CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
Entity
Ventura County
Transportation Commission
Sally DeGeorge, C.P.A.
Finance Director
System (s)
Response
Peachtree
We currently use Peachtree (not recommending as it has limitations, but is easy to use - we will
be looking to change in the next year or two). Have you looked at Tyler’s Eden? SanBAG and
RCTC went with them. I have also looked at New World and Microsoft Dynamics – they looked
promising.
Tyler’s Eden
New World
Microsoft Dynamics
City of Richmond
Tina
Mckenney,Chief
Accountant
MUNIS by Tyler
Technologies
 MUNIS by Tyler Technologies is our current system.
LIKES:
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Full Government Accounting Based Platform
User Conferences are informative & allow you to directly interact with Programmers in
regards to user needs.
Program software is user friendly
Frequent System Updates to keep up with technology advances
Useful number of “canned” reports straight out of the box.
Separate Project Ledger that interfaces with the General Ledger to decrease number of
accounts in the General Ledger.
Labor intensive initial set-up, but allows for easy Chart of Accounts maintenance.
DISLIKES:
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On-Line Help is not very detailed
User Conferences are always held out of state and never in Western Region of U.S.
Program Module updates to correct “bugs” are not automatically installed and
installed only upon request.
Only 13 Accounting Periods.
Unable to perform “hard closes”.
I am satisfied with our current system based upon all of those that were reviewed during the
vetting process.
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Salinas Valley Solid
Waste Authority
Incode Version X from
Tyler Technologies
Roberto Moreno
Finance Manager
Cathleen Till
MAIS
Lemon-Grove
Tyler Industries
(Incode
1) We use Incode Version X from Tyler Technologies. What we really like is the reporting.
It can send any report to Excel or any other format that is out there very easily. It is
based on the .Net platform and make reporting very easy. We can also write our own
reports so that we don’t have to export data out to Excel and reformat it. For the price
we considered it a Best Buy
2) We would definitely stay with Incode Version X. It is a new system with a lot of
potential as they continue to improve it.
We have a system called MAIS. It’s Canadian, it is OLD and it feels “DOSy” if you know what I
mean. VERY rigid, doesn’t produce good financial statements, budgeting analysis non-existent,
limited drill down capability..I could go on.
I looked at Tyler Industries (Incode, it’s for smaller cities). At first I thought I would prefer a
hosted version, but after 3 years you reach breakeven, then you’re paying significantly (at least
for our small budget!) more.
City of San Bruno
Pak Lin
------------------------------------------Financial Services
Supervisor
Eden, a Tyler
Technology Financial
Management
Software
1) We are currently using Eden, a Tyler Technology Financial Management Software. It is
window based software which means that you can click your way to creating a new invoice,
editing that invoice, approving, and deleting. It's easier to use than Unix/Linux system based
software. It also allows decentralization for data entry, which cuts down on our accounting staff.
The Software includes the usual, accounts payable, accounts receivable, requisition,
purchase/change order, budgeting, and payroll. Because of the decentralization capability, each
employee can enter their own timesheet. The system will send the timesheet through the
approval queue. Those are the pros.
The cons: the system demands a lot from your computer and server so as you go into Version 5
and above, your window can freeze even crash. There are things about the program that just
doesn't seem to make sense. For example, when using the position budgeting module, the
system takes one pay period and estimates the payroll cost for the entire year.
However, if there are any changes in that pay period, the estimates will be inaccurate. From
experience, there is no perfect pay period where a Firefighter will not do overtime or get acting
pay and no one year where someone will not be in maternity leave. These nuances
will generate a wrong estimate. Another example is, within the invoice module, you can enter
the PO number, which is great, but you have to open a different window (the PO module) to find
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March 27, 2012
CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
out the remaining balance on that PO.
2) There are no perfect system in the world, but to choose, without knowing how the Oracle
software is like, Eden is still pretty good. There are bugs but the customer service will fit it in
due time. If there's a report you want, you can use Crystal Report to generate and customize
it. I have many days that I would swear off Crystal Report and Eden but all in all it's still
easier use and export data than the ABS system.
City of Glendale
Peoplesoft
Robert Elliot, CPA
Oracle Financials
Director of Finance
Tyler Munis
Tyler Eden
We use Peoplesoft. Prior to Glendale, I was in Burbank for 19 years, and we
implemented Oracle Financials in 1999. At one stage in 2007, we re-demoed for a 2nd
tier software when we were looking for an HR Payroll system , but ultimately, our IT
staff won out and the City stayed with Oracle.
