Typically no. The server simply needs to be connected to your network - there's nothing complex to install. It's designed as an appliance that you can set up yourself.

If you feel you need on-site assistance, you can discuss this with the team, but it's usually not necessary.

Most implementations take 8-12 weeks from kickoff to go-live, depending on:

• Your data preparation readiness
• Team availability for training sessions
• Complexity of your business processes
• Number of locations and users

You'll complete a worksheet (included in the training manual) with:

• User names, passwords, and email addresses
• Printer information (make, model, IP addresses)
• Network configuration details
• Data preparation for master files (customers, vendors, inventory, general ledger)

Data layouts will be sent to you early in the process showing the format needed for importing your master files. Getting your data into the correct format is crucial for a smooth transition.

The training manual ships as a hard copy via UPS and typically arrives within 1-2 business days. A PDF version can also be emailed to you for distribution to your team.

The manual includes:

• Overview of the implementation process
• Suggested training session schedules
• Data preparation worksheets
• Reference materials for key functions

Training follows two distinct phases:

Match attendees to their actual job functions:

Having 10+ order entry people in one session creates problems:

• Becomes a committee meeting with everyone debating how things should work
• Experienced users dominate discussions while new people stay quiet
• Trainer cannot give individual attention or see everyone's screen
• Questions get lost or go unasked
• Learning pace is uneven - some are bored, others are lost

Better approach: Train 3-4 key people first, let them become "champions," then they help train others using what they learned.

You need the server connected to your network to begin training. However, use the waiting time productively:

• Review the training manual overview
• Complete the data preparation worksheets
• Identify who should attend which sessions
• Start preparing your master file data (customers, vendors, inventory)

Yes! Your maintenance includes unlimited support and training:

• Initial implementation training
• Refresher training anytime you need it
• New employee training
• Advanced features training
• Phone, email, and remote support
• All training materials

Yes! The Business Edge can be configured two ways:

Yes! This is a smart interim strategy.

Setup:

• Main company (e.g., "Fastener Company One") is the parent entity
• Other locations (e.g., "Fastener Company Two") set up as Branch B
• Fastener Company One keeps its EIN and files taxes separately
• But operates as a branch in the system for operational efficiency

Benefits:

• Shared inventory visibility across all locations
• Ability to transfer inventory between branches
• Consolidated or separate financial reporting as needed
• Customers can use one account across all branches
• Easy transition when you're ready to consolidate tax IDs

When you're ready to consolidate:

• Simply change reporting structure
• No data migration needed - already in one system
• Historical data remains intact

Yes! When you print purchase orders, sales orders, invoices, or quotes, the letterhead automatically changes based on which branch it's coming from - without the operator needing to do anything.

For example, if you have "Fastener Company One" with "Fastener Company Two" as a branch, invoices from "Fastener Company One" will show "Fastener Company One" letterhead, while maintaining the advantage of shared systems and inventory.

Absolutely! Branches are set up as cost centers, so you can:

• Run income statements for one branch at a time
• Group multiple branches together (e.g., all "Fastener Company One" locations as one cost center)
• View consolidated financials across all branches
• File separate tax returns using branch-specific financial reports
• Track profitability by location, division, or any combination

As long as you can export your data to a text file or Excel, we handle migrations regularly. We charge per file for data transfer; prices vary depending on the complexity and cleanliness of the file.

What we import:

• Customer master files and ship-to addresses
• Vendor master files
• Inventory/product master files
• Sales history
• Purchase history
• On-hand inventory quantities
• Open AR (accounts receivable)
• Open AP (accounts payable)

What typically doesn't transfer:

• Detailed payment history (paid invoices/checks)
• Detailed GL transaction history

Typical timeline is 60-90 days from start to go-live:

1. Master Files First (Early): We import customers, vendors, and inventory early into your sample company so you can train with your actual data
2. Training Period: You practice in the sample company using your real data while continuing to operate in your old system
3. Month-End Cutover: You close your month in the old system, stop using it, and we import:
   • Current on-hand inventory
   • Sales history
   • Purchase history
   • Open AR
   • Open AP
4. Go Live: Typically start using the new system on the first of a month

We have extensive experience with M&A data integration. When bringing a new acquisition into an existing Business Edge system:

Common scenarios we handle:

• Overlapping part numbers: Same number, different products - we help you decide on renumbering strategies
• Duplicate part numbers: Same number, same product - we merge the history
• Overlapping Vendors: Both companies buy from the same vendor (e.g., Brighton-Best, Kanebridge, Star Stainless, etc.) - we can keep separate vendor records with their own history, or merge them so you appear as a larger customer
• Duplicate customers: Same customer buying from both companies - merge sales history or keep separate based on your needs
• GL account mapping: Different chart of accounts - we remap to your standard

All of this time working with you to clean up, map, and merge data is included in your implementation - no extra charges.

