Abenaki Blog
We at Abenaki believe that the key to making smart decisions is to stay informed. The purpose of our blog is to keep you, our valued customer, informed about upcoming Abenaki training, software releases, and updates to our site. If you have a suggestion for a blog post, feel free to contact us (admin@abenaki.com).
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Social Services & Case Management...An Introduction
October 4, 2011 - posted by PMB
Social Services & Case Management is part of our First Nations Community Management Suite. For more information, or to have one of our staff put together a quote for you, please contact us today.
September 12, 2011 - posted by PMB
Abenaki Associates, Canada’s only Aboriginal-owned Sage Business Partner for over 25 years, is currently searching for Certified Sage ERP Accpac and Simply Accounting consultants to join their growing team as associates.
Successful candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years experience in installation, configuration and client support for Sage Accpac ERP and/or Simply Accounting. Knowledge of / experience working within Aboriginal Communities is required.
We are an established company with a national presence, so applicants must be willing to travel.
Please forward your letter of introduction and resume to Carol Ann Barnaby - carolann[at]abenaki.com
Sage Accpac ERP: Payroll FAQ Update
August 23, 2011 - posted by PMB
Question: After printing payroll cheques I realized one employee was paid the wrong amount, I have to generate my EFT file and send to the bank right away how do I correct this so the EFT file I generate is correct?
Answer: The first step is to reverse the incorrect payroll cheque for this employee:
Next go back and make sure the employee’s pay tab or timecard is correct. Then you can re-calculate payroll for this one employee only using the same pay period end date then process this new calculation of payroll.
Next verify your pre-cheque register and proceed to print cheques then to generate your EFT file as normal.
August 9, 2011 - posted by PMB
June 22, 2011 - posted by PMB
June 21, 2011 - posted by PMB
This past month, we had the opportunity to see one of our valued customers, the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM), make the move to our cloud-based Housing & Inspection Management System (Web-HIMS).
UCCM is a Tribal Council which services seven First Nations communities on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. A little over a year ago they purchased a stand-alone version of our popular Housing and Inspection Management System and attended one of our courses to help familiarize themselves with the software.
This year, they opted to transition to our Web-based version of HIMS and provided each of the communities with a means to track and access their housing data in one central spot. Kevin Debassige and Ray Moreau both work in the Technical Services Department at UCCM, and we recently had the chance to talk with them about their experiences in upgrading to our Web-HIMS version.
“The motivation was to bring our communities up to speed with the latest tools and technology.  Our communities were asking for a program to help them better manage their assets and inventory, and track their housing related issues,” explains Moreau. “We tried other software programs... and found them too complex and complicated. Abenaki’s training and [the] simplicity of the program allows for anyone to start inputting data almost immediately.”
“In the past, most of our Housing Departments relied on filing cabinets, and in some cases, information over the years was lost or discarded,” says Debassige. “First Nations understand the need to properly manage their housing assets in order to securely store, record, and access this vital decision making information.”
With HIMS, compiling, analyzing, and storing your vital data is easier than ever, and provides communities with the convenience of having their information centrally stored and the security of it being accessible only to authorized members of their staff.
Ray Moreau is very pleased with the transition they have made, adding, “All our 6 communities are currently using the program. I would recommend HIMS to anyone thinking about purchasing a program to automate their existing housing”
Abenaki is holding a series of training sessions on their Housing and Inspection Management System across Canada. If you would like to attend one of their courses, or would like a free demo of the software, please contact Peter Barnaby at 800-361-1402, or visit them online at www.abenaki.com.
Some Recent Media Coverage We've Received
June 3, 2011 - posted by PMB
Success from the ground up - Courtesy www.acoa.ca
When Carol Ann and Percy Barnaby first hosted an introductory computer training course for First Nations participants in 1984, they only expected a handful of people.
Instead, 30 turned up – and the crowds have been growing bigger ever since.
Today, their New Brunswick-based and aboriginal-owned company, Abenaki Associates Ltd., has become one of Canada’s longest operating IT companies, serving a hungry national niche market.
