Introducing Astra’s Chart Of Accounts!

It’s been a while since we released a new version of Astra.  Why the wait?  Because the latest release includes one of our most significant enhancements yet … the new Astra Chart Of Accounts!

Chart Of Accounts (COA) represents a significant improvement for dealers who struggle with General Ledger consolidation.  Designed to standardize accounting functions throughout the dealership, COA lets you ‘map’ your existing accounts into a streamlined, standardized structure that facilitates consolidation, renders reporting more meaningful, and makes Inter-Company Transfers easier than ever before.

Whether your dealership uses different GL’s for each location, or shares a single GL across the enterprise, Chart Of Accounts can help simplify your Accounting and Financial Reporting!

What If Your Dealership Only Has A Single Location?

Even if consolidation isn’t an issue, single-location dealerships will still realize significant benefits from Chart Of Accounts. 

Our experience has shown that that many dealers don't employ consistent, meaningful nomenclature for their GL accounts.  As a result, we often hear from frustrated personnel who don't have a clear understanding of the logic (or lack thereof) behind GL account naming.

Chart Of Accounts gives even smaller dealerships an opportunity to 'clean house' in a controlled manner, improving operation al efficiency and facilitating financial reporting!

How Does COA Work?

The idea behind Chart Of Accounts is simple –a single, centralized Chart containing all the necessary Account, Table, and descriptive information, shared by each and every location or Business Unit within your organization.  Each locations still has its own unique General Ledger, so you’ll still have accurate accounting and reporting by location.  But consistent naming and numbering ensures that consolidations and transfers are equally accurate and much easier.

A single-source Chart file makes maintenance easier, too … you’ll only need to apply changes or modifications to your GL once, and they’ll automatically apply to all locations.  You can even use ‘aliases’ for your GL accounts, so data entry and retrieval is easier than ever!

What If You’re Happy With Your Existing GL Structure?

We won't force you to make changes you don't need or want!  If you’d prefer to keep your existing GL structure, you won’t need to take any action at all.

What’s The Next Step?

Astra’s Chart Of Accounts will be released in two stages.  For dealers, the first step starts with loading Astra Release 8.08.6, available July 21, 2008. (Astra Release files and instructions are posted to the Astra Releases page on the IDS Dealer Resource Center).  This release includes the tools you’ll need to design your new Chart Of Accounts and map your existing accounts to the new structure.

A subsequent Release, planned for Fall ’08, will include the routines required to convert your dealership's accounts to the new structure and ensure that Astra is configured accordingly.  Once you’ve loaded that release, a simple, automated conversion routine will move your existing GL into the new, improved structure.

Want More Information?

For questions or concerns regarding Astra’s Chart Of Accounts, please contact Don Zytaruk at 905-420-2791 ext. 218.