Blackbaud, Inc. — The Financial Edge

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From the Oct. 2007 Review of NFP Accounting Systems

Blackbaud, Inc. has released version 7.7 of The Financial Edge, which is designed to provide midsize to larger nonprofit organizations with excellent accounting functionality and analytic tools to make strategic management decisions in the nonprofit arena.

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY – 5 Stars
The main user interface, referred to as ‘the shell,’ is designed to make program access more efficient. Fully customizable and reminiscent of a web page, The Financial Edge automatically defaults to the GL homepage, but users can change the designation to the Accounts Payable or Fixed Assets homepage if desired. At the top of the screen is a dropdown menu bar that features access to standard program functions. Using the back and forward arrows directly below the menu bar allows users to page through system screens and modules. A navigation bar to the left of the screen contains links to major functions within each system module. Clicking on a link in the navigation bar will display the functions available for that particular module immediately to the right of the navigation bar.

Data-entry screens are arranged in logical sequence, with sequential options available. This method is somewhat different from other software products, making navigation easy, even for new users. The Financial Edge is an excellent standalone product, but it also integrates with other Blackbaud products designed specifically for nonprofit entities.

MODULES/SCALABILITY – 5 Stars
The Financial Edge offers 20 modules from which to choose, including GL; AP; AR; Fixed Assets; Cash Management; Cash Receipts; Payroll; Point of Sale; Purchase Orders; eRequisitions; Student Billing; School Store Manager; Allocation Management; Advanced Budget Management; Advanced Security; Budget Management; Consolidation Management; and Project, Grant and Endowment Management. Additional products available include The Raiser’s Edge (a fundraising solution), The Information Edge (a business intelligence and marketing tool), The Education Edge (designed for independent and charter schools), and Blackbaud Analytics (designed to provide expert analysis of system data). Although Blackbaud notes its flexibility when dealing with clients and organizational size, and because it is available in both standalone and network versions, it is ideally designed for larger nonprofit organizations and government entities with more complex accounting and reporting requirements.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY -- 5 Stars
Version 7.7 of The Financial Edge offers numerous system enhancements including better integration between the Projects, Grants and Endowments module and the AR module. In the Allocation Management module, users can now import XML files. And better encryption technology in the Enhanced Security module ensures that all personal data remains safe.

The Configuration page contains a variety of functions designed to assist users with system setup, including setting up transaction codes, funds and fiscal year information. The automatic account creator guides users through the account creation process where they can choose to use pre-numbered and named accounts or import account information from other applications. Additional accounts can be added later on the fly when necessary.
Users can easily allocate both direct and indirect costs using a variety of criteria including account, project or transaction. Excellent drilldown capability allows for viewing originating documents from any transaction screen.