BQE Software ' BillQuick 2004

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BillQuick 2004 provides a time-based billing application that includes features for specific professions such as accounting, architecture, engineering, law firms and consultants. The system supports several types of billing including fixed fee, recurring, hourly and retainer. It has a strong Crystal Reports-based reporting feature and also includes profitability diagnostics that further add to the value of the program. BillQuick 2004 costs $395 for a two-user license and $695 for a five-user license. The company also produces BillQuick Enterprise for larger firms, and a sole practitioner version called BillQuick Lite.

EASE OF USE - 5 Stars BillQuick's interface is very intuitive, providing large, oversized icons on the primary Navigator screen, as well as text links to reminders, recently printed reports, support options and an assortment of help topics. This screen format gives users a centralized desktop for accessing all of the program's features using easy-to-understand icons for moving between Employee, Client, Project, Reporting and Review functions, as well as access to management-controlled areas for setting up codes, schedules and budgets.

The system offers several billing methods and enables users to enter time in as little as two keystrokes on the Time Entry and Expense Log screens. Generating invoices, reviewing client and project data, and running analysis reports are also easy to understand, with ample help provided to guide new or infrequent users. BillQuick employs employee-level, role-based security measures to prevent access to functions or client data. Most data entry is performed through Time Entry and Expense Log, with the option to open as many Timer (stopwatch) windows as needed to capture client calls and time in impromptu meetings with staff. The system can then be set to automatically review and generate billing at specific time intervals (monthly, etc.).

MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS - 5 Stars Even with its very simple interface, BillQuick provides strong functionality, including support for any number of clients and timekeepers; the ability to set fixed fee, recurring, hourly and other billing methods on a per-project basis. Time-based billing through the system is strengthened by its ability to bill in 1/100th hour increments as well as its support for multiple rates per employee, including overtime and default rates. Also, BillQuick supports client and project bill rates, as well as other situations with its Service Fee Schedule function. The system can be set to use retainers, pre-payment methods or spending caps, and alerts managers to over-budget situations.

BillQuick integrates with QuickBooks, flowing data between the programs in real-time and producing a single virtual application, thereby eliminating redundant entry and preventing inaccuracies caused by partial information updates. BillQuick offers project grouping and cloning, as well as project merging. Through integration with e-mail programs, the system simplifies the sending of electronic versions of reports, invoices and other documents. It also supports remote time and expense entry via optional modules for Palm and Windows CE-based PDAs and offers a web-based remote time entry, reporting, billing and client/project management interface.

BILLING & REPORTING FEATURES - 5 Stars BillQuick has more than 300 reports and 60 invoice and statement templates built with Crystal Reports. All can be customized as needed, providing users additional flexibility. The system supports firm logos on reports and invoices and generates labels. Manual invoices are also available. BillQuick includes timely analytical reports that enable firm partners to review employee, project, work code, and firm performance and profitability.

INTEGRATION - 4.5 Stars The program offers direct integration with QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online and Outlook. Data sharing with Peachtree and other accounting packages, as well as other applications, is currently available through BillQuick's built-in Import/Export function. Integration with e-mail programs allows users to send invoices, statements, reports, and other communications. A Timeslips-to-BillQuick Conversion Utility is also available.

SUPPORT/HELP - 5 Stars The system is very easy-to-use and includes assistance features such as items on the Navigator screen that provide instant access to Help, FAQs, an online knowledgebase, support and other options. Users can also make use of right-click context-sensitive help menus (which also contain many other options). BQE Software offers a variety of training options as well as free e-mail and phone-based support for the first 30 days.