing, human resources) typically want in a project accounting system?
• What’s most important to the successful implementation of a new project accounting system?
• Who should be involved in the implementation planning and system conversion, and who should spearhead the effort?
• Do you recommend using a third-party consultant (value-added reseller) to assist with the conversion?
• What kind of time frame should firms think about (for selecting and implementing)?
• Should a firm run its old system and the new system in parallel after conversion? (If so, for how long?)
• Who should have access once the system is installed?
• Do you believe in firm wide access to project management information, including billing rates?
• What other advice do you have for our viewers today?