In a busy agency like Lambesis, it's essential to have the job ticket track each project from start to finish with job number, client, specifications, deadlines, budgets, time costs, billings and profits. Vicki finds this advantageous. "Our clients are invoiced by man-hours expended. If anyone on our staff goes over budget, I know about it immediately because of the way Clients & Profits is set up. Not so much as a purchase order can then be inputted." Another valuable asset is being able to track the man-hour history of previous clients.

Lambesis creates about fifty estimates each week, and issues about that many purchase orders. On-line insertion orders and media estimates are another benefit of Clients & Profits Pro, to which they upgraded in 1995. But it doesn't end there, Vicki quickly points out. They are also able to cut checks, receive weekly status reports, profitability statements, general ledger, audit trails, financial statements and more. Creatives even print their own job cost reports. "It's perfect for us," Vicki says.

All without juggling different programs

There isn't anyone on their staff over thirty-five years of age, except for Vicki and Nick. She describes her employees as "bright, enthusiastic, and energetic," who are already proficient on the computer and eager to adapt to change. With Clients & Profits, they have a system which allows them to perform their daily tasks quickly and efficiently, without juggling different programs. "Clients & Profits Pro does that for us."

When asked how long it took Clients & Profits Pro to pay for itself, Vicki laughed. "I've no real idea in terms of days or weeks because it's a constant thing. Clients & Profits Pro pays for itself every day by time saved and profits generated."

Over the years Lambesis has upgraded to newer, more powerful versions of Clients & Profits. While managing updates takes a fair amount of time and devotion, Vicki is pleased with the software's on-going support. "Where they really shine is by continually improving the software to meet our needs."