From the Nov. 2007 Review of Time
& Billing Systems
Tabs3 Billing Software Version 14.2 from Software Technology, Inc. is a crossover
product from the legal industry, accommodating service-based professionals for
25 years. Able to handle complex hourly rate structures and fixed fee contracts,
it offers strong integration with PracticeMaster, the company’s suite
for calendaring, scheduling and client management. Additional accounting modules
for GL, AP and trust accounting can be purchased from the vendor. A single-user
license that can track time for up to two staff members is $295; a single-user,
five-staff option is $495. Multi-user packages start at $495. Optional annual
maintenance can be purchased at 30 percent to 35 percent of the license fee.
Ease of Use/Navigation Features — 5 Stars
The application is intuitive and is relatively straightforward to navigate using
a tabbed interface with Task Folders. A user can easily find the tool, wizard
or data-entry screen needed to accomplish a particular task. Data entry and
retrieval is accommodated well, and there is little difficulty in creating new
entries. Groupings are logical for client records and their associated settings
for billing preferences, statements and AR. Consolidation of record information
is an appreciated timesaver and keeps the application from being overly complex.
Rates, notes, budget and AR balances, among other details, are retrieved with
the rest of the client’s records and made available. Searching for existing
records and making updates can be performed with built-in lookup tools.
With the expectation that a single user will be keeping time records current
for multiple professionals, new entries can be created via a fee entry window.
For multi-user offices, the timer function is appropriately simple, and the
option for “rapid fees” (quick entries) is a definite timesaver,
particularly for employees whose work is billed on the intended hourly rate
structure. A recap tool can assist in QA processes to ensure that time has been
appropriately entered and has the desired detail provided. Last year’s
review noted the requirement to be in a specific client’s record when
accessing the fee window; that is no longer a requirement as the fee entry operation
is fully independent. Multiple fee windows can remain open, allowing the user
to operate multiple timers or update multiple client fee records simultaneously.
Management Functions — 4.5 Stars
Time and billing records are often used as performance indicators for managers.
Tabs3 provides for budget monitoring and notification if a project has exceeded
the allotted amount. Profitability of timekeepers and rates of recovery for
clients can readily be determined both in timekeeper details and from available
reports. Some management tools in Tabs3 may be relevant to the legal community,
like the conflict of interest search tool, though these can be useful when providing
multiple services to clients. The DropBox function is a receiving box for each
software user, intended to receive printed reports, though it can also be used
for temporary storage of any data file. Beware, though, files are automatically
deleted when the application is closed (a function I regularly desire for the
inbox on my desk!).
Billing & Reporting — 5 Stars
A considerable number of reports and report-generating tools are presented to
the user, including client-specific transaction reports, budget status, funds,
business analytical reports for realization and cash, and write-up/down by client
or timekeeper. Reports include sort features and multi-range selections, plus
layout options and the ability to save and recall custom settings. To simplify
report production, a unique tool called the Suite Manager allows for scheduled
production of report groups. Compiled reports can be previewed on-screen, printed,
saved in PDF format, or sent to the user’s DropBox.
The majority of firms will be adequately served by the many types of billing
methods available. Fixed fee, split fee and retainers serve longer-term contract-based
obligations. Firms requiring hourly and quoted-hourly can make use of task codes,
budgets and hourly rate billing options, as well as track and bill expenses.
Summary and detail statements are available, and templates can be created or
modified using the statement designer. Designing statements may require a bit
of learning, but the user is given total control over the layout, field selection,
and custom queries for information presentation.
Integration — 4.5 Stars
Other Tabs3 applications are intended to be used in an integrated fashion, including
the General Ledger and Trust Accounting software packages. QuickBooks integration
can be achieved in two manners — one through *.IIF, which produces a file
of journal entries that can be posted to a QuickBooks account via the import
process; the other through QBXML, which allows for direct data transfer into
a QuickBooks file. A remote entry package is available to take client data on
the road and make updates for time and billing records, synchronizing the two
upon return to the office. DTE InHand software for Palm and the Tabs3 Palm Application
allow for handheld updating of time and fee records. Most importantly, though,
is the integration with the Tabs3 PracticeMaster application, a practice management
suite with the ability to handle workflows and manage clients. The basic edition
of PracticeMaster is included for free.
User Support & Help — 5 Stars
Tabs3 provides a significant level of support for customers, both within the
application and via the vendor’s website. Support plans are available
to receive new versions and updates as well as unlimited software-related technical
support. Startup tips encourage users to explore extended functionality of the
system, while slideshows can be installed to assist in training and basic user
orientation to the screens, tabs and setup tasks. An online newsletter is provided
on the website, as is a knowledgebase; both are accessible from within the application.
Extensive Help and comprehensive manuals round out the assistance tools offered.
2007 Overall Rating: 5 Stars
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Tags: Technology
