2012 Review of CYMA Systems Inc. – CYMA Job Cost Accounting for Windows

 

Best Fit: CYMA is a best suited for mid-sized construction companies that require a solid job cost module, excellent job tracking capability, along with flexible billing capacity.

 

Strengths

• Modular design offers smaller companies purchasing flexibility
• Solid job cost module
• Highly customizable
• Excellent HR module

 

Potential Limitations

• No remote access capability
• No equipment management module available

 

CYMA Job Cost Accounting for Windows offers construction companies and contractors a solid accounting/financial product along with a powerful job cost module. Modular in design, CYMA is a completely integrated system that offers users a solid selection of system modules. CYMA offers an impressive list of features and can be used as a stand alone module as well.  

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

All system navigation in CYMA is completed through eDesk, which is found in the System Manager module and is required when running any CYMA module. Used as a centerpiece to all system functionality, the eDesk contains various learning tools which include the Getting Started Guide, as well as module tutorials. The eDesk interface can also be customized to suit the needs of all system users, and can store frequently used functions and common links for quick, easy access. A drop down menu bar at the top of the screen provides quick access to all system functions as well as various lists, banking information, and employee data. All data entry screens are user friendly and contain the necessary look up functions. CYMA currently offers system users three different data entry methods, so users can choose the method they are most comfortable with.

Along with excellent customization capability, the eDesk contains a series of financial calculators that provide job supervisors and managers with quick access to company financial information and Quick Entry grids allow those doing data entry to customize the process in each system module.  

The latest version of CYMA contains significant enhancements in Human Resources, Payroll, and Employee Self-Service. An additional release is due at the end of 2012 that will cover all modules.

CYMA Job Cost Accounting works with Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Vista. For the more robust server version, you’ll need Windows 2000+ Server edition.

CORE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES

Along with the System Manager module, which is required, CYMA offers solid accounting modules such as GL, AR, AP, Payroll, Sales Order, Client Billing, Purchase Order, and Bank Reconciliation. The GL module allows users to create accounts using up to 24 digit alphanumeric characters and up to 10 user-defined segments. CYMA uses a batch entry system, so transactions can be reviewed prior to posting. Users can also enter and track data in up to 100 custom fields, and accounts can be easily created on the fly. CYMA’s AP module allows users to establish and utilize multiple banks for transactions, supports EFT payments, and allows users to allocate expenses to projects and jobs. The AR module can process volume billing for multiple customers, handle numerous payment types, and can email statements directly to customers. CYMA’s Payroll module has been significantly enhanced in this latest release, and together with the new Human Resources products, allows users to better calculate salary accruals, and easily tracks various deduction types such as garnishments, child support payments, and charitable deductions. Various HR forms are also available for manager/supervisor use. The PR module also supports direct deposit, with new, customizable formats that will work with just about any financial institution. The batch system tracks all user transactions, and multi-level security is available for various system categories including company wide, data entry, and system functions.

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR-SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS  

CYMA users can enter job estimates for both skills/labor, and materials, and choose between the Detail Budget type and the Cost Code Budget type. CYMA tracks up to 6 different types of job cost categories, and users can invoice costs using a variety (up to 25) billing methods. The Maintain Jobs screen offers a comprehensive selection of information to be entered for each job, including contract revenue, budget, and actual totals, along with other financial information. The Budget Estimator allows project managers to determine the needed materials and skills for each job, resulting in more accurate, hands-on budgeting. CYMA’s main interface screen allows users to enter a comprehensive amount of information for each job including job details, invoicing information, labor, products used, tasks, and notes specific to each job.

All job charges can be adjusted as needed, with the corresponding journal entry created automatically.

The AP module maintains a detailed history for each vendor type entered in the system, so users can easily track suppliers, subcontractors, and general AP vendors easily. Customers can be entered and track by customer type, and varying levels of pricing can be assigned to each customer accordingly. A detailed payment history is available for each customer, and invoices can be generated in multiple time increments, as needed  The updated CYMA P/R module handles multi-state processing, tracks all levels of employee deductions, and the addition of HR forms makes it easy to track and process any payroll changes. The optional Inventory module creates custom units of measure and easily converts units of measure as needed. CYMA also offers users real time inventory tracking along with the ability to create user-defined tracking categories as needed. The optional purchase order module provides a detailed record of all purchases along with a budget control option to alert managers when a project is potentially going over-budget.

REPORTING & MANAGEMENT TOOLS

CYMA Job Cost Accounting offers a good selection of job costing reporting including the Job Types report, which offers management a solid view of all job types in progress. The Budget to Actual report is available in a variety of formats, including summary, detail, and cost only. CYMA’s customization capability means that users can create custom forms for customers and vendors, and also have the ability to email invoices and statements to customers as needed. For those looking for more customization options, users can opt for Crystal Reports, which seamlessly integrates with CYMA. Users can also attach documents, images, and notes to any job, vendor, customer, or inventory master file as needed. All CYMA reports can be exported using a variety of file formats including HTML, Word, Excel, and PDF. Excellent customization features in CYMA allow users to create custom invoices, statements, forms, and other correspondence.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT

All CYMA modules integrate with the required System Manager module and can be purchased as needed. Data from other third party applications can also be imported into various CYMA modules using a .CSV file format. Additional add-on modules available from CYMA include CYMA Forms, CYMA Alerts, CYMA State Payroll Forms, Crystal Reports, and the F9 Report Writer.
HELP/SUPPORT

CYMA offers users an excellent selection of tutorials designed to assist new users in system setup and basic navigation. An excellent ‘help’ function is also available. All new users are required to purchase the Software Maintenance Plan for the first year. The maintenance plan includes all software updates, enhancements, and service packs. There are also numerous product support packages available for users to choose from. The CYMA Knowledgebase provides users with immediate access to frequently asked questions (FAQ), and provides assistance with common system issues. CYMA also offers online training, and a complete set of training manuals are also available for all system modules.

SUMMARY

CYMA Job Cost Accounting is an excellent product for the mid-sized construction company that requires flexible job costing options along with excellent financial capability. CYMA’s modular design allows even small construction companies to purchase only the modules needed, with the ability to add more as needed. Currently priced at $645.00 per module, CYMA offers small to-mid-sized businesses a level of flexibility while building a system that will last.

OVERALL RATING: