Hi All,

I have been asked by the fellow who installed the HVAC system for our new home to help him find some software to better run his business. Here is some general information:

1. They install heating, air conditioning systems & fireplaces - typically in new homes.

2. They have an in-house sheet metal shop for constructing their own ductwork and other items on an 'as needed' basis.

3. They have just built a huge new showroom/warehouse/manufacturing facility.

4. The owner has finally reached the limit of his abilities to run the whole business from his head <g> and now recognizes the need to 'formalize' his business.

5. He has little or no computer experience, nor any desire to spend a lot of time learning. IOW, he's willing to turn this over to his daughter and other employees. As such he will need to have the ability to track & monitor the progress of work easily.

6. He would like to keep costs private. Only he and his partner would have access to this data.

7. He needs to be able to create the following Work Order / Work Flow:

a) Hand write Work Order. Get it accepted.
b) Enter the WO into the computer system, item by item.
c) Do the 'rough' work.
d) Send a bill for 80%. He would like to aggregate the various pieces of any given Work Order into a more generalized format.
e) Keep the WO active.
f) Finish job.
g) Add any changes/adjustments.
h) Send final bill.

For example, for ordering & inventory control purposes:

 1 XYZ123 Condenser                                    $Some Item Price
 2 12 x 24 ducts                                       $Some Item Price
 1 4.5 ton Model ColdSweat #X-12 air conditioner       $Some Item Price
 1 Model ER43-90 (90,000 BTU) Furnace (upstairs)       $Some Item Price
 1 Model ER43-50 (50,000 BTU) Furnace (downstairs)     $Some Item Price

and turn it into:

 Furnace & Air Conditioning System, Lot 20 Summer 
 Place Cove                                           $Some Total Price

for consumption by his customers (contractors primarily). IOW, he doesn't want to precipitate a situation where contractors start to price compare. Some get better prices based on issues like how long they've been doing business with him, how much they do annually, special arangements that have been put in place at some point in time.

That is, he wants to condense the line items into a more generalized account.

8. Also, he needs, at a certain point, to be able to bill 'X' (80 now) percent of the overall bill total.

9. The remaining balance then needs to be billed after the 'finish' work is completed.

10. Often, work is done for the same contractor at multiple locations. Being able to send an aggregated account statement with individual job site current bills would be really great to have.

11. Scheduling would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.

12. TIme Clock integration would be a big plus.

13. Export or direct links to QuickBooks Pro 2000 is preferred.

14. Print checks (though QB could do this).

Essentially, he needs as simple a package that he can get to help him to begin to get better control of his business. He's not looking for anything fancy but at the same time he'd like something that has the features he wants. He doesn't think that he needs to write something from the ground up as there is sure to be something already written. I agree.

Any references, tips, suggestions, etc??

TIA!!!!