The Parker Partnership has been using IRIS Software
since March 2003. Partner, Liz Raynor says "The IRIS system does
everything they said it would do. It is ultra reliable and it is a
fully integrated system."
The decision to install IRIS was made following the
merger of two local practices. Both firms were using different
software packages with the larger practice using Sage and the
smaller firm, Solution 6.
When two practices merge, a decision on which software package
to use can be a difficult one to make, especially as those using
the systems usually have a vested interest in avoiding change. The
advantage of installing a totally new system is that it is easier
to get everyone's full support and as Liz recalls, "it avoids all
the political shenanigans."
Liz continues "We needed to ensure that the new Partnership
would be able to benefit from an integrated system. At the time,
IRIS was winning all the awards and we decided we had to take a
look at it. We had never seen a bad word written about the company
so why would we look at anything else?"
The installation was 'no more painful than expected' and Liz
rates the IRIS training highly. She commented "Although, there was
a lot to take in, it was spread over two months which meant it was
easier to manage." The priority was to ensure that the Time &
Fees program was fully functional before concentrating on Tax and
Accounts Production.
The firm is impressed with IRIS Time & Fees and the
quality of the reports the program produces. "There are so many
aspects to the program that even now, we are still only using about
80% of its functionality." Both the Tax and Accounts departments
have found the programs to be 'self explanatory' so calls to the
IRIS Support lines are somewhat of a rarity. However, if necessary,
Liz and the staff have been pleasantly surprised by the fact that
the phones are answered promptly and queries are answered in the
space of just one call.
The Partners are confident that productivity benefits will
manifest themselves. Choosing the right system was a big decision
but the firm is happy with its progress and reassured that IRIS
'does everything it said it would.'