Every day from their community base in Eel Ground First Nation on the Miramichi River, Carol Ann and Percy are helping bands across the country manage everything from finances to social service portfolios through a variety of computer training, IT services and customized software products.
With their team of ten employees, Abenaki enjoys yearly sales in the $1 million range, serving 90 per cent of the country’s First Nations with over 200,000 hours of computer and software training.
When they first started their business in Ottawa, Percy was still working for the federal government and Carol Ann was studying for her MBA. Recognizing an unfulfilled need for First Nations training in Canada, they soon built up a solid business based on their programming experience, moving back to New Brunswick and expanding with new staff and offices in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Serving a client base across such a big country hasn’t been without its challenges.
“The training requires a lot of travel and we’ve flown everywhere, from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Yukon,” explains Carol Ann. But with challenge comes opportunity, hence their innovative creation of a mobile computer lab.
According to Carol Ann, assistance from ACOA’s Business Development Program was key in their effort to modernize their management software into a web-based format.
“ACOA helped us finance the transformation. With $100,000 from the Agency – half of the project cost – we can now launch our revised software.”
As for the future, Abenaki Associates expects continued growth, and potential expansion into New England. “We’re in a niche market, a little ahead of our competitors,” says Carol Ann. “In the next couple of years we’re looking at a 50 per cent growth in sales.”
And, since they’re planning on hosting more networking and best practice workshops in New Brunswick, Carol Ann and Percy may just spend a little more time enjoying the benefits of modern technology and business success closer to home.
Published May 20, 2011 - www.acoa.ca
FAQ Update: Produce a Cheque History Report in Bank Services
June 1, 2011 - posted by PMB
Q: How do I get a report that shows all cheques created?
- Go to Bank Services
- Select Bank Transaction Reports
- Select Check/Payment Register Report
- Choose your bank, the specific dates and any other options (See image below)
Abenaki's First Annual Student Essay Competition
May 19, 2011 - posted by PMB
Obtaining a post secondary education is one of the biggest decisions and hardest challenges people ever make. Balancing home, work, and life while pursuing an education can be really tough - Abenaki would like to help make that load a little lighter for the next academic year.
We are very pleased to announce our 2011 Student Essay Competition, where one lucky First Nations student will be awarded a $500 bursary AND win their community a $500 discount off the purchase price of our popular Post Secondary Student Management System!
Abenaki’s Post Secondary Student Management System tracks students from the application process right through to Graduation allowing your community's Education Department staff to allocate valuable resources and time to assist those students who need it the most. And what better time to update your management system than during the summer months, so when Fall comes, you and your staff are up and running and ready to go!
And now for the details...
This competition is open to Canadian residents of First Nations descent, aged 18-30, who are currently enrolled in a accreditted post secondary institution and registered for full-tim e studies for the 2011-2012 academic year. In order to qualify, entrants must submit a 1000 word essay, the subject is:
The Benefits of Technology for First Nations Communities
For more information you can email Peter Barnaby, Director of Communications (peter@abenaki.com). The contest closes July 31st at 12:00am EST... so what are you waiting for? Get writing!
FAQ Update: Control Accounts in General Ledger
May 19, 2011 - posted by PMB
The info below, along with a pile of other frequently asked questions, can be asked in our Frequently Asked Questions Section.
You may have several accounts in General Ledger that you consider control accounts for the purpose of month end reconciliation of subledgers such as Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. Did you know it is possible to designate these accounts as a control account type in General Ledger, and then specify which modules can post transactions to that account. This will prevent users from posting transactions from other modules to your control accounts and make it easier for month end reconciliation.
- To designate an account as a control account, Go to the GL accounts icon and retrieve the account
- Place a check mark in the box next to Control Account. This will give you an extra Tab titled 'Subledger'
- On the Subledger Tab, list the programs that can have their transactions posted to this account, and then select the save button
Sage ERP Accpac: Data Security
May 18, 2011 - posted by PMB
Ensuring the security of your financial data is a big responsibility, and one that is not to be taken lightly. Your data may only be as good as your last backup!
