561-995-1477
www.axpert.com
From the September Review Cygnus Interactive, a Division of Cygnus Business Media.
Xpert Write-Up for Windows is a 32-bit Windows-compliant program for workstations running Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/Vista. It supports networks running AS400, NetWare, NT, 2000, Unix and Linux, as well. Xpert Write-up includes general ledger, journals, after-the-fact payroll, W-2/1099 laser processing, integrated bank reconciliations and comprehensive financial reporting. Xpert Write-Up automatically integrates with optional modules, including Check Writing, Checkbook Xpert, Client Billing – AR, Client/Accountant Link, AP, Sales Analysis, Active Payroll, and the full line of the Xpert Financials business software.
Craig Peterson, CPA, has a small firm with his father in West Palm Beach, Fla., which mostly caters to small businesses. His firm processes approximately 700 - 1040s, 150 - 1120Ss, 10 - 1120s, 25 - 1065s and 25 - 1041s. “We have used Micronetics since the ’80s (DOS program), so we have seen many changes in the program,” he said. “It has become more flexible and more user friendly since the beginning.”
LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE -- 4 Stars
The main program screen is well-organized in a tabular format. It’s easy for the user to figure out where different tasks are accomplished. The learning curve is quick and supported by the intuitive setup of the tabular menu system. Data entry is heads-down.
REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 4 Stars
Financial statement setup is straightforward and relies to a great extent on the chart of accounts setup. Comparative and divisional reports are easily created. Many statements are pre-formatted for the user. Custom financial statements, which can be shared among clients, are easily created as well. I found no support for drill-down to supporting data. Utilizing the supplied FinePrint printing manager, I was unable to adequately control justification on financial statements, but it could be modified via changing left margins, by export to Excel or Word, etc. (The company noted that there are two ways to do this. If the user selects text printing, over 100 different embedded fonts allow you to change the top, side margins, fonts, etc. If you use graphical printing, then you use FinePrint and define a fineprinter with a binding or margin area. When you print to that fineprinter, it formats the report the way you designed it. Multiple fineprinters may be integrated so one can be used for watermarks, one for binding, etc.)
Peterson says one of the most beneficial aspects of the program for his practice is “its flexibility to build just about any report desired.” He also recommends that new users first set up certain model statements for common major clients from which to copy, and “the rest is just modification from there.”
INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT & PRODUCTION PROCESSING -- 4 Stars
As noted above, Xpert Write-Up includes FinePrint, a powerful printing program. It also includes integration with Microsoft Word for preparation of compilation letters. Xpert Write-Up provides the user with the ability to import transactions from Quicken, QuickBooks and via ASCII import. Xpert also exports to Microsoft Excel for charting and graphics, as well as to a variety of tax programs. Xpert’s W-2/1099 processing is fully integrated with Xpert Write-up or may be run as a stand-alone module. This module provides extensive W-2/1099 reporting capabilities and form printing support for laser and dot matrix printers. Xpert’s Bank Reconciliation is fully integrated with Xpert Write-up or may be run as a stand-alone module. Bank transactions are an auto matic by-product of journal entries or may be entered directly into the bank reconciliation.
Most products reviewed here require the use of included modules in a traditional context, where stand-alone use of modules is not supported. Thus, Xpert Write-Up users who are able to take advantage of stand-alone module use are one-up on the competition.
SCALABILITY & PORTABILITY -- 4 Stars
Xpert Write-Up’s 32-bit underpinnings should satisfy and serve scalability needs from single users to large networks. Portability remains to be determined as advanced Microsoft networks are not directly supported at this time. Enhancements for 2005 included support for Word 2002/03+, which speaks very well regarding Xpert Write-Up’s look to the future.
SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP SYSTEM -- 4 Stars
Training and help take the form of a CD-based tutorial and program-specific manuals that are provided with Xpert products. Comprehensive context-sensitive help is not available, but you can always use the company’s live customer support. Peterson gives Micronetics’ support high marks, saying, “Without question, it’s unparalleled in the industry. They listen to our suggestions, and implement them into updates. There is no other software support out there like this.”
2005 Overall Rating -- 4 Stars