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More on software management for alarm industry from Dec 14, 2013 

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Ken,

    First, thank you for your contribution to the profession through your newsletter. You have undoubtedly helped elevate many who struggle with legal and business matters.

    I have seen from time to time exchanges regarding business management software for the security alarm industry, so I think it is time to shamelessly promote my own software offering into the arena.

    I too struggled with the patchwork of software needed to successfully run a security alarm company, and finding nothing that was a real solution, or software that was just substantially over-priced, I decided to develop my own.  I introduced AlCom Security Alarm Management Software at the last ESX in Nashville, and we have been well received in the marketplace due to the comprehensive nature of our product, and due to the fact that we are priced realistically for the small to medium-sized security alarm company. 

    AlCom handles all aspects of running an alarm company—from sales, recurring and current billing, service and dispatch, inventory, as well as enterprise level accounting.  And unlike our competitors, we provide integrated payroll that allows you to process your payroll in-house.  AlCom is not a “bolt-on” for QuickBooks.      It is a fully-integrated accounting and management platform for of all aspects of the Security Alarm Business.

    As an alarm company owner, I fight the same battles daily as everyone else.  So, I know what software needs to do, and our software does it.  But I also realize that owners manage their companies in many different ways.  So, during the first month, if it turns out that AlCom just isn’t the right solution,  I’ll refund the purchase price.  I don’t want to be part of a shelf full of software that didn’t work out like I have.  I hope you will take a look at our website at www.AlComSoftware.com .

    Best Wishes,

Stephen Vester

AlCom Software Development

Advanced Detection Systems, Inc.

Mountain Home, Arkansas

870 425-3343 

svester@AlComSoftware.com

www.AlComSoftware.com

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Ken

    Yes we to have struggled with software.  One we are using is Premier from Lakewood

Co. This is a good program to manage your alarm base. We also have been using Counter Point for our point of sale, AR, inventory and making work orders. For general ledger we have been using Business Works.

    I finally bit the bullet an bought an integrated program DESCO this is a very good dispatch program with integrated accounting. And it also has all the above features in one clean package.

    Sure worth a look.

    I sure look forward to the daily e-mail. Great information. Thank you.

Gordon Racine, Owner

Racine's Locksmithing & Security

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Ken

    In response to James [Dec 14, 2013 article], I would suggest talking with some of the companies that use Sedona.  It seems a little pricey compared to some of the other programs for our services but I hear it is probably worth it.  I’ve spoken to several very successful companies around the country at regional meetings and the people who use Sedona have good things to say about it.  You can purchase different modules for service, lead-tracking, bidding, accounting, etc..  We started out 25 years ago just hand writing invoices, then wrote our own program, then finally bought MicroKey. I won’t say anything more about that.   According to several sources Sedona is the best, albeit you might have to lean on them a bit to customize a few things for you.

    Good luck.  I’m saving my pennies for the migration.

Ray

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Ken,

    We do not currently do credit checks but I would also be interested in a good source.  

    To James asking about software and managing inspections records, service, billing, etc. we currently use a company called Applied-Micro Systems to do most of what you are asking about.   It is a bit antiquated but it works; we do everything on it, Payroll, Customer Base, Service, warranty, Recurring Billing, AP, GL (we use mastermind for central station).  The good thing about it is that when something doesn’t exactly work the way your company wants it to work, you can call and request or suggest they adjust/modify some of the programs to suit your needs; most of the time they can make changes.  

    I’m not sure what company you are from or where you are located but you may want to investigate joining a group that we belong to call ESTA (Electronic Security Technology Association).  We meet twice a year to exchange ideas on who does what and how.  We are from all over the country so we are not competitors; you need to apply and be approved to join.  
    Look into it or feel free to contact me about it.  

Cyndi Miller, General Manager

Advent Security Corporation

Oreland, PA

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Ken

    SBN, the Central Station Automation Software developed by our company provides credit checking and ability to manage service tickets, schedule field technicians, keep track of inspections, etc. We would be happy to provide an overview of these features if any of your readers are interested. Alternatively, if you could put me in direct contact with the questioners below I would be happy to talk through the options with them.

    Kind regards

Jens Kolind

External Partnerships

Innovative Business Software

Office: (972) 518-2250 ext 21

Mobile: +1 469 556-2822

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Ken

    Re: management software from Dec 14, 2013 article

    First, to establish my perspective, I have under 750 accounts and maintain under 2000 records in my database, built over 30+ years in business.  Accordingly, I'm not quite ready for a costly major enterprise billing solution. 

I've used legacy DOS software running on XP Pro SP3 (dBase 3+ with a number of home-brewed .prg routines and WordStar 5) for my data base and billing functions since the 90's.  All I can say is that it works, is reasonably predictable and bulletproof; not too hard for a PC hobbyist to customize, and it's capable of exporting necessary info to Quicken.      The database can be stored in an encrypted environment and exported easily into Excel or MS Access and also saved in encrypted files in the process.  With regard to using obsolete software, you may be shocked to learn how many businesses still rely in one way or another on dBase 3+ and similar legacy software. 

    The software solutions that I looked at over the years were either too expensive, too demanding to migrate/deploy or just didn't do what I wanted them to do.  Perhaps I spoiled myself by developing my own solutions.