The ARS goes through your entire inventory and automatically identifies what you need to order based on:

• Reorder points
• Current on-hand quantities
• Open orders from customers
• Open purchase orders already placed
• Future scheduled shipments

Yes! For partners like Brighton-Best, Kanebridge, Star Stainless, Stelfast, Kanebridge, and Lindstrom, you never have to visit their website, access everything from within The Business Edge.

Two common methods:

Method 1: Match at credit card bill time

• Set up credit card (e.g., American Express) as an "other" vendor type
• When the statement arrives, enter it as one vendor invoice
• Select all the POs that were paid with that card
• Add expense line items for non-PO charges
• System requires everything to balance before you can save

Method 2: Credit card pending account

• When receiving POs paid by card, post to a "credit card pending" GL account
• When statement arrives, code it to credit card pending
• Everything nets out automatically

Yes! Every grid in the system has a search box. When matching invoices to POs:

• Type a dollar amount (e.g., "100") to find all POs with $100 anywhere
• Type a date to find POs received on that date
• Type a vendor name to filter the list
• The search finds any occurrence of what you typed

This makes it easy to match vendor invoices to the right POs, even if you have hundreds of open POs.

The system remembers all your preferences based on your login. You customize each screen once:

For fields on a screen:

• Use "Optional Information" buttons to show/hide widgets
• Use "Optional Fields" to add/remove individual fields
• System remembers your choices for the next time you use the screen

For grids (lists/reports):

• Click the column button to add/remove columns
• Drag column headers to reorder them
• Drag the edge of columns to resize them
• System remembers for every grid where you see this data

Yes! You can scan or drag-and-drop documents throughout the system:

What you can attach:

• Vendor invoices and packing slips to AP invoices
• Customer POs to sales orders
• Certificates and test reports to inventory lots
• Signed delivery receipts to sales orders
• Any PDF, image, or document file

How it works:

• If you have a scanner license, click "Scan" and use your physical scanner
• All users can drag-and-drop PDFs from email or folders directly onto the screen
• Multi-page documents are supported
• View attached documents anytime from the record

Yes! You'll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection:

Setup:

• Your IT sets up a VPN connection to your office network
• Once connected to VPN, you're "on the office network" from anywhere
• Install the Business Edge application on your remote computer (PC or Mac)
• Connect to VPN, then run Business Edge - same as if you were in the office

Benefits:

• Much cleaner than remote desktop solutions
• No PC needs to be left on in the office
• No conflict with other users
• Full speed and performance
• Works on Mac or PC with identical experience

Yes! The mobile app works on any Apple or Android device:

What salespeople can do:

• Look up product availability and pricing
• View customer information and purchase history
• Check order status
• Access inventory across all locations
• No more calling the office asking "do we have this?"
• Vendor Managed Inventory
• Delivery Signature Capture

The app is perfect for outside sales reps who need real-time inventory and pricing information while visiting customers.

The system has comprehensive security controls:

Two levels of security:

• Security Groups: 12 major groups (e.g., "Warehouse User", "Order Entry", "Accounting Manager") with dozens of settings each
• Individual User: Hundreds of detailed permissions (e.g., "Can see costs?", "Can change customer codes?", "Can edit notes?")

Protected accounts:

• Control accounts (AR, AP, Inventory) are locked from direct posting
• Only certain users can do journal entries
• You can lock specific GL accounts from direct posting

Your maintenance includes unlimited support:

• Phone support during business hours
• Email support
• Remote assistance (screen sharing)
• Training for new employees
• Refresher training anytime
• Advanced features training
• All software updates and patches
• Nightly backups with automatic testing and monitoring

Computer Insights works through issues with you - all part of the implementation service. Common post-import adjustments:

• Fine-tuning reports to show exactly what you need
• Adjusting processes as you discover better workflows
• Fixing data that didn't import quite right
• Adding users or features you didn't initially need

Yes! The system runs automatic checks every night during backups:

Automatic monitoring:

• Inventory value matches GL inventory account
• AR detail matches AR control account
• AP detail matches AP control account
• File integrity checks
• Backup verification

Absolutely! The system grows with your business:

Adding users:

• Full-time active users: Request a quote
• Occasional users (just checking inventory): Often no charge
• Mobile app users: Request a quote

Adding branches:

• Branch license: One-time fee per branch
• Plus user licenses for that location
• Quartertly maintenance increases for each additional branch

Adding features:

• Shop floor manufacturing module
• Advanced VMI
• Additional integrations
• Pricing varies - discussed on a case-by-case basis