After using Timberline for job cost accounting for the past five years, Kelly Runge has seen a significant reduction in "the time that our payroll clerk used to incur doing manual calculations. That also resulted in a corresponding reduction in human errors. In addition, valuable time is saved in the way we are able to obtain job costing in real time as we need it -- daily, if necessary. When we have short duration jobs that can be crucial."

"I would estimate that the change in payroll processes reduced manual entry by up to 10 hours per week -- and that was with half as many employees as we currently have," Runge explained. "The ability to provide our project managers with detailed, timely job cost reports has allowed for immediate billings, thereby improving cash flow. Information is readily available for our PM's, which allows their assistants and our accounting personnel to focus on their normal tasks."

For the fully integrated accounting, job costing, and equipment management applications, Elexco paid $15,000, and Runge feels that Timberline provides good value. He recommended it to general or specialty contractors, adding that it would benefit "anyone who wants a system they won't outgrow and understands the value of being with a leading manufacturer."

One criticism is that while upon initial purchase good training and manuals were provided, "Timberline has gotten away from that and has encouraged utilizing the website and local consultants. If you are fortunate to find a good consultant, that's fine. However, I believe experienced consultants are in short order -- no matter what product you have."

Runge stresses that training is the key to using Timberline effectively, and the best method is "on the job" training. While "basic data entry can be accomplished by someone with limited skills, to make the most of the system, it takes someone with a better grasp of what happens 'behind the scenes' to provide full utilization and implementation."

With the proper training and a good transition plan, Runge would rate Sage Timberline Office an 8 out of 10 overall.