Peoplesoft is ok, but I would argue, and have argued that mid sized governmental
agencies do not need tier 1 multinational warmed over corporate software that is terribly
expensive. We spend $1.5-2M per year supporting the software---costs for
maintenance and in house expertise.
That said, from a functional standpoint, I would recommend you look at Tyler Munis,
which is the software that all functional staff liked very much in 2007. They also have
“Eden” for small agencies, Munis is for larger agencies, and frankly, both are “only
government software”. I regret not pushing harder to get that software then, as my
former colleagues in Burbank are still struggling with Oracle.
City of Visalia
Melody Murch
Finance Manager
Sungard
The City of Visalia has just gone through an RFP process and we’re about to go to
ONESolution
Council with the recommendation to purchase Sungard ONESolution.
Harris Select
Our current system is Harris Select Financials, which is a legacy product. We
Financials
looked at the Harris upgrade path options (Northstar, Cayenta and GEMS) before
New World
going to RFP and during the RFP process we took a good look at both New World
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CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
Systems Logos
Systems Logos and Tyler Munis.
Tyler Munis
The main reasons we choose ONESolution were great customer service, good
references, more implementation support built into their proposal, Cognos
reporting functions and the well rounded package of features included in their
core financial product.
Humboldt Community
Services District
David Walkley
Finance Manager
Springbrook Software
In 2008 Humboldt Community Services District converted to an accounting system by
Springbrook Software and so far I’ve been pleased with their product and support.
Next year we’ll be converting to their newest version. As a water and sewer district we rely
heavily on their Utility Billing module but all their modules are designed specifically for
government accounting.
Likes:
- User interface.
- “wizards” for many routine processes.
- ODBC database (Microsoft SQL or Progress) database engine.
- Can access data from other programs such as Excel.
- Reports are created with Crystal and can be modified in house.
- Springbrook will develop custom reports (for a fee) if needed.
Dislikes:
-
The system is not cheap but I don’t think it’s unreasonable.
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CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
Contra Costa
Transportation Authority
Erick Cheung, CPA
New World Systems –
Logos
New World Systems – Logos. The reason we choose the system after a RFP process was that it
seemed the easiest to use for finance and non finance staff and gave us the reports (not free)
we wanted. We have only 19 staff people and also use consultants to assist us. We all use the
system, mainly for approving invoices but also for reporting and inquiry purposes as well. The
look and feel is like windows and most of the non finance people like having the information at
their fingertips. If you understand and like pivot tables in excel, you will like their Business
Analytics tool which creates pretty good reports, because the canned reports are only okay. I
use this tool to create fund level financial statements on a quarterly basis.
The cons are understanding and setting up the security permissions, but I think that is true with
any system you choose. The help desk is okay but you wished their response time was better
when I talk with our AP person. Some of our consultants have issues logging in remotely, but
that might not be an issue for you.
I’m sure you will hear this from various people. Have a good team in place and buy in from all
staff who will be using the system. We had one person from each department involved in the
RFP and Implementation process. It would be optimal to dedicate one of your senior finance
staff person to the project. For us it was me, because you needed someone who understands
the big picture and a working knowledge of all the modules. This was key when it came to
importing data from the old system into your new one and making sure the result is what you
expected.
Another concern for us was we had an in-house system that had a shelf life and needed the
new system to be turned on within eight months after selecting the vendor, which meant our
implementation time was tighter than maybe desired. Also, make sure the vendor understands
your critical needs. For us this was reporting and we thought we made it very clear during RFP
and Planning phase, but during implantation we didn’t set up PO’s for our contracts because
they thought we could get the information without it, but we couldn’t, so we had to come up
with a workaround.
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CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
City of West Covina
Eden Systems
Denise Bates
Accounting Manager
City of West Covina has used Eden Systems since 2004. We have the G/L, A/P, A/R modules as
well as Budget Preparation, Human Resources, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, Project Accounting
and Payroll.
It operates on a relational database and is easy to use and to drill down into information. As
we have built years of history in the database, it is great to multi-year analyses. It takes
minimal effort to maintain by our IT staff. All modules have a similar look and feel and are
fairly user-friendly.
It allows electronic approval queues to be set up in most modules so some paperwork can be
eliminated. They have a number of California clients and are up to speed on CalPERS reporting.
Town of Danville
Munis, Tyler Tech
Elizabeth Hudson
I like the enterprise integration, ease of standard reports, decentralized budgeting and
purchasing, electronic approvals, email delivery of paystubs. I don’t like that some of the
“upgrades”, which you have to install annually, break or remove previous features,
especially in the budget module.
