Using Excel

This manual assumes that you have some experience with Microsoft Excel.

If you are new to Excel, we recommend that you work through the Welcome and Learning Excel sections of the Excel manual before starting out with the MacNail construction accounting software.

NOTE-- In 2000, MacNail was replaced by Goldenseal construction accounting software. Goldenseal is an integrated program that includes general accounting, job costing, payroll and project billing, plus estimating and other features. It does not require Excel.

There are several excellent books on Excel--plus many sources for hands-on training. Give us a call for our latest recommendations.

Excel is an extremely useful program for any kind of list management or number crunching.

With a little practice, you can create your own specialty worksheets to solve the need of the moment, such as cut-and-fill calculation, financial projections or tool inventory.

Sources such as Heizer's Excellent Exchange also offer templates for general business tasks such as income tax and depreciation tracking. Doing it all in Excel has some big advantages, since you can transfer information from one worksheet to another very easily.

Excel is a very powerful program that can do many good things for you. We're sure you will find that the effort to master it is worthwhile!