Company Description
Nature of the Business
Who Is Accounting Management Systems?
Accounting Management Systems is a sole proprietorship operated by Richard L. Sawinski. His resume available upon request. This company will provide consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses. Its primary services are to assist in selecting and implementing microcomputer accounting systems. Secondary services would include implementation of related business programs and hardware and possibly sales of specific hardware and software. Retail sales are not the focus of this business.
What Marketplace Needs Will Ams Meet?
All businesses need to be managed. The basic process of management is to: collect information about the business, its day to day operations, its customers and its environment; to compare the information with past information, projections and information about competitors; and to make decisions about the businesses activities. A sound accounting/management system using readily available computer technology can collect data accurately, minimizing chances for human error. It can also analyze the report on the data quickly and communicate the information to staff, customers and associated businesses. Because the accounting/management system is central to any business, managers also have needs beyond the mechanics of the system itself, including obtaining a solution on a timely basis, cost effective implementation and operation of the system, and confidence in the abilities of the service provider.
Who Has the Needs for My Service?
All businesses have these needs. Owners and managers are faced with more and more information with which to make decisions about their operations. They see current computer technology every day in newspapers, department stores and in other businesses. This technology promises to help them do more work in less time with better results.
Most of the skills will not be needed on an ongoing basis, sohiring or training staff cannot usually be justified. The business simply wants a solution that will meet their needs, one that works when it is supposed to, and is cost effective to implement and operate.
Accounting Management Competitive Advantages
Account Management Systems offers four and a half years of direct experience in the selection and implementation of off-the-shelf microcomputer accounting programs.
Formal training and nine years combined experience in both the management and operation of a variety of different business will help to provide a ready understanding of the specific needs in each client situation.
Polished communications skills will quickly and accurately document the client's needs, the alternatives and recommendations for change.
Direct experience with various mini- and microcomputer equipment, current knowledge of the latest PC technology and existing contacts among resellers and other consultants will help to ensure up-to-date solutions and smooth transitions.
Low overhead costs will help with profitability in the first few years.
Competitive Weaknesses
Reliance on a single person is a drawback. Only so many hours are available to perform chargeable services, prospect for new clients, manage the business and maintain or learn new skills. This is also the source of considerable flexibility in choosing with services to offer and which skills to obtain.
Some engagements will require specific skills that are not possessed and cannot be learned quickly. Through contacts in the consulting and computer sales industry these functions will have to be sub-contracted or referred to other parties.
During a typical engagement some functions are more labour intensive, such as installing cable and the physical installation of other equipment. In order to maximize chargeable time and profit, these functions may be sub-contracted to third parties with whom Accounting Management Systems has dealt in the past.
Initially, a lack of formal offices and a professional image will pose problems. Meeting space has already been secured with several computer dealers and office management contacts on an as-needed basis. Options for rented space and a leased vehicle are examined in detail in the body of this report.
Answering services are being met initially with a computerized voice mail box system. A cellular telephone is also an option that is being considered.
Marketing and Sales Activities
