Projects within a Co.

[fgray]

Our org. is set up as the company. We have long term projects within the org. Is there a way to set the projects up other than using the job system?

[dringstrom]

The job system is the best way to do this. But, if you're looking to jury-rig an alternative, you could set up each project as a customer or vendor, but this will create complications of its own, such as how to clear out the invoices. If you can provide some background as to what your goal is, we may be able to help.

[fgray]

David,
Thanks for your answer. What we need to do is set up a program, such as, photo dark room lab. This will help us work with the physically disabled to have a success in their life as they move forward in reestablishing their life. The cost and time of the volunteers and staff needs to be tracked and funded out of our foundation. There are about 6 projects that we will be working with: CD production, volunteer in home help, drama, TV-Movie placement and others.
Thanks for the help.
Frank

[dringstrom]

In my opinion, Peachtree is the best tool for what you're trying to do. You'd probably be better off with a database application. FileMaker Pro has a low cost, and a fairly easy learning curve.

That's not to say that you can't force Peachtree to work for your needs, but you might find similar to using a hammer to put a screw in the wall. It works, but a screwdriver sure is more effective.

[fgray]

David,
Thanks for your reply. I have FileMaker Pro 5. I use it for all our forms. This will record our time and activities. Will this work are do they have an accounting software. I had never thought about using FMP for accounting records. I will look into it and see how it can work for us. Thank you, Frank

[dringstrom]

Let me clarify...I'd use Peachtree as your accounting software, but do the things that Peachtree doesn't do well, such as tracking volunteers, in FileMaker. If you enter data into FileMaker that needs to go into Peachtree, it's possible to have FileMaker write out the import format for Peachtree. This will take a bit of work on your part, but may be a better route than trying to force Peachtree into doing things that it doesn't do well. It sounds like you need to do a study of what exactly your needs are, then get advice on the best path to take. Exchanging a couple of brief messages on a public forum doesn't always give you all of the information that you need to make the best decision.

[fgray]

David,
Thank you for your advice. I will look into all my options now that I am aware that FileMaker can do the calculations that I will need.
Thanks,
Frank

[Peachtree fan]

You could use a suffix on the general ledger accounts and then use masking to segregate the expenses. It becomes a little bulky when it involves a lot of projects and a lot of different G/L accounts.
As much as I find it frustrating, Quickbooks may be easier to combine the
projects into their base accounts than PT.
Good Luck

[fgray]

Thank you for your help. I am looking at all the options and Davids suggestion about FileMaker Pro is winning out. I have access to two books on FileMaker Pro that will show me how to set up the projects and then transfer the accounting over to Peachtree. Anyway I go will be a challenge. Thanks again, Frank