When something unique is needed, customization is necessary
Hopefully prior to agreeing to purchase the accounting application, any special requirements were identified. It is inevitable that some unique requirement
comes to the forefront. This could be something as simple as adjusting the data on a report or screen or perhaps more involved as needing to track additional
data that is currently not kept in the accounting application.
Report and screen modication tools are usually built into most mid-market accounting application and these tools should be used first when attempting
to provide a solution for the unique requirement. When the need goes beyond this, then the client has the option of several developments tools at their
disposal. Whatever option is choosen, care must be taken to make sure that the underlying integrity of the accounting data is not affected. Given this, anyone
of a number of Microsoft development platforms can be used; Visual Basic, MS-Access or any other tool that can access an ODBC compliant database.
The client hopefully has the option of using on-site staff to create these custom applications or they can be out-sourced to a developer who is not only certified
in the use of the developer tool but also in the accounting application around which the application is based.
Whatever the unique requirements are, in the event that they are mission critical, the accounting application will not go live until the are created,
tested and put into operation. You do not want to your developer working under demanding conditions where users are desperating waiting for the customization
to be completed.
Hopefully the customization will have a similar look and feel as the host accounting application. This will make it easier for the users as they will
feel comfortable using something that is familiar.
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