I began my foray into the computer world a few short years
ago, ten to be exact. The promises of instant information,
reduced labor and a paperless office seduced me into a six month
battle with my then Board of Directors. Finally I got the go
ahead; we were going to leap out of the dark ages and into the
fast track world of technology. I then got to sort through all
the hardware (mainframe or mini) and software (exactly two for my
industry). The cost sent us running in retreat and we remained
computerless for two more years.
With the invention of the micro-chip, hardware costs came down
considerably and PC’s were now available that were capable
of handling a medium-sized business. Unfortunately, software
advancements did not keep up.
The accounting packages that were available were either generic,
inflexible systems or expensive customizations. Having changed
positions several times in the 80’s I had the opportunity to
work with both.
While the generic systems were the least expensive they could
never produce the reports the way owners wanted to see them, so I
did what many did and created additional reports in a spreadsheet
program. A roundabout, time consuming task that worked well at
the time.
The custom program was great, it used all the correct terminology
for our industry and produced reports tailored to our
specifications. Unfortunately the person who wrote the program
moved to Alabama and we no longer had support. The system
ultimately crashed and we began a new software search.
It was about then that I cursed the invention of the computer.
Not only had it not reduced my work load but it also spewed out
more paper in a month than I used to use in an entire year.
I approached my eighth conversion with trepidation. I knew that
this would make or break me. I fearfully began researching
property management software. It was then that I discovered the
advancements made in software packages in a few short years. I
could chose between several good products in a wide range of
costs, and the reports made sense. Better yet, with the new
financial report writers I could produce additional reports the
way our company wanted to see them. I also found companies that specialized in conversion
assistance so I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel.
So conversions did not have to be traumatic and my effort paid
off. Using the right software can make a difference in the amount
and quality of work. I felt like Napoleon returning from Malta,
no St. Helena for me.
Now if I could only get over my fear of turning off my computer
at night.
by Kathleen Shy, Vice President, Howard M Haberman
Associates, Inc.
Copyright © 1996 Howard M Haberman Associates, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Revised: February 29, 2004.
For Further Information Contact:
Copyright © 1996 Howard M
Haberman Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 29, 2004.