Business Challenge – Finding a New Accounting System
Video Corporation of America (VCA) uses a complex business model that includes full-scale design, project management, engineering, installation, and support services for visual communication systems. Initially, VCA began as a distribution company for reselling audio-visual equipment. Now, they are also a technology integrator. The company needed to implement a new accounting system to help meet the needs of their growing business model.
VCA has a more complex business model than its competitors. They offer customers a fixed price for equipment and professional services. The company needed to find a software solution for creating accurate quotes. It also needed to combine intelligence data for inventory reporting, project analysis, service tracking, and historical reports.
VCA hired Velosio, an IT service management company, to help them find the best software solution. A top priority was using software to track the progress of a project in real-time. This was essential in helping to identify any problems before they become much bigger issues. Finding an integrated accounting system, including project management and distribution, was also of high importance.
Software Solution – Microsoft Dynamics SL
Due to the variety of options available, findinng the right software solution took some time. Velosio worked with them throughout the entire process. VCA decided to implement Microsoft Dynamics SL for integrating its accounting and project management applications. Using Dynamics SL put everything into one location: spreadsheets, inventory management, documents, or project accounting transactions.
Microsoft Dynamics SL also required less customization compared to other software options. VCA credits Velosio for helping develop a detailed plan. This consisted of installing, implementing, and setting up the software without requiring a lot of time. The team at Velosio proved to be highly creative as well as effective at guiding VCA to choose the right software.
The Results – Improved Business Model Management
Integrating project management, accounting, and inventory control into one system allowed VCA to use detailed cost analysis and real-time reports to make well-informed decisions. Using their fixed price model made it especially important to identify any issues early on before becoming a major problem. The detailed reporting from Dynamics SL allowed VCA to access all of this information at any given time.
Dynamics SL also enabled them to maintain inventory control. Keeping track of inventory was nearly impossible under the old system. Additional benefits of using Dynamics SL include remote access for project managers. They can now access reports in the field without the need for being inside an office. The ability to access this data from nearly any location improves productivity and makes everyone’s job easier.
Now, it’s possible for VCA to use full-scale project management services, as Velosio continues to work with them in helping their business improve efficiency and remain flexible. The business world will only continue to change. Fortunately, VCA now has the software tools to keep up with these changes and make well-informed decisions.