We have been working with Accpac data for over 26 years and offer these 6 suggestions to safeguard your Accpac data:
- Each Accpac user should have their own user ID and password to access the system.
- Backups should not be the sole responsibility of the IT or network department.
- In addition to the backups that they may be performing, you should use the DBDUMP utility on a regular basis to make a backup copy of your system and company databases.
- You should have more than 1 backup at any time, and one of those backups should be kept off-site.
- Antivirus programs should be kept current to ensure that your systems are clean from potential infections
- The data integrity check feature of Sage ERP Accpac should be run a minimum of once per month to check on the well being of your data and alert you to any potential errors.
Using the DBDUMP utility to backup your Accpac data is a secure any easy way to ensure you have your data safeguarded. If you find you are always rushed for time and forget to backup your data, there is another solution for you! There is a utility program for Sage ERP Accpac called Process Scheduler. This software program can run your data integrity and dbdump after hours and unattended. That means you can schedule these tasks to occur after hours, and receive an email notification in the event that errors are found.
If you would like more information on Process Scheduler, please contact us at 1-800-361-1402
FAQ Update: Finding Financial Reporter in Microsoft Excel 2007/2010
May 18, 2011 - posted by PMB
The info below, along with a pile of other frequently asked questions, can be asked in our Frequently Asked Questions Section.
For those that have recently changed to Microsoft Excel 2007 or 2010, you may have noticed that the Financial Reporter is not immediately visable in the Excel Menu after launching the statement designer in Sage. Excel 2007 and Excel 2010 make use of a Ribbon style menu, so the FR function can be found in the Add-Ins section of the Excel menu.
From the FR menu, you will be able to access all of your Financial Reporter functions
FAQ Update: Reverse an Entry in Bank Services
April 8, 2011 - posted by PMB
The info below, along with a pile of other frequently asked questions, can be asked in our Frequently Asked Questions Section.
Q: Is it possible to reverse an Entry in Bank Services?
A: in version 5.6 and higher it is possible to reverse cheques and bank transactions, as long as you have not cleared them in a posted bank reconciliation.
- Select Bank Transactions from the Common Services, Bank Services icons
- Select the Reverse Transactions Icon
- Type in your bank code or use the finder to select it from the list
- In the source application, select bank services
- In the reverse document field, select either deposits or withdrawals
- Type in a reason for reversal
- Select the reversal date, and fiscal year and period (this is important, as the reversal date and period will determine which bank reconciliation the reversed transactions will show in.
- Use the finder to select the entry number
- Select the post button
- This transaction will now show up in the reconciliation for the date you have selected. The transaction can then be cleared as part of that period’s reconciliation.
FAQ Update: How to perform a Cheque Reversal in Social Services
April 7, 2011 - posted by PMB
We recently had a client call in enquiring how to perform a Cheque Reversal in Social Services / Social Assistance, so we've decided to share this info with the rest of you. The info below, along with a pile of other frequently asked questions, can be asked in - you guessed it - our Frequently Asked Questions Section.
A: Perform the following steps:
- Sign into the program as the power user for the organization
- Select Periodic Processing and History/Reversal from the Housekeeping menu
- Then select History/Reversal
- If it is a client cheque, search for the cheque number to reverse
- If it is a Vendor cheque, place a check mark in the Box next to Is Vendor? To display a list of Vendor cheques
- When you have selected your cheque, you can select the print button to print out the details of the cheque (optional)
- Select the Reversal Button, the cheque status will change to reversed.
- If desired, you can select the print button again, to print a report indicating that the cheque has been reversed
- There is no un-reverse, so we recommend that you do a backup of the database before reversing cheques; and take a moment to verify that you are reversing the correct cheque number.
Sage ERP Accpac Training in Yellowknife
April 4, 2011 - posted by PMB
One of the most beautiful areas of Canada we have the privilege of travelling to is the Northwest Territories. When we get the opportunity to pay our NWT Clients a visit, it usually results in an arm wrestling competition amongst the staff to see who'll be the one to go. Ok, maybe it's not that cut throat - but we sure do love it up there!
