Government, like any business, reaches peak performance through streamlined practices and cohesiveness by applying such devices as uniform state and local government software. However, due to the sheer volume of departments, efficiency sometimes sidesteps for status quo. For example, software for local government often differs from state government software. This requires the additional costly step of software interfacing, paid for by taxpayer dollars.

Standardized government accounting software cuts unnecessary expenditures and keeps misplaced funds in check. It ensures all fees, taxes and payments reach their correct destinations. To find the best government software solution for you, keep the following in mind:

1. Does the new software interface with the current government software you’re keeping in place?

2. Does the software company offer training styles and schedules that are compatible for your group?

3. Does the software company have a good support team?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Examine the functionality of the government software you're currently using

Labor saving, hence money-saving, steps are as simple as utilizing menus that funnel into submenus instead of having to backtrack into separate categories or main pages. These additional steps cost time, which costs money. Choose new software that cleans up any unnecessary steps created by your old software.

I recommend: ActiveGovernment is an excellent organizational software program. In addition, AccuFund blends government system requirements with off-the-shelf Windows products.

Honestly evaluate the vendor's local and state government software support network and the potential

Your vendor relationship is important because it's ever-evolving as the types of departments, number of employees, and taxes change and technology grows. Ensure their customer support hours work with yours and, though it's not always a negative, be aware certain companies will only offer software options from establishments they have preexistent business deals with.

I recommend: IDC provides software and support that works well with Windows, Linux or UNIX. Donald R. Frey & Company specializes in fund, or not-for-profit, accounting.

Determine the flexibility of the provider's software for government

You need scalable state and local government software to adjust to each locale's demands. Your local government software will handle things like payroll, utility billing, grants and projects, which alters with each municipal district. The state will need similar software solutions, but on a larger scale.

I recommend: Pitney Bowes has developed geocoding software, called Business Geographics, to deal with the changing nature of municipal jurisdictions. Microsoft Dynamics NAV handles business management growth.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before deciding on local government software solutions, determine if buying new or replacement computers are in the immediate or near future. Since new computers come with the latest operating systems, establish that these newer models will interface with the state's software and systems.