2012 Review of Sage Master Builder

Sage Master Builder includes very impressive analysis and reporting capabilities, including overall financial analysis and project-by-project insight, with a total of more than 1,000 pre-configured, customizable reports. The report writing wizard guides you through custom report creation. For accounting-focused reporting, the system includes a library of GAAP statements, including multiple options for trial balance, balance sheet, income statement, GL, journals, check registers, cash flow statements, AP and AR aging and analysis, retention, and other financial reports and documents.

Construction-focused reporting options include extensive job costing with summaries, WIPs, billing and profitability, as well as bonding reports, budgeting, proposals and home builder reports. Customer invoicing is AIA compliant and the program offers customizable templates for client letters, proposals and estimates. Sage Master Builder includes a document control feature that stores job-related documents in a single location. A mobile app from Data-Maxx is available for time tracking, inventory and purchasing, and while SaaS and native remote access isn't available, it can be used with third party remote access programs like LogMeIn and GoToMyPC. The system can also be hosted by an application service provider (ASP).

Integration/Import/Export - 4.75 Stars

All of the modules in Sage Master Builder share databases that enable seamless integration with the other modules. Additionally, the system can work with Sage's or other third party estimating programs and offers email dispatch and client communication functions.

Help/Support - 5 Stars

Built-in support features include a getting started guide, fully indexed help utility and quick access to support and help topics from the program's home page. Online support is accessible via personalizable customer portals, and include a knowledgebase, program updates, installation guides, access to the user community and tracking of support issues. Sage University also offers a variety of training options. The system is supported by a nationwide network of Sage partners who are available for training, implementation, sales and consulting. Updates are available by CD or manual download. All support is U.S. based.

Summary

With exceptional job costing, reporting and estimating features, Sage Master Builder is best suited to growing mid-sized construction firms that have outgrown generic small business accounting software. The core system, which includes GL, AP, AR, payroll and equipment costing, is priced at about $3,000 for the first software user. Pricing for additional modules, like service management, inventory, equipment management, document control, and estimating, varies.

2012 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars