2012 Review of FOUNDATION Software - FOUNDATION for Windows

As reviewed by CPA Practice Advisor in March 2012 

FOUNDATION Software - FOUNDATION for Windows

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

Best Fit: FOUNDATION for Windows contains a full menu of features designed specifically for construction related businesses. While small construction companies with under $1 million in revenues may not need Foundation, just about any mid-to large construction company or contracting firm will find this product useful.

Product Strengths:

• Easy to navigate, uncluttered user interface
• Excellent scheduling and service dispatch modules
• Terrific selection of add-on modules
• Solid import/export/integration capabilities

Potential Weaknesses:

• Greater initial investment may make it beyond the reach of companies with under $1 million in revenue.
• The powerful features may require a greater learning curve than off-the-shelf software

FOUNDATION Software has been in business since 1985. Foundation's original product was DOS-based. In the early 2000s it rewrote the software in a Windows environment. Featuring a Microsoft SQL database, FOUNDATION continually enhances its product for its core customer base, which includes construction trade businesses of all sizes.

Basic System Functions - 5 Stars

FOUNDATION for Windows offers users a graphical menu that contains four major sections; Base Modules, Additional Modules, Project Control, and Tools. Easy to navigate, FOUNDATION has a drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen for quick system access. Users can choose to use the default screen or customize the interface to suit their needs, adding frequently used program functions, reports and external links for quick access via QuickLinks. Foundation's data entry screens are well-designed and contain all the necessary look-up options.

The FOUNDATION Wizard allows users to create a series of steps attached to each activity, with those same steps available each time that activity is completed. Numerous user-defined screens are found throughout the product, making it easy to track the detail needed. FOUNDATION also contains excellent dashboard reporting functionality, with dashboards available in a variety of categories including GL, AR, AP, Job Cost, and Change Order modules. All dashboard reports contain drill-down capability.

FOUNDATION is easily accessed from remote locations using FOUNDATION SaaS, an online or "cloud" deployment option of its accounting software. It also offers a web-based application for mobile devices (iPads, tablets, smartphones, netbooks, etc.) that is used with FOUNDATION called FOUNDATION mobile. FOUNDATION mobile makes it easy for field employees to enter timecards and related information. FOUNDATION runs on Windows 7 Professional, Vista Business and XP Professional, and will run on either 32- or 64-bit versions of the operating systems listed above.

Core Accounting Capabilities - 5 Stars

FOUNDATION offers users excellent accounting and financial capability. The GL allows users to post transactions into both prior and future periods; it is a fully date-sensitive system. GL accounts are user-definable, and each account can be divided into four subdivisions for more in-depth tracking. FOUNDATION supports multiple companies and users which can be consolidated for more accurate reporting.

The AP module offers users simplified data entry options with data automatically populating data fields. Recurring invoices can be set up in FOUNDATION and vendor payment selection is flexible, with users able to produce positive pay. The AR module offers users multiple invoicing options including Time & Materials Billing and Unit Price Billing. Recurring billings can be set up, and users can also create custom invoices and custom customer statements.