Q: I wanted to know if data could be imported into CaseWare from another ratio analysis product. I thought that this was not possible and that CaseWare's use of comparison to industry standards would would require Scenarios. Can you explain?

A: Scenarios is actually another product offered by CaseWare. Scenarios will allow you to create what-if statements with your financials. Scenarios is part of Benchmarking, which has industry standards gathered from the users. CaseWare offers demos and free trials for both products. Let me know if you need any further information. -- Steve

The intrinsic value of training on any software program is very often underestimated.

Oftentimes while in the initial stages of implementing new software in an accounting firm, there is a high level of importance and value assigned to training. If your firm has spent tens of thousands of dollars on installing a program and no one knows how to even open it (muchless use the program effectively), the lack of basic training renders the product the equivalent of an old treadmill gathering cobwebs in your garage.

After the initial installation and setup of the new software is complete, the priority assigned to training usually decreases. This is in the mistaken view that simply using the product day in and day out produces expertise.

Without regular training for all users on new features and updates made to the software, there is a danger of users becoming "stale" and using the program by rote without being able to capitalize on any new enhancements.

The value of the ongoing training can be measured by the lost productivity of these users who are not utilizing the software to its maximum potential. Clearly, regularly scheduled and highly structured training is a key component in maximizing your firm's investment in any program.

At HKMP Technologies, we have been thinking up ways to create an interactive resource for our peer group. Technology in the accounting industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and keeping up with the changes is not getting any easier. We think it is important to have a place where ideas can be shared and information about best technology practices can be easily found.

Our company specializes in consulting with accounting firms of all sizes to help them make sound decisions about technology services, how to technology can improve practice management, implementing new technology in the firm, training users on newly installed software, and more.

In our role as consultants, we encounter all kinds of issues, questions and perplexing situations. On this page, we intend to regularly address exactly those kinds of questions. We encourage your feedback by submitting questions or further commentary based on your own experiences.

Please feel free to contact us if you have specific topics you would like to have mentioned. Be sure to check out the rest of our site, as we are proud to have an entire library of information devoted to the paperless and highly-integrated office environment.

We look forward to sharing ideas with you!
Sincerely,

Ron Kranzler