Small businesses overwhelmed by bookkeeping and accounting technology can now get the help they need and on the go!
Apple approved Workbox, the first application that allows small businesses to run all bookkeeping functions right from their iPads.
The app, developed by Workbox Software, workboxsoftware.com, is designed to appeal to healthcare professionals, consultants, graphic designers, software developers, artists, landscapers, store owners, lawyers and other small operators and professionals who may have accountants but are intimidated by QuickBooks and similar pricier accounting systems.
"The Workbox system runs on the iPad and does not require an Internet connection which means it will be fast and always available, if you are on the road or on an airplane," said Workbox Founder and Developer Bob Glass.
Bob Glass a Major Business Software Developer for 30 Years
Glass founded Workbox in 2012 capping off a 30 plus year career as a major business software developer for the advertising, banking, insurance and manufacturing industries.
Datatech Software, which Glass launched in 1980, became one of the nation's dominant providers to the advertising industry earning Glass industry-wide recognition from top advertising agencies TBWA\Chiat\Day, Grey Worldwide, Draftfcb and MediaBrands. Datatech was acquired by Groupon founders Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell in 2007 and subsequently merged with Donovan Data Systems, another leader in the field, to form Mediaocean.
Glass got the idea for Workbox when he saw "how difficult it is for small businesses to manage their accounting in the middle of everything else they must do to survive and grow."
At a dinner with friends and a former client at New York City's famous Sparks Steak House, Eve Luppert, a nationally known human resources consultant and author of the best-seller "Rules for the Road," told Glass there were no good accounting programs to help her or others who rely on mobile devices to manage small businesses.
Glass then set up shop in the BankNote Building in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx sharing space with other entrepreneurs at the Sunshine Bronx Business Incubator, a joint venture of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Sunshine Suites, co-founded by Cheni Yerushalmi.
"There are some good accounting systems on the market but they are usually expensive, require Internet connections and accountants and bookkeepers to decipher," Glass said.
How Workbox Works
Users of Workbox will be able to download their app free from the Apple App Store and will be have unlimited access for free during a 90-day trial period.
After that, users with five or fewer clients can continue to use the system free of charge. Users with more than five clients can purchase the premium version for $4.99 a month which allows an unlimited number of clients.
"It will really depend on the users' degree of need," said Glass. "The free version is fully functional until the five-client threshold is reached."
Workbox's unique system allows single practitioners like therapists, tutors or lawyers to view their work visually on daily and weekly calendars and manage appointments with one-time and repeating appointments supported. "Using a calendar to view and enter time in a format that people are familiar with helps make sure that all time is accounted for," added Glass.
The system tracks and bills hourly tasks, products sold, services provided, fees and expenses. Its rate cards allow flexible pricing for products and services. It also tracks client projects with hour and dollar budgets and provides notifications when budgets have been exceeded.
"The system generates fast, accurate and professional looking invoices," said Glass." "Invoices can be printed or emailed directly from the iPad."
Our reports are easily generated with the tap of a button and give accountants all the information they need to know to do a company's books," said Glass. "Reports can be viewed on screen or printed or emailed and can be formatted as a PDF or CSV spreadsheet -- whatever the user prefers."
And for businesses that accept online payments, the system lets clients quickly pay their bills via PayPal or major credit card. A full suite of reports is available including time analysis, expense analysis, billing, aged accounts receivable, client payments, sales tax and project tracking.
Beta Testers Pleased with the Results
Framing store owner Gary Zaretsky has used the Workbox app to manage accounts receivable for his stores in Chappaqua and Scarsdale in Westchester County, N.Y.
"I love the feature where a big yellow balloon pops up to highlight accounts aged over 30 days," says Zaretsky, who counts Bill and Hillary Clinton and singer and actress Vanessa Williams as local customers. "It alerts me and gets my attention."
Zaretsky also likes Workbox's mobility. "I take my iPad between my two stores and even work on my accounts at home while I watch television," added Zaretsky. "That is what makes it a homerun for me."
Mandi Susman, a social media consultant who is also beta testing Workbox says, "It's made a big difference in my productivity. Having every hour accounted for has made me more conscious of how I spend my time so I can focus on what really matters!"
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