This Summer, for the first time ever, we will be holding a session of our extremely popular Sage ERP Accpac General Ledger and Accounts Payable training in Yellowknife from July 26th to the 29th. This course is a perfect introduction for those new to Sage ERP Accpac, and would be a suitable refresher for those wanting to hone their financial wizardry skillset!
Course topics for this class include:
- Program Activation, Setting up Accounts and Departments
- Transaction Processing
- Integration with other Sage Accpac ERP Modules
- Producing Informative, Useful Reports
- Periodic Processing
- Year End
- Statement Designer Overview
- Statement Creation and Modification
- Ensuring your system meets the new reporting guidelines
- Setting up your GL
- Entering and tracking your budgets
- Designing your chart of accounts
- How to set up GL Security by segments to restrict access to certain codes
This course is usually filled, and fast, so we recommend registering early. If you register during the month of April you can take an additional 5% off the tuition!
Fantastic Deals for our Facebook Fans!
March 29, 2011 - posted by PMB
As many of you know, we have had a page on Facebook for some time now. Many of you have 'liked' us since then; perhaps that's even what brought you to this most recent blog post. Well, regardless how you got here, you're going to be happy you did.
Are you sitting down? Good.
Starting this April, we're going to be sending out a promo code to all of our Facebook Friends. This promo code is valid only for the month of April, and can be redeemed for a 5% discount* off your next training session - that's a saving of up to $100!
But wait, there's more!!
I guess all this warm spring air has got us feeling generous, because we're going to let you use that promo code as many times as you want within the month of April!! WHAT? Yep. So you can multiply that $100 savings any number of times on some of the great courses we have scheduled this season. And what better time than Spring to top up that beautiful brain of yours with some hands-on, instructor-led training from Abenaki Associates? Check out our online schedule and register today!
*in order to qualify for the 5% discount course fees must be paid in full no less that 45 days prior to start date. Discount not applicable for software purchases, Abenaki Software Assurance Plan (ASAP), or support fees.
Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 Portal Menus
March 25, 2011 - posted by PMB
We think this is GREAT! All the everyday tasks and reports right at your fingerprints. New Sage ERP Accpac Version 6.0 makes financial management a breeze.
Sage ERP Accpac Named Best Accounting Software!
March 10, 2011 - posted by PMB
It's no surprise that Sage ERP Accpac was named Best Accounting Software by Canadian Resellers at eChannelNEWS’ 2010 Reseller Choice Awards. After all, Abenaki has been a Sage Business Partner for over 25 years, and we know full well what Sage Software can do to improve your financial management capacity!
From www.sagenorthamerica.com:RICHMOND, B.C. (Mar. 10, 2011)—Sage North America announced today that Sage ERP Accpac has been awarded as the Best Accounting Software by Canadian resellers at eChannelNEWS’ Reseller Choice Awards last month. With over 700 VARs voting, Sage ERP Accpac was selected over Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains and others for top honors in the accounting software category. Sage BusinessVision was also among the top voted solutions. Sage ERP Accpac and Sage ERP Accpac Online are award-winning business management software that help small and midsized businesses in countries around the world manage their accounting, operations, and customer relationships.
eChannelNEWS’ Reseller Choice Awards, now in its fourth year, is among the most comprehensive voting surveys in Canada for resellers. Over 500 vendors were nominated in 80 categories overall. Each reseller voted for their favorite vendor in each of the 80 categories.
“These awards represent the voice of our partner community, so it’s a true honor to receive this,” commented Tom Miller, VP of Channel Management for Sage. “This recognition validates our commitment to not only provide meaningful solutions to the channel but also to help our partners build strong businesses.”
