EVALUATION OF BUSINESS WORKS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
This research evaluates the Business Works for Windows accounting software application-program. The developer and marketer of Business Works for Windows is Sage Software, Inc., Irvine, California. The Sage subsidiary responsible for Business Works for Windows is State of the Art, Inc., Roseville, California.
This evaluation of Business Works for Windows covers three areas of interest. These areas are (1) limitations of the software, (2) innovations structured into the software, and (3) the strengths and weaknesses of the software's internal controls.
Business Works for Windows is a full-featured accounting software program. The structure of the software program includes 10 modules. The primary module is the systems manager that controls all functions of the application program. Seven modules provide capabilities for specific accounting functional areas. These seven modules are (1) general ledger, (2) accounts receivable, (3) accounts payable, (4) order entry, (5) inventory control, (6) job cost, and (7) payroll. A ninth module provides a capability to print mailing labels, and the tenth module, custom office, integrates Business Works for Windows with Microsoft Office for Windows.
Business Works for Windows has the capability to open 320 files simultaneously. This capability means that the software can accommodate the accounting needs of most middle market firms with annual revenues in the range of $5 million. Larger firms may require customized accounting software.
Business Works also has the capability to open 250 files simultaneously and to lock 200 files simultaneously. These capabilities enable the simultaneous use of multiple module applications and provide access to the on-the-fly features of Business Works.
The basis for Business Works for Windows is the C++ programming language that provides the software with a proprietary database format. This ap...