Review

For The Third Consecutive Year, CPA Software News Awards Tenrox With Perfect 5 Star Review
By Isaac O'Bannon, The CPA Software News, October 2002

Tenrox PSA R7 from Tenrox is a comprehensive collection of the company's project, expense, billing, workflow, purchasing and practice management modules that, when combined, provide a uniquely flexible and customizable total firm management system for organizations that depend on billable hours for revenue. The software, which offers user-definable interface and task management options, is available as either a single-user program or can be run across a network for multiple users. Tenrox PSA is also available as a web-based ASP version that allows almost full-featured use of the program with the benefits of remote hosting.

The version of the program will affect the resources required by the computers running the program, but for network environments, the program can operate across most Windows servers and Novel NetWare. The necessary server drive space depends on what components of the software are most utilized and how extensive the data input. Tenrox PSA, like most practice management software, is database driven (supporting SQL Server, Oracle, DB2 and MSDE databases), which means it grows in size as your client roster, number of users and data entry grow. Tenrox recommends that workstations in networks or running individually should have Pentium-class processors and meet the OS (Win95+) requirements for RAM (32MB at the very least), while needing about 110MB of disk space. For users of the web-hosted version of the application, the above workstation requirements are suggested, along with a dedicated, high-speed Internet connection. Remember, faster is always better, especially when trying to retrieve client data. Along this line, I would recommend a 500MHz or faster processor, as well. One of the benefits of web-based applications is the virtual elimination of installation and software updates. For those using the locally hosted version, the installation process is pretty straightforward for workstations and is expectedly more detailed on client/server installations. This review focuses on the web-hosted application.

Tenrox PSA's user interface begins with logging in to the application through Tenrox's web site using any web browser. After login, the screen provides a default screen that shows "Your Daily Schedule," a combination of tasking and pending work items. If the host computer uses Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes as its default e-mail application, Tenrox PSA integrates the inbox into this default screen, allowing the user to easily send and receive e-mails without having to leave the browser. The browser can, however, be minimized if desired. For security purposes, if the program is idle for more than a few minutes, the user will be required to log back in, thereby helping to prevent unauthorized use.

The remaining areas of the screen use an Outlook color scheme and contain a tabbed toolbar across the top with selections for Entry, Management, Setup, Analysis, Reports and Issues activities. Access rights can be determined for all users or for groups, allowing the restriction of access to sensitive areas such as management functions and the database. The program can also utilize information from payroll applications, accounting programs (QuickBooks, ACCPAC, Navision, Great Plains) and other MS Office programs such as Word, Excel and MS Project, helping to minimize re-entry of data and improve efficiency by using only one interface.

The time and expense modules included allow data entry in a number of ways, further revealing the suite's ability to be customized to fit the needs of its users. Timesheets can be entered through the Entry tab and then by selecting Timesheet, or through an e-mail interface. Expense data, similarly, is entered via a form presented by selecting Expense Report from the Entry tab. Through the Management, Analysis and Reports menus, users have access to various tracking tools (such as the Audit Trail), which allow for detailed scrutiny of several areas.

Tenrox offers technical support for all versions of the product through an optional plan that offers 24/7 online or toll-free tech support. Tenrox PSA also provides a free web-based support section that provides a good online knowledge bank and a selection of FAQs. Data output can be formatted for Crystal Reports, and the program can export data to a variety of accounting programs, including SAP, ACCPAC, QuickBooks and Great Plains.

Tenrox PSA is a remarkably scalable package that completes all time and expense-related auditing procedures, provides reports and gives analyses that management staff need, and it does so in a time- and cost-efficient program. It is simple to use, is very flexible in its customization and feature-rich modules, and provides a good supply of reports. The suite contains modules for virtually every aspect of firm management, including time & resource management, project management, timesheet management, expense management, invoicing, cost and revenue accounting, an R&D component, a workflow management system and a punch and time clock module.

The web-based version removes the headaches of network administration, allowing users to take full advantage of the product without keeping up with software updates or upgrading computers to handle the powerful databases. Tenrox PSA can be bought outright or it can be leased or used over the web on a per-user basis. Furthermore, Tenrox offers the program in small business and enterprise editions. Individual modules of the program can also be purchased separately. The pricing is heavily dependent on the number of users and modules utilized but generally falls around $200 per user.

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