If you’re using a generic accounting software in combination with other programs and apps to manage your interior design business, then you are missing out! There is software built for the industry that addresses the unique workflow and accounting needs of design firms, so why not use it!Interior design accounting software programs are just a click away and they open a whole new world of productivity and organization for design firms. Don’t miss out—there are so many reasons to use software that has been built specifically to manage the workflow of interior design firms, and here are seven of them.
1. Fee Billing Headaches Are a Thing of the Past
The single most time-consuming task for design firms is the tracking and billing of hourly time. If your design firm bills in this manner, then you know what we’re talking about! Too often, time is being tracked manually (in a notebook, Excel, or app), then combined and/or transferred to an invoice, and then recorded in a separate accounting system. This is an example of data that is being handled way too much!Use a software that streamlines this process–you will save hours per month.
2. Fixed Fees Built and Managed Easily
There is a trend in the industry toward billing fixed fees instead of hourly time. Some software has custom tools that can be used to build up a flat fee based on certain tasks and staff members, and bill the fee out along the project as needed. You should be able to track time against the fee plan (if desired) and see if you are ahead or behind on profitability at the end of the project.
3. Custom Ordering Tools
Procurement is a big part of project management for many interior design firms, and purchase orders are very important!Using a software that is built for the design industry lets you seamlessly order anything you need to–even custom goods should be recognized as such and given special treatment. With the right interior design accounting software, you can even track orders through to completion and really easily make deposit and balance payments against purchase orders.
4. Industry Knowledgeable Support Staff
It’s so valuable to be able to get the help you need from your software company.Choose a company that offers unlimited online support to all members, custom training services, and accounting services, from staff who really understand the industry. Customer service and support is necessary to a successful transition onto any software.Go with a proven track record of success in this area.
5. Simple Deposit and Balance Billing and Tracking
It can be tough to keep track of both the client and vendor deposits, and the balances paid and becoming due. With many clients and projects on the go, this can be a full time job in itself. Interior design accounting software understands the need for this area to be well organized and automated. You’ll have instant reports for internal purposes and client updates at your fingertips!
6. Custom Project Reports
Reporting at the project level can be a difficult task for firms working with generic accounting software. With an interior design accounting software, program reports for the client are available at the click of a button. Export attractive and up-to-date reports that don’t take you hours (or your whole Saturday) to build.
7. All-In-One Solution
Using an interior design software that has an integrated accounting package reduces the amount of duplicated work that needs to be done. When bookkeeping is organically connected to the management of projects, everyone’s life is simpler. Business owners and staff can access the information they need at any time, project reports are available as needed,and company financial reports are accessible anytime. You’re in control and not at the mercy of your bookkeeper or accountant for information.
