However in late 2004, the company realized that it needed to streamline an increasingly diverse business (which includes specializing in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and fire protection).

In evaluating its operations, Rodenhiser Plumbing concluded that its accounting and service management software package lacked the flexibility and scalability that the company required.

"We had been looking for new software for several years," said Andy Rodenhiser, president. "So it was important that the software fit the company now and would be flexible enough so that we wouldn't outgrow the software in a few years.

"I didn't want an application service provider," he said. "I wanted a relationship with someone who would work with us going forward."

With these goals in mind, the contractor put together a team of employees from each department for a software evaluation process. "We were looking for enhanced communications between service and accounting systems," said Rodenhiser.

They ultimately chose SAM Pro Enterprise software from Data-Basics. Some of the most critical aspects to Rodenhiser Plumbing include the job costing and inventory controls, and special reporting features that deliver reports to any person in the company at any time, the software company said.

For more information on SAM Pro Enterprise, visit www.databasics.com.

Publication date: 09/04/2006