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Why we chose APS: Browne&Co, Sydney

This month’s client selection case study comes from Browne&Co in Sydney. We interviewed Phillip Browne, CEO and he took us through the firm’s decision making process, his views on the software and the team that delivers it.

Name of Firm:                                 Browne&Co, Sydney Name:                                               Phillip Browne Title:                                                 CEO Tel:                                                   +64 2 9954 3409 Email Address:                              phillip@browne.com.au

Involvement in selection process:
Decision Maker

General

When did your firm implement its APS Advance Practice Management system
In approximately 2004.

Which APS products have you taken out licences to use?
We currently use Practice Management (PM), Practice IQ (PIQ), Xcede Professional Accounting (XPA) and Advance Tax (Tax).

Who was you previous supplier and how long were you using that supplier’s software for?
We were with MYOB and Solution 6 for 12 years.

From start to finish, how long did the meeting, testing and decision-making process take that saw you move over to APS?
Approximately 6 months, from start to finish.

Was your decision to move over to APS made on gut-feel, or was it more scientific than that? Please explain how you went about making your decision…. (e.g. team approach: IT manager, IT Partner, Work Group etc…)
As with most decisions made within the firm, we had a team review the change and discuss the benefits. The new system seemed to streamline our tasks and improve efficiencies. The review of new systems was done by a special purpose team of CEO, Practice manager, IT Manager and a CA.

APS prides itself on its ability to listen to its customers regarding their business needs and business aims and its commitment to then work closely with customers to meet and achieve them. Tell us about the APS approach from your perspective.
My experience has shown that APS do listen. This was demonstrated when we had a PIQ special report written by APS and we felt the work was done by a person who was not experienced enough for this piece of work. However, APS took my feedback on board and fixed the problem very quickly.

Installation / Implementation

Conversion of practice data from your old system to your new one was of course going to be one of the major issues in your implementation – can you tell me how the APS consultant performed in this regard?
We felt this was very smooth and worked really well. To date, it was the best conversion of a database and financial statements that I have ever experienced.

A new system means that ‘change’ is forced upon team members – how did your team react to the new system and how quickly did they pick up the new system?
We had lead up time to implement the change so when it happened it was conducted very smoothly and therefore it was accepted well by our staff. In saying that it probably took a few months for the staff to pick up the new system processes.

Product

Functionality

Looking at APS from a product perspective, what were the most important factors from a functionality point-of-view that were seen as critical to your business
For us, the Windows inter-relationship with database extendibility was important. The Excel reporting was better and far more efficient than any report generator we had previously used.

How does the Advance suite compare to your previous product in terms of functionality?
The Advance suite is much better, it is easier to use, friendlier, and suits our firm needs. The APS team is always available to help whenever we need it.

Will you be taking on any further APS products in the future?
Yes, we about to start implementation meetings for Advance Tax.

Future Development

What would you like to see APS add to its product set in its next releases of Advance that will assist your business? What does it need to do to stay ahead of its competitors?
Trust Account Accounting (like Handitrust) and a budgeting package like Winforecast.

Summing up

Do you have any final words that sum up how you feel about APS, its team and its software?
Two years ago I felt there was a communication issue between us and APS, since then we have met and APS have listened and heard my concerns. APS immediately put in place a permanent change strategy to resolve the communication issues. Communication was back on track virtually immediately and been such the case for two years now.
I think the APS team works very well with a professional firm and understands their needs. They are always willing to provide assistance when needed. Most importantly they took great care of our Practice Manager at their 2007 APS Conference in New Zealand.