FAQs

What are "business processes"?
Business processes are made up of routine tasks performed in every business to get work done. When you do the same thing every day, it's easy to get lost in the processes. BITwise can take a fresh look at the routine tasks that make up your business processes and determine where there is opportunity to improve efficiencies. This is often called "process engineering" which simply means creating intelligent processes that save time and money for your business.

Can you really save me time and money by improving my business processes?
Yes, BITwise almost always finds ways to improve processes which save companies time. By virtue of saving time you also save money. Poor inventory management results in overstocks or the inability to fulfill customer requests. Duplication of tasks results in increased wage costs. Excessive bank charges, late fees and poor credit result from improper cash flow management. Through improving processes and data management, BITwise can actually help you save money in these and other areas.

What is Bookkeeping Automation?
Bookkeeping automation is the process of putting business accounting records on a computer system. It can be as simple as installing accounting software and beginning to track all income and expenses through the software. Or it can be a complex process of integrating point of sales systems to general ledger, payroll and billing systems. Bookkeeping data is as unique as the business itself. BITwise can help you determine what system is right for your business and put that system in place.

Why should I put my books on the computer?
Computers were designed to relieve people from having to perform repetitive tasks and to improve the accuracy of calculations. "Human error" is real. It's easy to punch the wrong key on a calculator and the results can be costly. It's easy to transpose numbers when entering data from one system into another. With the use of computers, checks and balances can be put in place, to improve accuracy. Relieving people from to performing repetitive tasks allows them to do more interesting work, service customers and to focus on growing the business.

BITwise has both bookkeeping and technology experience; we know how to combine the two.

I run a small business, do I really need to be concerned about accurate bookkeeping?
Whether or not we like it, all business owners have to file various tax reports. All taxing entities have the right to audit any company's books. When that happens (and it will) timely and accurate records are your best defense against having to pay additional taxes. BITwise has helped clients prepare records for audits of the State Comptroller and the IRS.

When is the best time to start my books on computer?
The best time to setup a new system is near the end of the year so it can be in place when the new tax year starts. However, that doesn't always happen. So anytime is a good time to get a good bookkeeping system in place. The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy the many benefits of a good automated system. BITwise can work with you at time of year to begin automating your bookkeeping processes.

What should I look for in professional bookkeeping help?
First you should look for someone willing to make a serious commitment to getting to know your business. Only by understanding your business, can your bookkeeping professional provide the best insight into new processes and efficiencies. Second you should look for real business experience. There is a lot to know, only an experienced professional will know where to look for all the answers. Third, you should look for problem solving skills. All businesses will have bookkeeping challenges and with good problem solving skills, your professional bookkeeper can help you overcome those challenges. You will find all of these qualities in BITwise.

Can you help with Sales Tax reports for the State Comptroller?
Yes, BITwise can prepare Texas Sales Tax Reports for you or teach you how to prepare them yourself.

Can you help with Payroll tax deposits and returns?
Yes, we can provide all payroll services from preparing payroll checks, routine payroll tax deposits and quarterly forms 941 to annual forms 940 and W-2. BITwise can also train you to prepare them yourself. Our representatives have been providing payroll services since 1986.

Do I still need a CPA or Tax Preparation Specialist?
Absolutely. BITwise does not prepare annual tax returns or audit financial statements. CPAs must take continuing education courses to maintain their certification. This ensures they stay current on new laws and procedures. You should maintain a strong relationship with your CPA to obtain tax advice and planning, to prepare your annual tax returns and to audit financial statements whenever that is needed. BITwise will work with your CPA to make sure your books are in good order to quickly and accurately file returns. Your CPA or Tax Preparation Specialist will thank you for providing clean and accurate records! BITwise representatives have been working closely with CPAs and Tax Preparation Specialists since 1985.

Bookkeeping is just too confusing, can I ever do it on my own?
In many cases bookkeeping systems are improperly setup and that makes them very confusing to most people. They don't have to be confusing. Properly setup systems and good processes simplify the task of keeping accurate records. BITwise specializes in getting the core of the business needs and creating processes to simplify bookkeeping tasks.

I just don't have time to do my own bookkeeping, can BITwise do it for me?
Yes, BITwise can perform bookkeeping tasks for you. After an initial consultation and evaluation of your business and bookkeeping needs, we can make a determination as to just how much of the routine tasks BITwise can perform for you. With improved efficiencies, our clients are often amazed at just how much they can do.

Can you train me how to use my software?
Yes. BITwise can train you and your staff to make the most of your accounting applications. We have many years' experience in technical training from a variety of manufacturer certification programs to many productivity applications.

Can you help me integrate other applications into my accounting software?
Yes, BITwise can also assist with integrating 3rd party add on software. We can help configure the import to allow for the most efficient data integration.

Will you install my software?
Yes, BITwise can install and configure your accounting software. Most importantly, we can help you configure the software to work best in your business environment. Many people do not realize that improperly configured software can be the cause of many problems and frustrations. BITwise understands what the software options mean and can help you determine what is right for your business.

How long should I expect my business systems to last?
As a general rule, computer systems hold value for 3 years. How long you can actually benefit from them depends on how well the planning and implementation are done initially. But all systems will have to be replaced over time. With this in mind, properly setup and maintained systems can be easily converted to new systems when the need arises.

I've never had a virus on my computer. Why do I need virus protection?
If you ever access the Internet for any purpose, you need virus protection. If you use email at all, you need virus protection.

Why do I need to concern myself with disaster recovery plans?
Many business insurance policies now require a Disaster Recovery Plan. When disaster strikes, whether it is man-made or natural, businesses without a disaster recovery plan often cannot recover. But merely having a plan is not enough. You have to be prepared to execute the plan in the event of disaster. This means keeping the plan current and ensuring you have the technology in place so you can execute the plan.

Why do I need to have security policies in place?
Many business insurance policies now require a written Security Policy. Insurance companies are recognizing that many businesses are now dependent on technology to operate. Properly implemented security policies protect your business from unintentional data loss or corruption as well as from malicious attacks. Security is often over looked in businesses of all sizes, but especially in small businesses. Accidental data loss can happen at any time but can be prevented in most cases with proper security.

How often should I back up my data?
If you are asking this question, at least you know you should be backing up your data. Many businesses completely overlook the need to backup data until it is too late. Depending on how and when a business experiences a system crash, will determine whether or not they CAN recover from the crash. Yes, companies can go right out of business when systems crash with no way to recover important data. Data backup is one task NO business can afford to ignore.

Why do I need power protection on my accounting computers?
Power interruptions and surges shorten the life of any electronic equipment. A multi-outlet strip is NOT power protection. All systems need some level of power protection. But depending on the system and its use, the level of recommended power protection varies.