Accounting software to manage a business can range from simple "off the shelf" packages to "all purpose" software provided by large multi-national vendors. Contractors however need software designed specifically for their industry. Blue Ridge Integrated Construction Software (BRICS), provides software designed not only to serve the needs of the accountants but also to capture and report the data needed for the chief executives, estimators, project managers, shop foremen and superintendents. Most packages provide Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and General Ledger modules. BRICS combines these modules in a tightly integrated combination with Job Cost, Equipment Management, Shop Inventory and Plant Management modules to provide a complete solution for the contractor.

Blue Ridge Construction Software was born out of the need to provide good "unit cost" based construction software. Starting with general accounting software we spent time with each construction client learning and responding to their needs. Our philosophy was not to make the client change his business to meet the needs of the computer but to make the computer software change to meet the needs of the client. From the beginning we have had the privilege to work with some of the leaders of the construction industry in Virginia whose input and suggestions have provided the basis for the BRICS software system.

Unlike many systems were Job Cost was added as an afterthought, BRICS is built around Job Cost so the system both monitors current and historical costs and can serve as a forecasting tool for future costs. We have designed the software that performs the everyday functions of doing business such as processing payroll, paying bills, collecting receipts, etc, to also serve as a collection point for data needed for job analysis and equipment management. This single entry concept provides an efficient and accurate means of gathering and storing the data to be used throughout the organization. For example, the Accounts Payable transaction entry screen can collect the subcontractor quantity and payment tracking(including retention, both billed and unbilled), the pay item material quantity tracking, sales tax collection for enterprise zone accounting, equipment charges directly to the piece of equipment and detail entry of repair parts being charged to the equipment.

Along with the concept of single entry, BRICS provides a tight integration between job cost / equipment cost and the general ledger. Entries to direct cost accounts (job costs) and indirect accounts (equipment costs) must be made to the job or piece of equipment, not to a general ledger account. The system takes care of then posting to the appropriate GL account based on the cost type classification code. This insures the direct costs and indirect costs sections of the income statement can be directly correlated to the job cost and equipment cost reports for any specified time period. This feature alone has made the software popular with the auditors and bonding companies. In addition to the usual four cost types (Labor, Material, Subcontract and Equipment), the BRICS systems allows up to 50 different cost type breakdowns.

Efficiency, integration, function, ease of use, support and service combine to make Blue Ridge Construction Software an excellent tool in the management of your construction company. "Bid Tab Software"