    For financial recordkeeping, Quicken has dominated the market but has become progressively more bloated and slow-running over the years, although in the last few versions the rate of progressive slowdown has leveled off. (I used to be able to load Quicken 9 for DOS, open the file and have a customer's statement on the screen in less than 30 seconds.)  I toyed with GnuCash (which was being developed to break out of Intuit's grip on the accounting market) but at the time it didn't have enough of a compelling advantage to change over from Quicken.  I heard a rumor that Microsoft Money bit the dust and was no longer available for consideration.

    Around 2009 a fellow dealer suggested trying QuickBooks, although he warned it wasn't his program of choice.  (He has an old legacy setup, too.)  QuickBooks 2009 was a colossal flop for me.  The logical conventions were too radically different from Quicken Basic to get used to and the program was unbelievably bloated.  I never did get it deployed for anything other than paying my bills online, while continuing to keep my real books in Quicken 2006.  I abandoned QuickBooks when upon its sunset, it stopped connecting with the bank.  I went to Quicken Home & Business 2012 for bill paying, which is very similar to Quicken 2006.

    Another close friend I asked around 2010 said he uses a legacy DOS program developed just for the alarm industry, written by a fellow who retired a few years ago to Florida.  My friend complains that support is hard to get (as in Y2K updates) but as far as I know he's still using it.  The program also contains his central station's engine, I understand.  He wasn't recommending it, just lamenting that he is stuck with it.

    I had a look at the ProBill demo program around 2010 (you can easily find them online).  It was ok but at the time, not as refined in certain ways as the setup I already had.  However, I admit, my current configuration is far from "integrated."      I sent the author a few suggestions.  D N K if he deployed any of them.  However, it's very encouraging to see from their current web site that they are continuing to develop the software and that it handles ACH and credit card transactions.  It's also encouraging that they're focused specifically on our industry.  I'd say a test of their demo version is a good place to start if you seek an integrated solution.

Anon in PA

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 Hi Ken, 

    you recently had a question from one of your readers regarding customer management software. He asked for a referral of sorts. Our company Early Warning Alarms Inc. has been using a company called Cornerstone Billing. They are located in Lincolnshire Il. We have used their services for about 7 years now and have found them to be very efficient in all billing aspects of our business. Using Cornerstone has freed up enough time so that we could grow beyond what a smaller company could normally do.  Their software enables us to have complete control of OUR customers while they provide us with all services from printing and mailing to posting payments and making all calls to slow payers. They have an affiliation with a bill collections agency for the hard to get payments. Their own in house collections service once followed a customer literally to his grave in a polite attempt to get payment. The caller actually looked up the Chicago Tribune obituary page and found that one of our customers had died.  

     The bottom line for us when using Cornerstone Billing is that we could not perform all the functions that they provide for what we pay them. This includes from basic supplies paper, envelopes, stamps, toner etc. to the extended bill collecting service. The reports available through the software make it much easier to approach a bank for funding. I consider using Cornerstone Billing to be a force multiplier for our business. They add the equivalent  of at least 10 extra people working for you, from data entry to printing to software engineering. I would strongly recommend Cornerstone Billing.

Thank You

Frank Icuss, President

Early Warning Alarms Inc.

773-763-2860

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Ken

    To the reader asking about "management software [Dec 14 2-13 article] "for service tickets , nfpa

inspections , reminders , customer billing , system info like zone list , users. equipment list , quotes and all kinds of special reports , I highly recommend a company called Cornerstone Billing Solutions,   You can find there info at www.alarmbills.com ( I think they were offering cloud service before anyone else) We went remote with all of our billing about 7 or 8 years ago and couldn't be happier with the outcome . Cornerstone's product does much more than just bill your customers for you on a monthly basis .We use their service along with Quickbooks .

    The program allows you to schedule your daily service calls and installations as well as keep track of reminders and inspections for all of your accounts that have a service agreement.  You can keep all your customers information including contracts , zones , equipment type and special instructions . The best part is being able to log in from anywhere.     Not having to worry about losing my customers data and having years of service and billing history is great . My customer bills are always out on time ! I would recommend this company to any Alarm Company big or small.

    Call them and ask for Scott or Jody they would be glad to speak with you.

David Webber          

ABC BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEMS INC

Cell 301-440-7170

Washington D.C. 

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credit checks from Dec 14, 2013

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Ken

    use Equifax for credit checks.

Amy Sievers

Sievers Security Inc.

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anyone buying or funding "renter" subscriber accounts?

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Ken, 

    thanks for all you do for this industry. As you know, we all appreciate it. 

    I have a few questions that I was hoping you could help with:

1) do you know of any dealer programs or funding sources that will buy alarm accounts from renters? (Most only buy homeowners accts)

2) if I were to keep the accounts in house, collecting the RMR, do you know if/which funding sources will buy renter accounts in bulk?  Are the multiples different?

3) which of your contracts is best for this?

    Thanks very much in advance

Bryan Ravit, President

My Smart Security, LLC

Office: (407) 392-0417

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Response

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    For residential subscribers use the Residential All in One.  It comes in sale or lease format, and either would be suitable.

    There are funding companies listed in The Alarm Exchange under the Financial category, and there are a number of companies listed in The Alarm Exchange under the Merger and Acquisition category who may be interested in "renters" accounts.  

    When you deal with end user subscribers who are not paying you directly, such as tenants or unit holders in a condo or coop, or home owners in a Home Owners Association, be sure that the end user signs the All in One even though it will state that payment is by someone else.  That someone else will also have to sign the All in One on behalf of all the "tenants" it is paying for.

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