“With over 500,000 customers including 10,000 accountants, Sage ERP Accpac and Sage Simply Accounting combine for the number one footprint in the Canadian SMB space,” stated Laurie Schultz, Sr. VP and General Manager, Mid Market ERP Solutions for Sage North America. “We’ve done much in Canada to develop our strong presence—as evidenced by our large Canadian-based development center, our ability to leverage our Canadian cultural diversity to deliver Accpac localized for global markets, and the wide availability of accounting courses in the college system. The Reseller Choice Award as Best Accounting Software reaffirms our market strategy, so we are definitely celebrating!” (read more of the article here)
It's no wonder that so many First Nations have come to depend on Sage ERP Accpac for the day to day management of their dollars. Abenaki Associates has been the number one source for First Nations focused Sage ERP Accpac training for over 25 years. We offer both scheduled courses, and customized onsite training, as well as support and installation.
If you would like us to give you a quote for installation, onsite Sage ERP Accpac training for your staff, or if you'd like to register for one of our upcoming scheduled courses - please don't hesitate to contact us today!
What's new in Sage ERP Accpac Version 6.0
March 10, 2011 - posted by PMB
Interested in finding out what's fresh and exciting in the newest version of Sage ERP Accpac? Our friends over at Sage Software have posted this informative video on all the new features.
As always, if you have any questions, or would like us to give you a quote for customized, onsite Sage ERP Accpac training for your staff - please don't hesitate to contact us today!
Top Ten Reasons to Upgrade to Sage ERP Accpac Version 6.0
March 8 2011 - posted by PMB
We are very excited about the release of Sage ERP Accpac Version 6.0, and to kick things off we're going to give you the top ten reasons why you should upgrade from Version 5.6 to 6.0.... drum roll please:
- Enable collaboration and interoperability through new web technology that leverages the current superior architecture to minimize business interruption.
- A global synchronized release of all modules keeps your system working together harmoniously
- Improve productivity with the Sage ERP Accpac Portal, providing faster, personalized role-based access to information so you can accomplish everyday tasks more quickly and focus on strategic project.
- Envision success with Sage ERP Accpac Snapshots, wich provide servure access to key perfromance indicators for more practive trend analysis.
- Get the information you need, more quickly. Sage ERP Accpac Inquiry facilitates fast acces to customized lists, providing the answers you need to make better decisions.
- Accelerate growth and lower total cost of ownership with SageCRM Workflow Enhancements, which improve information flow between the front and back office.
- Save time on month-end processes and reduce erroneous postings from individual modules to the general ledger through better management of fiscal periods
- Easily adopt new enhancements and get new employees up to speed more quickly and cost effectively with training and usability improvements like the Getting Started Snapshot
- Ensure optimal business management with SageCRM 7.0 (included) and Sage ERP Accpac Intelligence
- Adopt new visual user interface at your own pace end snsure a smooth transition to web technology for your business
If you're looking to upgrade your Sage system, or looking to switch from a competitor's software, now is the best time to do it! Contact a member of our team and we'll get you started!
February 22 2011 - posted by PMB
We'd like to thank everyone who came and visited our booth during last week's AFOA National Conference in Vancouver. This year's conference saw the biggest turn out to date, and for us it was by far one of our most successful years attending.
We were in a great booth location that put us right in the middle of everything, and we had plenty of opportunities to talk with you, our valued clients, face to face.
Now, if you weren't in attendance of last week's AFOA National Conferenc, don't worry... there are still plenty of ways to get in contact with us. Whether you're looking for Sage Accpac ERP Sales, Support, or Training, or looking for more information on one of our Community Management applications - contact us today and a member of our helpful team would be happy to assist you.
February 1 2011 - posted by PMB
Well, folks... it's that time again - Aboriginal Financial Officer Association's National Conference is taking place in Vancouver from February 15-17, 2011. Are we excited? You bet!
For over a decade now, Abenaki Associates has been both a participant and exhibitor at the AFOA National Conferences, and this year we are proud to be there once again!
This year you can find us at booth #30, outside the Grand Ballroom, right beside our good friends at the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
As always, our helpful staff will be on hand to answer any question you may have about our products and services - so be sure to drop by!