Frequently Asked Questions
How can GMS help my non-profit organization?
With the addition of an accounting software, or a revolving loan software, your organization will take many steps forward to streamlining many of the everyday tasks a non-profit organization undergoes. Our software is specifically designed for the use of non-profit professionals, regardless of your familiarity with financial management or accounting software. It is designed for even the least tech savvy user to learn, so that all accounting tasks going forward can be done as efficiently and with as much ease as possible.
What are the major product strengths that differentiate GMS from anyone else?
With the capability of the GMS system to handle activity accounting, grants, contracts and everything else inclusive, our system makes the accounting tasks of the user just that much easier to complete from one period to the next. Since GMS has developed the system, it is designed specifically to fit your needs according to your organizations tasks and daily requirements. Auditors monitoring the GMS system will also have an easier time delving through the system, so that you are not stuck when it comes time for the auditor. Our strengths not only come with our dedication to customer service and support, but also in the understanding of the mentality and daily grind of the non-profit professional challenged with accounting related tasks. Our experience and knowledge of everything that comes with accounting software is what sets us apart from so many others.
What types of non-profit organizations does GMS serve?
Community action agencies, regional planning agencies, area agencies on aging, human and social services, and the list goes on. We will work with you to ensure your non-profit organization is geared up and matches the capabilities of our system accordingly.
What are the advantages of purchasing various supplement add on’s?
What sets GMS apart is knowing that with our supplemental features, we are in the business of fitting the specific needs of our clients. We are working hard at fitting the necessary requirements that must be meant with accounting and financial tasks, and if your organization has special niche needs, our supplements serve the purpose of finding organization specific requirements. If you have a task within the GMS accounting or revolving loan system, and our software feature set does not feature it, let us know. In the future you just might see this become a new feature of our supplemental modules!
What operating system does GMS run on?
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
- Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) Operating System
- Pentium III Processor or higher (Quad core processor is great!)
- No less then 1 GB of memory (recommend much more to increase speed)
- 100 MB of hard drive space just for the GMS system (That does not include the space you need for all other applications, i.e. Access, operating system, etc.)
- Dedicated Windows Server (unless installing on one stand alone computer only)
Recommended Software Requirements:
- Microsoft Access version 2007 or higher
- SQL Server 2008 or higher
- The latest service packs for applicable Windows operating system
- The latest service packs for Microsoft Access and SQL Server
- For our Revolving Loan Servicing Software (in addition to the above):
- Microsoft Excel 2007 or higher
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or higher
Can I integrate GMS with any existing human resources or payroll software that I have?
If you are currently using any system besides GMS that has import routine, GMS can export RLSS reports to any formats that you want to import them into your system. Users can also send journal entries from our RLSS system to our accounting system. We also have a supplement called RLSS Books, which will take the cash receipts from our accounting system, and create a transaction in the loan activity in the RLSS system.
Does GMS offer a special accounting software for those who would like to purchase accounting and revolving loan software together?
The GMS General Ledger and Financial Reporting System serves that purpose. This system includes the Chart of Accounts, Cash Receipts, General Journal, Month-End Reporting, Budgeting and Prior Year Maintenance. It is designed for clients that run the Revolving Loan Servicing System within their agency and do not necessarily need Accounts Payable, Payroll, Cost Allocation, etc.
Can I import files as attachments into the software?
Yes the GMS system allows the capability of importing attachments (excel, csv, word files, etc).
If I refer an organization to GMS, can I purchase GMS at a discounted rate?
The GMS Bonus Bucks program offers rewards to clients who refer other organizations to GMS. For each agency name you submit that expresses an interest in purchasing GMS software, your organization will receive a $50 credit good towards the purchase of any GMS supplement. Should an organization you refer to GMS purchase the GMS Accounting and Financial Reporting System, your organizations will receive an additional supplement coupon worth $300. Or, if the organization acquires the GMS Revolving Loan System, you will receive a coupon worth $100.
Does GMS support Report Writer?
Yes. All GMS clients who have Supplement #406 Report Writer will receive a separate email with instructions on installing the revised version of Report Writer.
Can I backup my database to ensure no information is lost?
The GMS system has been designed to allow specifying the drive and folder to save a copy of an Access database in. This will allow this utility to be used for before and after payrolls in addition to daily or weekly backups. For Microsoft Access databases, we have included a database backup utility that will make a copy of your database and allow you to do the compact and repair. You can then set up an icon on your desktop called GMS Backup Utility. For a SQL Server database, we present you with the utility to do the backup. We have also added instructions for setting up a maintenance plan to do scheduled backups in the Help manual under Operating Procedures.
How long does it take to install GMS?
GMS can be installed on your computer in a matter of minutes as we would present you with a dowloadable file format. To master all the key features of the GMS system can take a matter of weeks, however our service staff are committed to on-site product training and are available to work with you to ensure you have a full understanding of our system.
How long will it take for GMS to respond to my support question?
All GMS services is provided toll free. Hours are 8:30 to 7:00 EST Monday through Thursday and 9:00 to 5:00 EST on Fridays. Service calls may be placed online, as well as by telephone, fax, or e-mail. GMS policy is to respond within 2 hours or earlier depending upon the circumstances.
How many users can GMS support for one organization?
Client organizations from range in size from two to more than one thousand employees.
How many years of industry experience does GMS have?
GMS has been in the business of accounting software since 1980 and introduced revolving loan software (RLSS) in 1985.
How long will it take me to thoroughly understand all of the GMS features?
Our continuing service program supports your staff in every way assuring that GMS is a permanent and final investment. As the GMS system includes a variety of key accounting features, understanding the entire system often takes a matter of weeks to months. As accounting tasks are often done on quarterly and yearly basis, getting engaged with all the key features of GMS is a year long commitment. Continuing support and service is much more than just a toll free telephone number or e-mail address. GMS quality service means keeping a full-time Service Staff team available to help you run your system – whatever the question. It means providing you accounting advice, sending you software updates and upgrades every six months as well as constantly updating our user manual and making it available anytime. It means communicating by newsletters monthly and seeing you face-to-face at our annual user conference.

