Abila MIP Fund Accounting - An Objective view by a user.
Updated August 14, 2020

Abila MIP Fund Accounting - An Objective view by a user.

Karen Hoffman | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Abila MIP 2015

Modules Used

  • GL, AP, Allocations, Budget, Fixed Assets, Executive View, AR, Enhanced Security

Overall Satisfaction with MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP)

The product is primarily used by the Accounting Department. A secondary clinical department also uses the product with the assistance of Accounting. With the implementation of Executive View, it will be rolled out to our executive directors and program managers. The program managers will be able to view their monthly financial statements. The business problems that are addressed by accounting seem obvious. Implementing it with a separate database has allowed us to better track the use of client funds for which we are rep payees. This department was maintaining the books manually. They are now able to check balances with a simple report. Executive View will provide a much more timely presentation of financial statements. These statements had been running about 1 to two months behind.
  • Reporting. I can obtain 99% of the reports I need with the reporting. It is easy to use and very flexible. Other systems require a complex reporting module that is geared towards a technical person with database experience.
  • Technical support. This is the first company I have worked with that has a technical support department that truly understands accounting. If I were to call to discuss an allocation, they understand what I mean. The technical support department is very prompt.
  • Interface with other products. Easily able to import/export transactions. It simplifies day to day transactions that can be entered into an Excel spreadsheet and imported into the product. We also use it to export transactions for further analysis.
  • Reporting. While I love the reporting module, I would like to have access to all the tables. While this could be accessed through SQL, I am not a SQL expert. I realize this may create a more complex reporting module, but it would be worthwhile.
  • Budget. Need an easier way to enter budget or import budget. Would prefer to import into the budget module directly because I prefer the module over the piece contained in the General Ledger.
  • Requisitions module. Would like more robust requisitions module that I could roll out to the users. The existing requisitions module does not meet our needs.
  • Better tracking of funds spent
  • More efficient distribution of reports
  • Able to analyze information based our our individual structure
  • Great Plains Dynamics
Great Plains is designed for the for profit world, but they will make it work. It's a square peg in a round hole. Serenic Navigator is complex and requires a fair amount of customization. That's not necessary for most organizations. MIP Fund Accounting provides what we need out of the box, doesn't require customization and is designed to be used by a non profit. It allows us to pick our chart structure, which is crucial.
MIP Fund Accounting is well suited for most nonprofits and government entities. I would review monthly processes to determine fit.

MIP Fund Accounting Feature Ratings

Support from Community Brands

Our organization used a Partner for Implementation of the product. At the time we implemented, client services were not an option for us.
We have participated in web based training classes on a particular topic and they were extremely helpful. The staff at Community Brands is extremely knowledgeable. We also continue to use them for technical support when we have an issue that we can't resolve. The training classes have helped to expand the knowledge of some staff that did not have the benefit of training from the initial implementation.

Using MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP)

1 - As the Accounting Manager I provide most of the support - when it is needed. The product requires very little support, unless there is an update. Our IT staff handles our updates.
  • Financial Reporting
  • Accounts Payable
  • Budgeting
  • Considering use of Drillpoint to add reporting features
  • Plan to roll out EFT
  • Considering integrating with another requisitions system
Product meets our needs - will not change.
15 - Accounting, Executive Staff, Clinical Managers, Administrative Staff

Evaluating MIP Fund Accounting and Competitors

  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
  • Prior Experience with the Product
  • Vendor Reputation
  • Existing Relationship with the Vendor
  • Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
Product Features and Usability

MIP Fund Accounting Implementation

I highly recommend using a business partner for implementation. The business partners have implemented this product for numerous years and have a wealth of knowledge from working with various non profits and governmental entities. Some are close by and can provide on site training.
  • Professional services company
Previous Partner - Forest Data Systems. Current Partner - NonProfit Technologies
Yes - Area meetings to review functionality needed
Review of reports needed
Determine GL/Chart Structure
Begin with AP and GL
Other modules rolled out over time
Change management was minimal

MIP Fund Accounting Training

  • Online training
  • In-person training
Very knowledgeable and able to adapt to any users level
Personalized training provided for our organization.

MIP Fund Accounting Support

The technical support team is thorough, and understands accounting as well as technical issues. If a challenge arises, the issue is escalated. Although that has rarely happened.
ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
Support understands my problem
Quick Initial Response
Difficult to get immediate help
No - The product requires very little technical support. My questions get answered timely.
Yes - Bugs are not always resolved. It depends on the severity of the issue and what someone would consider a bug.

Using MIP Fund Accounting

The system is easy to use because the modules are consistent throughout
  • MIP Fund Accounting is consistent throughout the system in functions that are performed. If you learn one module you will easily know how to use another module.
  • MIP has provided different views for users - either a Graphical Interface or Pull Down menus. The Graphical Interface lays out the steps necessary for each module, making it easy to learn.
  • Reporting takes a bit of training, but that is because the system is so flexible.
Yes - Our IT Department has blocked the usage of this. When I reviewed it, it is just as simple as the product.
ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Familiar
None