C-U-C Software ' Executive Management Software

Article Tools

• Print This Article
• Email This Article to a Friend
• Save This Article
• Order a Reprint

 

EMS from C-U-C Software is financial management software designed specifically for construction and contracting companies. The prototypical company cost for EMS would be $8,795. This cost includes training and one year of support. Annual support runs $1,640, and no additional charges will be incurred.

Modules - 4.5 Stars The base system of EMS includes GL, AR, AP, Payroll and Job Costing modules. Additional modules available include Inventory, Service Management and Dispatch, Capitol Assets and Depreciation, Material Estimation, Marketing Manager, Task Manager, E-Service and Vehicle Maintenance.

Learning Curv - 5 Stars The master menu in EMS has a menu bar at the top with drop-down window functionality. Entering company information is easy. The entry screen is comprehensive, allowing you to set up operational specifications, such as what items to show on invoices, printer settings, account reference tables and licensing information. Lookup lists are found in most of the data-entry fields by pressing the Enter key. Once job information is entered, it can be printed or e-mailed directly from within the program. List Maintenance is a comprehensive tool that allows you to define a variety of explanations for contracts, equipment, materials, employees, customers and vendors. You can define as much or as little detail as you like. Conveniently, EMS also produces AIA billings and Union reports.

Import/Export/Integration - 4.5 Stars EMS is a completely integrated system. Once data is entered into the system, it is distributed to the appropriate files. And because EMS Professional utilizes a Microsoft Access database, importing and exporting information to Microsoft products such as Word and Excel is easy.

Support & Training - 4.5 Stars Annual support agreements are available from EMS, and include all yearly program enhancements and standard phone support. Online support is available as well, as is online communication between EMS computers and your own. Training and first year support costs are included in the price of the software.

Security - 4.5 Stars EMS has one of the easiest security setup functions I have ever seen: Click on Security Manager, choose an employee from the employee list, and assign a user name and password. When finished, simply click on the appropriate available rights that are listed at the bottom right of the screen.

Customization & Productivity - 5 Stars Most system customization is completed during company setup. Checks can be completely customized to fit your needs, and an e-mail template can be customized for service calls. The Document Generator lets you create a variety of forms, including letters, contracts and billing reminders. You can also set up detailed customer service agreements and maintenance contracts. The list maintenance feature can also be customized to define classifications for everything from employees to service types.

I found some of the best productivity tools in this program. For example, a laptop interface is offered to transfer data back and forth. Also, a vehicle maintenance option lets you track everything from mileage to service. The service task manager lets you create tasks that are based on your own particular business. A direct interface with the Payroll module lets you post job times and labor costs directly to the appropriate employees. By far, one of the most impressive features of EMS is the Service Calls/ Dispatching feature, which is an important addition to any company that dispatches service people for repairs and maintenance. You can also easily monitor on-site equipment and enter estimated service call hours to later be added to the appropriate employee timecard.