Access eases burden of managing expenses with new iPhone app

New mobile software incorporates carbon emissions data entry and reporting for expenses

Colchester, UK - 11 February 2010 - Access, the mid-market consulting, software and solutions provider, is simplifying expense management for organisations with the release of its latest FocalPoint for iPhone application. The solution also allows staff to quickly enter carbon emissions details of their travel, helping businesses to automatically track their carbon footprint.

The new iPhone software is the brainchild of Access' mobile services developer, David Humphreys. He comments, "Being able to easily enter and approve expenses with this device makes the whole process much more efficient. In addition, travel is one of the largest areas of carbon output for many organisations and FocalPoint for iPhone allows this data to be collated easily, while staff are working remotely. The information can then be used, for example, to introduce a carbon reductions policy for travel so that businesses can manage down their environmental impact.

"This is a further example of how we're providing customers with the tools to make their business systems more accessible, regardless of time of day or location. Technology is an enabler and devices such as the iPhone are fast becoming the business tools of choice."

FocalPoint for iPhone also allows timesheets to be approved and any reports available on the core business system (including carbon emissions reports) can also be accessed and emailed directly from the device. This flexibility means that staff can keep up-to-date whilst they are away from the office, providing the tools for them to operate more effectively.

The application is part of Access FocalPoint, which provides a complete web-based solution for project and resource management, time and expenses, and procurement. FocalPoint for iPhone is the latest in a stream of new solutions being launched by Access, aimed at reducing complexity within organisations and increasing visibility and accessibility of information. Just last week, Access acquired Canterbury-based Select Software (now Access Select), a provider of web-enabled HR solutions to the mid-market. This is currently being integrated into the Access software portfolio.

David continued, "All of our solutions utilise the most appropriate technologies to help improve business operations for customers. As developers, we always focus on how our software can make a positive impact, helping customers gain competitive advantage. This isn't about technology for technology sake; everything we develop has a clear business benefit. That's what we've been able to achieve with the new iPhone application.

For more information, view the FocalPoint for iPhone video demonstration or visit the Access blog to read more on David's development of the solution. Visit iTunes to download FocalPoint for iPhone.

For further details on Access visit www.theaccessgroup.com or contact Peter Yule on 0845 345 3300. Alternatively, keep up-to-date by following Access on twitter, http://www.twitter.com/theaccessgroup.

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About Access

• Access is a consulting, software and solutions provider, serving the mid-market.
• The consulting services are backed by more than 65 accredited consultants, providing business software expertise. They operate nationally out of nine offices in the UK and Ireland.
• The software portfolio provides solutions to meet the needs of the whole organisation, helping to reduce complexity and increase efficiencies at every level. In addition to accounting and finance, Access also offers manufacturing software, professional services automation, and accounting for carbon emissions reporting. Other software solutions include distribution and warehousing, HR and payroll, document management, service and contract management and CRM and sales automation.

Accreditations and memberships:

• Microsoft Gold Certified Partner
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Business Application Software Developers Association (BASDA)
• HM Revenue & Customs: Payroll Standards Scheme  

Awards 2008 and 2009:

• Accountancy Age Award 2008 and 2009 for the best 'Mid-tier Software Package'
• SIFT Media Software Satisfaction Award 2008, for the second year running, in the category of best 'Mid-Range Software'
• SIFT Media Software Satisfaction Awards 2009, Green Software Provider of the Year Award
• Construction Computing Awards 2009, 'Construction Accounting Software of the Year' and shortlisted for 'Environmental Product of the Year'
• Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2009 'IT in Manufacturing' accolade won by customer, Renthal, for its use of the Access Supply Chain solution

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