Automated_Process_of_Accounting_Information_Systems

Industry Specific Software Because Kudler has experienced significant growth, is focusing on expanding services, and striving to improve the efficiency of its operations, a thorough review of its current accounting information systems and prioritization of four key areas is recommended in this order: inventory management, payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Purchase of industry specific software will assist Kudler in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and maintaining controls as these upgrades are implemented. Toward achieving the goals of integrating and automating the various accounting related activities, we recommend that Kudler Fine Foods adapt Cougar Mountain accounting software. Rationale and Analysis An essential component of creating success within Kudler’s accounting systems is prioritization of three process activities developed around the four identified areas of focus listed above. Automation –creating a more efficient process and reducing the man-hours required in Kudler’s chief areas of concern, leverages management time and allows Kudler to focus on its core function of retail sales. Most pivotal of the four areas is redesign of Kudler’s inventory and ordering mechanisms. Enhancement – as automation of the four key systems is implemented, adaptation and enhancement of new modules will be required. Because retail markets are dynamic in nature, the ability to customize all aspects of Kudler’s accounting information systems is paramount. Adaptation of Cougar Mountain’s software modules will be executed following a thorough analysis of automated system effectiveness. Maintenance – as new modules are brought online, a regular schedule of maintenance will be put into operation. Data integrity, security, efficiency, and speed of the AIS will be realized by maximizing a system of upkeep for both hardware and software components of the proposed upgrade. An additional reduction in downtime will significantly impact Kudler’s bottom line realization through proper safeguarding of its systems. Cougar Mountain Software Characteristics and AIS Added Value Cougar Mountain Software is a dynamic and fully featured, data secure, point-of-sale, nonprofit software application appropriate to KFF’s needs. This software incorporates the four processes Kudler Fine Foods requires, including additional features to improve the accounting information systems and help with the growing needs of the company. Cougar Mountain Software includes strong and customizable reports, secure audit trails, the ability to network with multiple remote locations and includes expert installation services. These services keep KFF’s three locations connected on a daily basis to meet its various needs. Periodically, KFF will consult with Cougar Mountain Consulting to customize the software, tailoring it to the needs of the business. The payroll module on this program enables KFF to e-file W-2s in addition to state or federal quarterly tax reports. Accounts Payable reports keep the company up to date on monies the business owes, ensuring prompt payment to vendors. Cougar Mountain’s Accounts Receivable module is an excellent tool for tracking customer information. Once customized, it allows KFF to retain histories of customer charges, payments, and notes regarding specific transactions. Customers can be queried by name, ID number, phone number, or organization name using the fast lookup functions. A good inventory management system begins with incorporating CMS’s Professional or Denali’s lineup inventory module, enabling KFF to see what items are moving quickly and which gather dust on the shelves. CMS gives KFF’s management the ability to spot sales trends, the capability of accessing up to the second counts of what's in stock, the functions to notify KFF if wholesale prices have changed before ordering, and the capacity to produce dozens of custom reports, and drill-down to the specific information required to run a successful business. (Cougar Mountain Software Inc., 2010) It is our belief that Cougar Mountain Software offers a cost effective, efficient solution for Kudler Fine Foods to maximize the functioning of its key systems, allowing it to more fully focus on its mission of providing customers with “the finest in selected foodstuffs, wines, and related needs, in an unparalleled consumer environment.”