#1 most frequent
Canada
80.5%33 installations of 41
Top Performing Features
Direct deposit files
Direct deposit is the ability to electronically transfer pay to an employee’s personal bank account.
Category average: 7.4
API for custom integration
An API (application programming interface) provides a standard programming interface for connecting third-party systems to the software for data creation, access, updating and/or deletion.
Category average: 7.6
Single sign-on capability
The software system supports a centralized authentication mechanism allowing the user to access multiple systems with a single, centrally managed password.
Category average: 8.3
Areas for Improvement
Forecasting
Statistically forecast based on historical patterns and sales input, monitor accuracy and estimate new demand
Category average: 6.9
Inventory Planning
Establish projected inventory levels, monitor actual levels and compare with projected levels
Category average: 7.3
Performance Monitoring
Analyze business metrics and compare actual performance to plans, identify issues, prioritize demands and respond to changes
Category average: 7.3
Who Buys & Uses Sparkrock
#2 most frequent
United States of America
17.1%7 installations of 41
#3 most frequent
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2.4%1 installation of 41
All in one with Sparkrock
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
This software is very efficient and fully complies with the need to organize the company's employees and keep order with payroll and finances. It is cloud-based which saved us the tedious task of installation and congestion of our computers. Everything has been excellent with this tool.
Pros
- It contains all the complete accounting management to keep up-to-date payments with debtors and suppliers. I can have all the information in the system and make payments through the same means.
- It allows us to issue customized invoices quickly and recurring billing is very agile as well.
- Payroll is handled perfectly with the software, as we also manage the employee management and hiring process there.
Cons
- The problem with a cloud-based program is that it is impossible to work it without a connection or bad internet connection, which is a big limitation.
- Not all the functions are used and there are so many that can become overwhelming at the beginning of the use of the software.
- They could have configured in a more organic or friendly way the main panel so that it would be a much more navigable experience for the page.
Return on Investment
- This is a great software that allows you to keep up to date with the workforce and the company's financials and payroll all in one program. It is getting the whole company on board and the pace of work is improving and being productive. Activities are performed more efficiently and employee monitoring is achieved in real-time. The performance of activities has increased considerably thanks to Sparkrock.
Usability
Dynamics CRM Helps Connect our Dots
Pros
- Data collection - the system is robust and we can tailor it to collect the information we need.
- Easily configurable - the system is easy to configure to meet our specific business needs.
- Reporting and data extraction - the system allows for easy access to information that helps inform business decisions.
Cons
- Learning curve can be a challenge for some, but by having dedicated support channels to help users find the answers to questions they need, users can adapt to the processes quickly.
- While reporting is a positive, the sheer robustness of the system can be overwhelming for some. Understanding how to extract the exact data they want can be challenging at times.
- The system is huge. There is so much to learn that getting users to focus on the basics first can be a challenge. That said, we'd rather have a system that includes many areas of functionality that we can grow into than feel limited by lack of system potential.
Return on Investment
- In some cases the system has helped bring efficiencies to our world. The workflow capabilities of Dynamics CRM are extremely functional and helpful.
- The learning curve can be challenging for some. Those that are overwhelmed by technology in general can struggle with understanding how the system works and where to find what they need.
The Solution of the Future!
Pros
- Altus Dynamics is very customer focused! Altus Alliance is just one example!
- Offers an integrated product which meets the needs of the users!
- Continuously invests in the product to make each release better than the last!
Cons
- Building in additional training support for end users as part of an implementation or upgrade.
- Sharing of best practices amongst like minded organizations and creating system and or reporting standardizations where possible.
- It would be great to see a "cashless schools" module as part of the product which integrates into the financial system!
Return on Investment
- With using Kwiktag as part of our solution we are now able to provide our auditors with a computer and read-only access to our solution which has saved both parties considerable amount of manual labour in digging through files. Everything is available electronically at our fingertips.
- We have also saved extensive hours of filing. We use to file invoices for example, by vendor and now through the integration of Kwiktag we are able to file by batch.
- The solution has helped to transform the roles within our organization from being data input in nature to being more analytical in nature. This is a result of now having "real-time" data available at our fingertips.
Altus Dynamics is dynamic!
Pros
- Integrates finance with payroll. Many solutions still run these as separate functions and this was one of the deciding factors for King's when purchasing Microsoft NAV in 2005.
- Altus has added an employee web app that seamlessly connects the outside 'users' to the information they require.
- HR position management has taken the many details of an employee in this environment and allowed each position to be tracked individually.
Cons
- Many of the improvements are being met with each upgrade. Altus Dynamics has an idea portal that customers can add ideas to and vote on other customer ideas. This means that most issues that come up are resolved with each new upgrade.
Return on Investment
- There has been no increase in finance staffing over the last 5 years.
- Purchasing is more effective and employees in other departments are able to take control of their own purchase orders.
- Employees can check pay stubs, update personal information and submit expenses. This not only empowers others it allows finance to focus on other areas.
Other Software Used
OneDrive, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Exchange
Great Support
Pros
- Dimension combinations allow us to report on expenses in various ways.
- The support from Altus Dynamics is superb. They truly understand our business processes and help mold the software solution around that.
- The migration to the Altus Dynamics ERP is one of the smoothest deployments of my career.
Cons
- Custom development/reports are difficult to do on our own, however Altus Dynamics is open to assisting with that.
Return on Investment
- As a technician it's hard for me to say what effect the ROI has had on our organization, however our finance team seems satisfied on it. We look forward to deploying the staff dashboards for better financial tracking throughout our whole organization.
