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Welcome Note - from Brian Armstrong Client Conference Review and Next Steps

The APS Annual Client Conference in Sydney last November was the largest conference we have held with over 300 clients and delegates attending. In many ways, it was also the most important: for the first time we were able to present all our product updates, enhancements and new releases knowing that there is now integration between most elements of the Advance suite. This is the ‘great leap forward’ for practice software generally and is very much a first for any practice software suite in this part of the world.

The Integrated Accountants Desktop

First questions first, what do we mean by ‘integrated’ practice software? Simply, it means that most of the APS practice software applications you and your team use on a daily basis are completely accessible through your practice management console, linking relevant data in your core business applications. Those attending the conference saw how their firms and teams will benefit from having, for example, the information contained in their Practice Management, Document Management and CRM database integrate seamlessly with their compliance applications including Taxation, Client Accounting, Self Managed Superannuation, and Corporate Affairs.

Efficiencies built in – in step with the times

It is important not to underestimate the importance of the fully integrated Advance suite from a practice efficiency perspective. We were able to present the new Workflow and Resource Planning module within Practice Management, which allows partners and managers to plan and monitor, within Advance PM, exactly which members of their team will work on a particular matter and how much of their time is budgeted into the job.

Similarly, we demonstrated other ‘new’ software including the new Work Paper application and Advance Corporate Register. We also saw how Advance PM integrates with QuickBooks; bringing all the strands together we saw how one firm of considerable size has taken components of the fully integrated solution and implemented it throughout their practice. The key word used by them to describe the benefits is that the investment has ‘efficiencies’.

Ultimately the purpose of enabling all Advance suite applications to work together is to drive practice efficiencies and reduce duplication; in effect, integration allows all elements of both practice and client affairs to be managed within what is effectively a single piece of software.

2009 – introducing the integrated Advance suite to you

Of course, not all clients were able to attend the November Conference and will not have yet been exposed to the ‘great leap forward’ in Advance’s integrated capabilities. However, our Client Briefings in March will help those who have not seen what is on offer get quickly up to speed.

In addition, the APS CRM team will be spending the year versing all clients in what is available and the steps necessary to update their own versions of Advance to the newest releases.

A fully integrated Advance suite – all data in all applications accessible through the Advance Central Console.

Brian Armstrong
CEO, APS Group