A new week has dawned and I am finally ready to begin the task of reviewing, rating and comparing the billing and invoicing systems on my list. I have, in my previous article, promised to knuckle down and review each of 80+ billing and invoicing systems I have found – but this does seem like a daunting task. It is fortunate then that I am driven by the need to discover which system will be best for the future success of my business.

I intend to do a full and detailed review on each of the systems before I start rating them in my billing and invoicing systems table. I have started to prepare for the review process by compiling a list of standard evaluation criteria. These include pricing, features, customization and technical, to name only a few.

I have listed the review criteria below – any suggestions would be welcome.  I feel the list will provide a clear, easy to understand review of each system – that can be viewed in seconds and compared just as easily.

Firstly, I will be looking at pricing. Many great systems are free to use, while other charge a monthly or once off fee.

System Pricing Criteria:

• What is the monthly/once off cost?
• Is there a free version available?
• How many clients can you manage?
• How many invoices are you allowed to generate?

Secondly I will be looking at what features and capabilities the system has and what it can do for you.

Features:

Does the system have, or allow you to do the following:

• Automated Bill Generation
• Create and Send Invoices
• Create Custom Services
• Custom Emails / Reminders
• Client Management
• Inventory Management
• Time Tracking Capabilities
• Service Provisioning Capabilities
• Reports and Statistics
• Accept Payments
• Built-in Ticketing and/or Helpdesk
• Backups
• Support

Your billing or invoicing system needs to integrate flawlessly with you business. It also needs to be versatile and nonrestrictive. I will look at the systems customization potential and ease of use.

Customization:

• Multiple Currencies Support
• Fully Brandable
• Ease of use (Interface)

Lastly I will look at the technical requirements for using the systems, its compatibility, how to acquire the system and how it integrates with your existing accounting software.

Technical:

• Compatibility
• System Requirements
• Online (ready-hosted) / Download
• Export / Import Data
• SSL Encryption

Now that the criteria has been established…. Let the reviewing begin!