User3204 Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 Hi, We're in the process of changing to Academy status, and the Finance Officer has asked me to look at software used for the finances. Currently we use FMS for purchasing, and Sage for payroll. But, as part of the Academy thing, we're going to have to be able to do more reports etc, What she, and I was after was wondering what software people are using. We've had a couple of quotes to do the changeover, from Capita and Sage, and someone or other. I have to admit, not knowing exactly what she's after, but if there's any finance related people on here, in an academy school, I hope you know what my fiance officer is after. Thanks.
alan-d Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 The new FMS includes reports that Academy Status requires.
vikpaw Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 I think some people said they used corero, but i'm not sure.
Soulfish Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 Our FD purchased PSFinancials having used corero at her last Academy. She's really liking PSFinancials and says that it's a lot better than the products she's used in the past, but has a bit of a learning curve. As a end user the web based PO system is great
elsiegee40 Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 At my governor school, we stuck with FMS for conversion and it's done the job OK so far, but at the last Finance Committee meeting we were discussing alternatives as FMS will not provide us with all we need as we move forward. Our Bursar should be bringing the suggestions to the table for the next meeting - but that isn't for a month. If I hear anything before, I'll post. I work in an independent and we use Sage Line 50 and Sage Payroll... and frankly I think both are fab from a support point of view and the Bursar loves them too! 1
bossman Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 Our FD purchased PSFinancials having used corero at her last Academy. She's really liking PSFinancials and says that it's a lot better than the products she's used in the past, but has a bit of a learning curve. As a end user the web based PO system is great Yeas we have been using FPSadvance for quite sometime as a standalone but now if my memory serves me it is an integrated part of FMS as they are now one of Capita's FMS partners. Have already spoken to our DHT as to whether we go down the Sage route but one has to measure the impact on one's finance team and how much training they will need or be provided as part of the support service from Sage, plus it's a northern firm not far from us which is good as we like to support our local business's.
FragglePete Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 We've moved over to PS Financials here when we went Academy. The finance team have struggled with it, as mentioned, the learning curve is a bit steep but overall it seems very good once we get to grips with it. Runs on SQL Server with its own Web Portal; I've got it running on a small VM with no worries. Pete
elsiegee40 Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 Sage is such widespread software that it is easy to recruit staff familiar with it... they don't have to have worked in a school. the Accountants and auditors all seem to use it too.
PhilNeal Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 You'd never know it from this thread but around 60% of academies have chosen FMS.
elsiegee40 Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) You'd never know it from this thread but around 60% of academies have chosen FMS. Around 60% of academies have stayed with FMS because it's once less thing to complicate an already complicated process. With dust settling, a year down the line we are now reviewing what is best. We might stay with it. We might not. Academies don't get a deal on SIMS and FMS through the LA and have to watch every penny they spend... so shopping around in inevitable and Capita will be foolhardy if they assume they won't change. Edited October 18, 2011 by elsiegee40
PhilNeal Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 @elsiegee40 point noted and we'll be working hard to ensure that academies get value.
User3204 Posted October 19, 2011 Author Posted October 19, 2011 You'd never know it from this thread but around 60% of academies have chosen FMS. Possibly due to the cost, currently we have FMS, which works fine, but Academy we have to transfer so we have to look at three quotes in the usual way. Of course, Capita have quoted about a quarter of the price that one of the others have quoted.. so currently leading... on cost, AND on usability. There's just a few little niggles that She has with FMS, the fact that everyone can see and use any budget is mildly annoying her. I'll pass all these onto her.
bigjb Posted October 19, 2011 Posted October 19, 2011 We converted on the 1st September and went from an LEA provided finance software to a academy customized Sage 200 provided by a company called Viking Management Systems Viking Management Systems Ltd
PhilNeal Posted October 19, 2011 Posted October 19, 2011 @User3204 - cost centre permissions are in the next release. Pleased to note that we were significantly cheaper than some!
john Posted October 19, 2011 Posted October 19, 2011 Our FD purchased PSFinancials having used corero at her last Academy. She's really liking PSFinancials and says that it's a lot better than the products she's used in the past, but has a bit of a learning curve. As a end user the web based PO system is great That PO System sounds exciting we are looking at a replacement for RM Financial and POs are a big issue for us currently so that sounds a nice thing.
Grumpy Posted February 7, 2012 Posted February 7, 2012 We have switched to PSFinancials from FMS. Finance team struggled like blazes but are getting to grips with it now after 5 months. Technically it can be a pain. I setup a new server for it, server2008R2 and PSF did the install and config. The web based bit aint to bad but the application can run slow as can doc emailer. Im currently testing it on 3 PC and 2 laptops to try and find out why its so slow and I havnt got a clue whats going on. Brand new server, nothing else running on it, brand new Vostro 3750 laptop that runs SIMs and FMS fine, PSF grind grind wait a few minutes. Click on a drop down and wait 30 seconds and get a not responding message. PSF seem to have stopped talking to me now as I dont get a response to my emails. All those years I hated FMS and right now I would chew my right arm off to have it back and yes the new FMS does do VAT and all the rports mentioned above. Our local LA SIMs support team say loads of people are thinking of going back to FMS or already have but then I suppose they would say that. GOOD LUCK and if it aint broke dont fixit especially when it will cost you well over £20,000 in the first year. 1
john Posted February 7, 2012 Posted February 7, 2012 We are likely to be heading down the Corero route as its integration with systems we use / will be using, such as Serco Progresso is a great feature
Sylv3r Posted February 9, 2012 Posted February 9, 2012 Not looked into it in much detail yet, but our early indications are to move away from FMS to Corero too.
Grumpy Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Around 60% of academies have stayed with FMS because it's once less thing to complicate an already complicated process. With dust settling, a year down the line we are now reviewing what is best. We might stay with it. We might not. Academies don't get a deal on SIMS and FMS through the LA and have to watch every penny they spend... so shopping around in inevitable and Capita will be foolhardy if they assume they won't change. If you are watching the pennys then PSF wont help that situation as its much more expensive than FMS etc. Give me back FMS everyday as I have had nothing but trouble with PSF and its been ongoing since Sep 2011 with no resolution in site. Start at £25k and keep going upwards.
Edu-IT Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Problem with moving from a system such as FMS is not only the amount of time it's going to take to adjust and train on new system, but can any data be transferred across too? What happens if you need access to records from FMS?
matt40k Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 But can any data be transferred across too? What happens if you need access to records from FMS? You open FMS. You wouldn't want to fix the Academy and LA school accounts anyway as they are completely different setup.
Edu-IT Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 You open FMS. You wouldn't want to fix the Academy and LA school accounts anyway as they are completely different setup. I guess what I was getting at is will that still work, even if you choose not to go with FMS anymore? Does the LA license become null and void for your site?
matt40k Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 The data is regarding an LA school. When you access it (I'm hoping only a read-only copy too) you are acting as a LA school. My argument anyway.
Edu-IT Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 True, but whether it'll work like that is a different matter? The LA aren't going to keep a license sitting there for you just so you can open your data are they?
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