How Hard Is It to Switch From American Contractor Software to FOUNDATION?

The original American Contractor Software was a solid accounting choice for construction businesses when it was first released in 1983. However, over the years, the product went through a variety of hands that eventually led to its dissolution from the market.

It was first purchased by Maxwell Systems, and promptly renamed to Maxwell Systems American Contractor, before being acquired by Viewpoint Construction Software where it was blended into the company’s existing platform.

In the aftermath of such instability, many former American Contractor Software users are turning to FOUNDATION construction accounting software, which is known for its long-term support, cloud-based access and modern features. This article explores why contractors are making the shift and what that process looks like.

Why American Contractor Users Get Excited About FOUNDATION

Former American Contractor Software customers switch to FOUNDATION because it offers the construction-specific functionalities they’re accustomed to, including detailed job costing, accurate cash flow reporting and change order management.

But the benefits don’t stop there. New customers report that they’re extremely satisfied with all the other features FOUNDATION offers, including

• Accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Payroll
• Expense and pay management
• DataGenie™ for customizable reports
• Purchase order and subcontractor tracking

Then there are the integrations. Foundation Software — the company behind FOUNDATION — offers several integrated solutions for payroll, time tracking, project management, HR and estimating so teams spend less time transferring their data between systems. Additionally, FOUNDATION integrates with several third-party solutions.

What’s the Learning Curve for American Contractor Users?

Switching to new construction software can be intimidating, and every software is a bit different.

Fortunately, the right platform can make the transition seamless while supporting user’s evolving needs. With FOUNDATION, former American Contractor customers get a solution that continues to adapt to support their day-to-day needs.

With dedicated time for implementation, data migration and practice, learning FOUNDATION is a seamless process.

First Steps When Transitioning to FOUNDATION

Getting started with FOUNDATION is fast and easy.

To begin, customers are assigned an individual trainer who works in tandem with our database specialists to map their existing system to FOUNDATION’s system.

With data in place, the next step is making sure FOUNDATION is customized.

Implementation focuses on guided setup and hands-on training to help users feel confident using the system.

This approach helps keep day-to-day work moving during the transition. Here’s how it works:

1. The new user meets their trainer and discusses their business needs and the roles who rely on the accounting software
2. The trainer will help them set up their general ledger
3. The new user accesses a practice database to get comfortable entering information, processing payments and managing projects withing FOUNDATION
4. The trainer will help the new user process their first payroll and ensure all their data transfers over properly from their last system

Read about our full implementation process here.

By the time teams go live, they’re confident in the system, comfortable with their workflows and equipped to keep operations running smoothly from day one.

How Long Does It Take to Get Started?

We would love to be able to tell new users exactly when they could plan to run live on FOUNDATION. However, it depends in large part on a number of factors, including:

• How prepared a contractor’s office is for the change
• How prepared a contractor’s accounting is and any cleanup that’s required in their financial data
• How much dedicated time a contractor’s team can commit

In addition to the personalized implementation process, FOUNDATION offers live and an extensive library of on-demand webinars as ongoing educational opportunities.

Just Take the Next Step

Feedback from FOUNDATION customers is overwhelmingly positive, for example:

“FOUNDATION has transformed the way we manage our financial operations. Its robust feature set — especially its powerful job costing, customizable financial reporting, and audit-friendly design — makes it a standout choice for construction and project-based businesses.”

—Joseph M. CFO

The best way to find out how to get your business started on FOUNDATION is to kick off a conversation.

Begin with a video tour of our comprehensive construction accounting software. Then, schedule a live demo with us to dive deeper in specifics and talk about your ideal path transitioning from American Contractor or generic accounting solutions.

For more information about making the switch, speak with an expert today!