Finance
Director/Treasurer
City of Larkspur
Amy Koenig
Munis, a Tyler Tech product.
Incode with Tyler
Tech
We are in the process of switching to Incode with Tyler Tech. The main reason we chose them
was because they had a viable hosted solution and we are tired of trying to keep up with
hardware issues. All you need is a PC with an internet connection. Their software looks really
great also- two citys near me (San Anselmo and Mill Valley) have switched already (to the inhouse solution- not the hosted version) and are happy with the change.
That being said- we have not changed yet so I really can't say how it will turn out! :)
City of La Palma
Lori Rake
Accountant
Fund Balance
We use Fund Balance and I like them because they are quick & efficient in answering any
questions/fixing any issues we may have. They also listen to their customers and take into
consideration any ideas or corrections we mention to them before they roll out the next
update.
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OCTA
IFAS (OneSolution)
Vicki Austin
Section Manager,
General Accounting
At OCTA, we use IFAS (OneSolution) which is a SunGard product. We’ve been on this system
for almost 20 years. We use the GL, AP, AR, FA, PE, EN, modules. We also partially use the PO
module, but only for interfacing from the purchasing system. I find it to be very flexible, which
at times can be confusing for some users, but it gives us everything we need.
We also use the jobledger side of the system which helps keep track of our Measure M, the
growth initiative here in Orange County, and other projects. They also have a very strong user
group. The product was recently updated and the company split the original product into two
different systems: OneSolution for local governments and higher education and Business Plus
for K-12. The original system began out of Chico (Bi-Tech) and was specifically written for fund
accounting.
I would stay with this product. I find it very flexible and able to provide us with everything we
need.
City of Morro Bay
Susan Slayton
New World System's
LOGOS.NET
INCODE, Tyler
Technology
New World System's LOGOS.NET product. It is VERY robust, which means that the data entry
needs to be consistent and detailed. You are putting more time in at the data entry level to
achieve better results with management reports. Definitely need training to get the most out of
the software.
I used INCODE, a Tyler Technology product, over in Porterville. Really liked it.
City of Sonoma
Carol E. Giovanatto,
Assistant City Manager
South Bay Regional Public
Communications Authority
Vilma S. Warner
Municipal Operations
Manager [MOM]
through Corbin Willits
Systems
The City of Sonoma is also looking to invest in new financial accounting system. We have a
system called Municipal Operations Manager [MOM] through Corbin Willits Systems. It is a
very old and inefficient system.
EDEN by TYLER
technologies
We use a financial software EDEN and is represented by TYLER technologies, they specialized
in government, I believe is all they do. I am new using the system but so far I like it is very
complete many of our cities around use it. It has budget, payroll, A/P, A/R, and more and they
have a very good support.
Finance Manager
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CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
City of Newman
Springbrook v7
Lewis A. Humphries |
Finance Director
Springbrook v7 Software out of Portland Oregon. Customer service is excellent. We use it for
GL, AR, AP, Payroll, Utility Billing (Water, Sewer, Garbage), Cash Receipts, Clearing House,
HR, and Business Licenses. Their conversion team was first rate. I'd definitely recommend
taking a look at them at least. It has a lot of stock reports and the ability to design and
save queries for data mining
Springbrook v7. Solid performance software. Easy to use and find information. Ability to
attach documents to a vendor or A/R account. Customer Service - they get back to you quickly
and are able to find a solution for all of our challenges. Very polite too.
I'd recommend emailing Jim Blair at jim.blair@sprbrk.com. He was our sales contact and was
very upfront and informative about their software.
City of Union City
Rich Digre
Tyler Industries Eden
System
Director of Administrative
Services
Union City uses Tyler Industries Eden System. We use their A/P, Payroll, H/R, G/L, A/R,
Req./P.O., Cash Receipts, Licensing, Project Accounting, Permits & Inspections and Budget
Prep. modules
Things we like about it is that it is a SQL based system that allows for easy access to the data for
generating reports, ability to access data from different modules and client support.
Dislikes, the System requires the complete account code stream to enter a new account rather
than just entering the new account code element, numerous system updates, Project
installation and
If we were to choose a Financial System, we would probably stay with Eden because it meets
our needs and we have been expanding the system to be used by our Planning, Building
Inspection, and GIS systems as well as integration with Laserfiche and Microsoft Excel 2010 for
ad hoc reporting.
City of Oroville
Diane MacMillan
Finance Director
Multiple
Operations
Manager (MOM)
by Corbin Willits
Systems, Inc.
Multiple Operations Manager (MOM) by Corbin Willits Systems, Inc.
