Tips

The Accounting Interface, which transfers Receipts from CostGuard to your Accounting Software program, is one of the biggest time savers in the program. Using this feature ensures that the receipt or invoice totals match in both programs and eliminates re-keying. To purchase the Accounting Interface, visit www.costGuard.com for details.

Bookkeeping

Are you a Bookkeeper using CostGuard?  This section highlights the areas that have time saving data entry features.  Click on the blue name, and the tutorial will show you the details. 

Overall

Use as many of the optional interfaces as possible.  The Accounting Module transfers Receipts to your Accounting Program.  VendorTransport downloads invoices and order guides and exports orders to your Vendors.  Multi-Unit Controller manages transfers between different units.  The POS Interface transfers sales information from your POS and enters it into CostGuard.  When you use the automated interfaces, you ensure data accuracy, minimize typing, and avoid the hassles of reposting information from one program to another.  CostGuard designed the Interfaces and Modules using perpetual inventory standards, so you can minimize your time in reconciling separate accounts.

Overview

Think about how you want to Set User Rights.  You may want to consider restricting the Save function to protect the audit trail.  When you restrict it, others can make changes and suspend transactions, but they do not “take” until saved.  This allows you to control who can make changes to the financials in the program.

Also in Overview is information on how to customize your screens.  You can change column widths and move them around to make it easier to find necessary information. 

 

Inventory Module

If you have data in an Excel Spreadsheet, use the CG-XL to import it as an Inventory Item.  You can use the Export features in Inventory and Recipes to export data from CostGuard to a file.  This is a great timesaver, as you will not have to retype information between various programs.

Enter all of the pricing information from the Vendors as a Bid: later this information will appear in the Order section, and Receipts, saving you time from reposting special prices.  In the Receipt Section – where you enter in Vendor Invoices, there is an option that lets you change the direction for typing, and a page total to reconcile multi-page invoice. 

 

Use the List and Journal Reports to reconcile your books.  They are the supporting documentation for the Usage, and Alert Reports.  The Reorder Reports give you an overview of what is on-hand and what is you need to order.

 

Recipe Module

Recipe Module can expand recipes and create requisitions.  Use this to make lists for parties, and other events.  The Recipe Pricing Report has up-to-date pricing for all menu items.  You can use it to create spreadsheets with pricing options for different menu items.  If you are in charge of keeping the Recipe book, then use the Print option, and Bibliography to keep track of them.  The note section is handy for all of those items that need a home.

 

Sales Module

CostGuard enters sales by a PLU number.  When you enter in the Sales figures, CostGuard will deplete the Inventory Items.  You can use the Sales Reports and the Inventory Reports together to reconcile your books.  Also, remember that the Sales Module attaches a “sells for” price to each menu item, allowing you to calculate your per-dish profitability.

 

Continue regular path