Built-in audit trail functionality tracks all system transactions with a report available for reviewing when desired. BIS offers multi-level security for all users, including module and menu level security options. Each edition of BIS offers increased security levels, with the Enterprise edition of BIS offering the most sophisticated system security options.

Construction/Contractor-Specific Features - 4.75 Stars

The BIS job cost module imports estimates from a variety of third-party applications, as well as from an Excel spreadsheet. The Job Cost function allows users to track expenses for every job in the system and compare actual totals to budgeted projections. Users can easily create job budgets which track material and labor, as well as equipment and subcontract costs.

The optional Job Scheduling module, available for the Professional or Enterprise edition is an excellent tool for project managers, providing them with the ability to schedule any job-related activity, track job progress and completion and costs incurred to date. Change orders are processed through the AR module and can be easily added and tracked. Change order totals can also be viewed, offering detail on budgets and adjustments as well as any adjustments made.

The new Time & Materials Billing functionality allows users to enter actual job related costs – such as labor, materials and equipment and add a percentage markup. The optional Subcontract module tracks insurance expiration dates, invoices, payments, retention, and back charges. Both the AP and the AR modules offer detailed information on vendors and customers, including transaction and billing history, with the ability to customize each account as needed.

The Payroll module tracks employee history, including salary, job history, tax information, Paid Time off accruals and adjustments. An optional Inventory module allows users to assign inventory items to a department, a group or a sub-group, establishes re-order levels, and even adds a product image to the inventory file. The Purchase Order module provides managers with the option to create vouchers for better spending control. An excellent Equipment module tracks every piece of equipment including serial numbers, fuel usage, mileage, and all related maintenance costs.

Reporting & Management Tools - 4.75 Stars

BIS contains excellent reporting capability, with each installed module containing a solid selection of reporting options. Job cost reporting options are particularly strong, with reports such as the Job Cost Status Report which provides users with the detailed expenses of each job in the system. The Labor Distribution Report allows managers to quickly view labor costs for each project.

The Job Cost Ledger is an excellent audit tool, providing users with a detailed listing of all system transactions posted for each job. Drill down capability can be found in all BIS reports, and the optional Report Writer module allows users to create custom reports with ease. AIA Billing is available in the BIS Job Billing module and comes with all of the necessary forms needed for change order processing, project billing and certificate of payment processing.

Both the Document Manager and the Document Link and Imaging modules offers excellent document management capability, first by tracking all of the necessary documents for each job, and then by linking all related documents into a central file. Users can create custom templates in the Document & Link Imaging module as well, and can easily access BIS from any remote location.

Integration/Import/Export - 5 Stars

Users can easily import budget and estimate data directly into BIS. BIS also offers custom programming for special applications which integrate BIS data with other management tools. All reports can be exported using a variety of file formats including PDF, RTF, Excel, and HTML. BIS is a completely integrated system, with all modules seamlessly integrated. Both Professional and Enterprise edition users can also mix and match modules as needed, buying only the ones necessary, and adding others at a later time.

Help/Support - 5 Stars