Accountancy . . Expected Level of Secrecy (Software and Data) Another consideration before buying accounting software is the security features, which prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing and/or manipulating data in the accounting system. In tailored software for large businesses, the user rights may be restricted to purchase vouchers for the purchase department, sales vouchers to the billing accountants and petty cash module access with the cashier.
The operating system also matters. Unix environment allows multi-users compared to Windows. In Unix, the user cannot make the computer system functional unless the user clicks with a password, which is not a restriction in Windows. .
. Exporting/Importing Data Facility The transfer of database to other systems or software is sometimes expected from the accounting software. Organisations may need to transfer information directly from the ledger into spreadsheet software such as Lotus or Excel for more flexible reporting. The software should allow the hygienic, untouched data transfer.
Accounting software may be required to be linked to MIS software in the organisation. In some ready to use accounting softwares, the exporting, importing facility is available but is limited to MS Office modules only, e.g. MS Word, MS Excel, etc. However, tailored softwares are designed in manner that they can interact and share information with the various sub components of the organisational MIS.
. . Vendors Reputation and Capability Another important consideration is the reputation and capability of about the vendor. This depends upon how long has he been the vendor is in business of software development, whether there are other users of the software and extent of the availability of support mechanisms outside the premises of the vendor.
Key Terms Introduced in the Chapter • Computerised Accounting System • Mannual Accounting System • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles • Operating Environment • Accounting Software • Accounting Packages © NCERT not to be republished