As reviewed by CPA Practice Advisor in March 2012

eTEK International Inc. - eTEK Accounting

From the March 2012 Review of Construction & Contractor Accounting Systems.

Best Fit: eTEK is well-suited for smaller construction companies that require flexibility and customization capability and is currently being marketed as a "next step up" from off-the shelf products.

Product Strengths:

• Updated and redesigned for Microsoft Office 2010
• Solid Equipment Management module comes standard with product
• Good accounting functionality
• Excellent job tracking capability

Potential Weaknesses:

• No scheduling or dispatch function available
• Limited document management capability

eTEK Accounting for Microsoft Office 2010 from eTEK International is a fully integrated accounting software product offering the construction industry a higher level of flexibility while offering users an easy to use interface designed using Microsoft Office 2010 design. Looking ahead, eTEK plans on releasing a new version later this year that will take advantage of Microsoft Office 365, utilizing cloud-based technology for easier system access.

Basic System Function - 4.75 Stars

eTEK's user interface is designed around the Microsoft 2010 Office user interface, making system navigation particularly easy for experienced Office users. The main user interface utilizes a series of function icons, with software modules listed below. Clicking on an icon will reveal all related functions found within that category. Similarly, clicking on a particular module will display all of the features that can be found within that module, making even initial system navigation fairly straightforward.

Along with easy system navigation, eTEK offers easily navigated data entry screens, with all the necessary look up options available to users. Users can choose from a variety of data entry methods that will suit their style and their needs. The recent addition of Executive Dashboards allows users to quickly access vital data. The executive dashboard is completely customizable, can be designed during the initial system setup and implementation, and is offered to both company CEO's and CFO's at no additional cost. For additional financial reporting options, use the inquiry screens which will display both job and financial data as needed. eTEK also provides users with the capability to create a job template that can be saved for future use.

eTEK is available as either a traditional desktop product or as a SaaS product, providing users with a choice of software delivery methods. Built specifically for a Windows platform, eTEK works with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Core Accounting Capabilities - 5 Stars

Maintaining its flexibility, users can choose to enter data into the GL in real time or use the batch system for better transaction control. Real time processing also means that users can enter and post data to any financial period at any time. System flexibility also extends to the GL account setup, where users can use up to four segments, which can contain up to nine digits. Recurring journal entries can be saved in the system, and both sales and work orders can be added on the fly.

The system can handle multiple cash accounts for easier transaction tracking, and invoice templates can be created and saved, eliminating the need to recreate an invoice for each billing. eTEK's AR module offers system flexibility, allowing to post payments as desired. Users can also create multiple billing types, which include industry standard AIA billings. The new HR module, which is included in the payroll module (or as a standalone module) contains a complete employee management system including benefits administration, workers compensation and all certifications. The HR module also generates essential reports as needed.