Avoiding the hidden costs of computer conversions.

T most important aspect of computerization is “planning.” It is as important to plan for the actual transfer of data from a manual billing system to computer (computer conversion) as it is to plan for the purchase of a computer system for your business. With careful planning, both expected costs and unforseen costs of converting to the computer system won’t punch a giant hole in your checkbook. Most business owners spend their time and energy in the selection of the microcomputer that will best suit their needs. Once they have paid the price for the system they are surprised at the additional cost of the data transfer. Since many problems can arise during a computer conversion these costs can run as high as 30% of the initial cost of the system. The bulk of these costs could have been greatly reduced or avoided altogether with a little planning. Recently, one of our clients, a glazing contractor had been plagued with cash flow problems and was well aware of the loop holes in his manual billing system, as well as other related problems, despite a loyal, competent office staff. The solution then, was