Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Sept. 27, 1990, edition 1 / Page 18
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Page 6C - THE CHARLO’^^T PO^T)-, Jlmrsday, September27> 1990 , j ^ j TECHNOLOGY CORNER Selecting The Right Computer For Your Business here's no time like the present to consider T automating your business or upgrading your computer system. According to the North Carolina Association of CPAs, the right com puter Is an Investment In your company's growth and overall success. Not only can computers help you run your business more efllclently, but they can also expand your financial management capabilities. But Installing the right computer Isn't Just a matter of going out and purchasing the latest model. The process of converting your existing records and pro cesses to a computer system can be lengthy and dif ficult. Review Your Needs Before you visit your local computer store, ask yourself Uie following questions: Do I really need a computer? What do 1 hope It will accomplish? Will it be cost-effective to install a new system? What hard ware and software wUl I need? Does the software I need already exist or will It have to be developed? How much will It cost to do the entire conversion and how long will that process take? How will I train my employees to operate the new system? Evaluate Your Current System Whether you are converting from a manued system, or upgrading your existing system, you should begin by evaluating your current operations and Identify ing problems. Ftar example, late and Inaccurate monthly financial statements, or slow turnover of accounts receivable may Indicate that It Is time for a new or better system. Next, evaluate your current business procedures to determine which lype of system will best satisfy your needs. For example, you may require a system to help reduce labor costs associated with high clerical Involvement. Or you may need a S5rstem to help elim inate repetitious or numerous time-consuming tasks. Another reason to buy or upgrade a system Is If your business requires mathematically complex calculations, highly accurate recordkeeping, and timely preparation of reports. A properly designed system can help you perform many of the critical business functions of your com pany, such as speeding the preparation of financial statements and reducing the potential for clerical and computational errors in accounting and other administrative functions. Selecting Software Computer software Is the term given to the appli cation programs that enable your to run specific tasks, such as word processing or spreadsheets, on the computer. Software comes In several varieties: general purpose, custom-written, or Industry- specific. the number of programs available today makes selection difficult. But asking certain key questions can help you make the right choice, for In stance, how easy is the software to use? Are qualified installers nearb)f? What Is the quality of the docu mentation? What Is the reputation of the vendor for providing good support? Selecting Hardware Hardware Includes the computer Itself, storage de vices, terminals and printers. The hardware you se lect must be fully capable of accepting data, pro cessing It, and generating output within a reasonable time. When you are ready to select computer hardware, consider thefollowlng factors: present and projected volume of data to be processed: the amount of tech nical and service support you will receive from the manufacturer, the ease with which you can operate the equipment: the ability to expand or upgrade the equipment: and the reliability of the hardware, the vendor and the manufacturer. You should also take into account environmental considerations such as heat, noise and electrical requirements. After you review your current procedures and de termine your software and hardware needs, develop a plan for Implementing the system. Pay special at tention to selecting computer operators and to. set ting up a training program. Other factors to keep In mind Include preparing your current operation for conversion to the system and monitoring the system once It Is up and running. If you don't have the time or expertise to automate your company, you may want to ask your CPA for as sistance. CPAs can help you determine your automa tion objectives and make recommendations on how to select and install computer systems. For further advice on selecting a computer, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: NCACPA, PO Box 80188, Raleigh, NC 27623, and request a copy of the brochure, 'Connecting Your Business with the Right Computer Sys tem". MEL JACKSON TAX SERVICE Complete INCOME TAX PREPARATION For Both Individuals & Business Competitive Rates on BOOKKEEPING SERVICES for Small and Large Businesses ACCOUNTING SERVICE also Available FREE PARKING Serving Charlotte For Over 40 Years 377-5209 201 S. KINGS DR. ACROSS FROM CINEMA THEATER BETWEEN 3RD ST. & INDEPENDENCE Does your car insurance give you 9 ways to save? Allstate does* • Economy Car Discount • Make and Model Rate • Good Driver Rate • Low Mileage Rate • Multi-car Discount • Farm Discount • 55 and Retired Discount • Car Pool Rate /lllslate^ AUslale Insurance Company *SpeciaJ rsles and diKOunls avsiUble in most i Mary Lockett 2838-B 1-85 S. Senrice Rd. Charlotte, N.C. 28208 Bus. (704)3^-8677 ENTERPRISE PROGRAM CongratuCations to The Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council On Your 1990 Trade Show Call The MWBE Office Today! 704-336-4138
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Sept. 27, 1990, edition 1
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