We have been using this software since late 1990. We use General Ledger, A/P, A/R, fixed
assets, payroll and at one time we also used the business license module. I believe they
also have a utility module.
We are pleased with the versatility of the software, I think we are the ones not using it to it’s
full potential yet.
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CSMFO – Financial System responses – 03/12
City of Seal Beach
Springbrook version 6
We have Springbrook version 6 and will cost a lot more for us to upgrade
Financial Edge,
developed by a
company called
Blackbaud (Charleston
South Carolina, with a
presence in
California).
We currently use a system called the Financial Edge, developed by a company called Blackbaud
(Charleston South Carolina, with a presence in California).
Tyler
Technologies/InCode
The City of Lomita uses Tyler Technologies/InCode. The system is very user-friendly, there is
great technical support, and there is great interface between the General Ledger, Budget, A/P,
and A/R modules.
The City also uses the Utility Billing module for our water bills; we have experienced good
interface with the meter reading software used by the meter readers.
Shally Lin, Interim
Director of
Finance/City Treasurer
South Orange County
Wastewater Authority
Michael Demaree
Director of Finance
City of Lomita
Patsy Chavez
Administrative Services
Director
It has interactive modules for G/L, A/P, A/R, Payroll, Fixed Assets, and its own Online
Purchasing System. I’ve been working with computers and various programs for over 40 years
and this is the most user friendly program I have run across. It is not complicated, yet
sophisticated and detailed enough for any needs. Reports are easy to create and the generic
reports are easy enough to manipulate into anything you need. Importing and exporting is
fairly simple. But what has made the program the most popular for me is the staff at
Blackbaud. The majority of their support staff have degrees in accounting as well as a
background in computers. They strive to find solutions to your problems and help whenever
they can at little cost compared to other software firms I have dealt with. Their website is
Blackbaud.com and if you would like me to refer someone please let me know.
The City has been using this system for the past 4 years and it has proven to be one of the best
that I have ever used.
Palmdale Water District
Michael Williams, Finance
Manager/CFO
Microsoft Great
Plains
We use Microsoft Great Plains. It is a very robust system, however not very user
friendly and its reporting capabilities are weak. We utilize 3rd party software to generate
reports.
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Local & Regional
Government Services
Authorities
I’d select a firm to help you pick the best system for SCM. I’ve used this firm. Great people.
Richard H. Averett
Christine Panian (425) 216-4030
SoftResources LLC
Executive Director/CFO
City of Aliso Viejo
INCODE
Gina M Tharani, C.C.M.T
Dir. of Fin. Svcs./City Treasurer
INCODE- We like the system – it meets the City’s needs. User friendly. The City currently
uses the G/L, Purchase Orders, A/P, Fixed Assets, Project Accounting, P/R & Check
Reconciliation modules. Reports can be customized using Crystal Reports. INCODE
provides some basic canned reports that work well.
Would stay with INCODE but would recommend some enhancements to the Purchase Order
and exporting functions.
Vallecitos Water District
MSGovern
John Fusco MSCIS CPA
I have a lot of experience in this area so if you have questions please don’t hesitate to call.
Accounting Supervisor
Solano Irrigation District
Springbrook
Cammie Morin
Incode
Finance Director
At the water district are using MSGovern for financials in our ERP. We implemented in 2009
and the longer we use it the more we like it. It does a lot and the support is great
We are a small irrigation district and thus have extremely limited funds. We just went live on
Springbrook on 1/1/12. We have GL, AP, AR, CR, PR, Budgeting, Fixed Asses HR and Work
Orders.
For the price I find it to be a good buy. It’s not a fancy product. We have our final training later
this month with respect to the expanded report writer. The “canned” reports are somewhat
limited. The work order module seems as if it is a step child to the rest of the modules; the GL
does not interface with work orders. The general functionality is good and I would recommend
this produce to agencies with limited budgets.
We also seriously considered Incode.
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City of Pittsburg
EDEN Financial
City of Pittsburg has been on the EDEN Financial Systems for almost 7 years. My first
Deborah Yamamoto
Systems
major project was the conversion of the financial system from a system called
Sungard Pentamation
Cayenta/SFG which I was not familiar with.
EDEN financials supported by Tyler Technology is a web-based system. We started with
the G/L and then A/P, then converted Payroll, utility billing, and then A/R and Business
license. We also are utilizing a CORE cashiering module which interfaces to the G/L.
This is the third City I have worked for. I have used Sungard Pentamation, and a system
for Bi-tech. Overall, they are all pretty much the same. What the major difference that
I see is the support and training and system upgrades.
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