As for most FFL Dealers, the decision between using software or paper records is becoming more and more relevant. Since August of 2008 when the ATF first began allowing electronic records to be used for the A&D Record, a few companies have popped up claiming to have the solution. Some are charging astronautical amounts of money while some seem to be “too good to be true” priced. How do you really choose what software to use if that is the route you have decided to go?
First I want to talk about why you should use software if you are on the fence about it right now. When I first started up my firearms business in 2009, I began moving down the path of new business ownership when 1.5 years into it, I had an ATF Inspector show up at my place of business for my very first audit. I was nervous but thought everything was fine and didn’t really worry about the outcome of the audit.
Turns out, I had 34 instances of mistakes on my 4473 forms along with other forms that were used in the processes of running the business. That’s not at all good, just in case you were wondering. I had to show up for a hearing with the ATF and sign a contract of sorts that I would never let that happen again or risk losing my FFL permanently. I immediately began searching the net for an ffl software solution. I knew that ffl software was the answer because it is designed ONE way and will only complete a transaction if all the criteria matches. This means that IF I use a ffl software, I am guaranteed to NOT mess up. Ever again!
I really couldn’t find a good one so I decided to code my own and after a couple of years of ups and downs, I have come up with a great software that seems to be superior to the vast majority of what is currently offered. Would I like you to buy my software, yes, of course… But I more so want you to have the assurance that you are protected from clerical errors.
Why software?
1. Simplicity – the job gets done much easier with less effort
2. Time Saver – the actual amount of time consumed in a transaction is reduced by upwards of 75%
3. Money Saver – in the long run, ensuring that you don’t have errors that could cause you to lose what you have built saves you all that money you have invested to get to where you are
4. Accessibility – with the right kind of software, you should be able to access it from wherever you are in order to get data, run transactions, etc…
5. Ease of Use – a good software will be simple to learn and simple to use. You shouldn’t have to hire the company who made it to come in and train everyone how to use the software. It should be intuitive enough to learn for most people. Once in a while, sure, this is necessary. But as a whole, not so much.
6. Organization – this is a huge one. With a good software, you should be able to access any particular partition of data at the click of a button. This means that audit times can be cut by 70%, 80%, 90%, shoot even more. What use to take an ATF Inspector multiple days to do, you can now accomplish in hours since you can look up what they want within seconds instead of searching through boxes, physical files, etc…
7. PROTECTION – I’m going to conclude with this one since it is ultimately that best one of all. Have the assurance that you are safe from errors, mistakes, exclusions, anything that could cause you to lose what you have built, is priceless. I use my own software and I know that I don’t have to worry about making mistakes on transactions. Simple as that.
I hope that helps a little to clarify my perspectives on using software as opposed to paper records. Yeah, you can use paper records, but is it really worth it? You decide…
Yours Truly,
Bryan Kowacich – World Renowned Leading Expert In Firearms Software
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