Frequently Asked Questions
    1. How is BizBench different from other financial analysis software?
    2. How do I know the comparison database is reliable?
    3. How do I order BizBench?
    4. Why does BizBench use percentile rankings?
    5. Must I buy the benchmarking database separately?
    6. How much time does it take to run a report?
    7. What industries can be analyzed with BizBench?
    8. Is BizBench a subscription service?
    9. How many times can I run BizBench software?
    10. What kind of computer do I need to run BizBench?
    11. What is a user?
    12. Can I put BizBench on a network? ...on my laptop?
    13. What if I have a technical problem?
    14. How is BizBench different from loan analysis software?
    15. Does BizBench have a satisfaction guarantee?
    16. What about upgrades?
    17. How do I get my clients/customers interested in the reports?
    18. How much should I charge for a BizBench report?
    19. Does BizBench do anything besides create reports?
    20. Who developed BizBench?

    Don't see your question here? Email a BizBench expert.

  1. How is BizBench different from other financial analysis software?
    Three differentiating features are: (1) the use of a highly-respected comparison database, (2) the software's ease of use and (3) Back Calculation "what if" financial modeling.

    BizBench provides industry percentile rankings and three-year trend analysis. It instantly generates a fully-customized (45+ page) report at the push of a button. The report stimulates management to develop Profit Improvement action steps with the Ideas for Discussion section. For more about how BizBench works, please sign up for our next DEMO session, and see for yourself how easy it is to use BizBench Software.
  2. How do I know the comparison database is reliable?
    The Annual Statement Studies® by RMA®, the respected Risk Management Associates (formerly Robert Morris Associates) organization is the BizBench comparison database. This well-documented database utilizes financial statements submitted by banks for over 225,000 companies in 735 industries.

  3. How can I order BizBench?
    BizBench can be ordered securely online or by fax, phone, or mail.

  4. Why does BizBench use percentile rankings?
         Any client will immediately understand a percentile ranking. The actual ratio values are not always expressed in a consistent format, making a direct comparison more difficult to understand than percentile rankings. Please see our article, "What's a Percentile?" for more information.

  5. Must I buy the database separately?
    No. The RMA® database is built into the software.

  6. How much time does it take to run a report?
    It takes about three minutes to enter the summary financials required for BizBench analysis. The analysis is instant, and it usually takes more time to print the report than to prepare it.
  7. What industries can be analyzed with BizBench?
         Over 735 NAICS codes are included in the RMA database used by BizBench.

  8. Is BizBench a subscription service?
         No. BizBench is software that you run on your PC or network. You do not need Internet access to use BizBench. You do not pay a subscription fee, nor does Bizbench access have an expiration date.

  9. How many times can I run BizBench software?
         You can run it as many times as you like. There are no limits on usage or cases; nor will access to BizBench lapse on an anniversary date.

  10. What kind of computer do I need to use BizBench software?
         BizBench is designed to run on a Pentium PC with CD-ROM capabilities. It will work with Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.  It will also work with some upgraded versions of Windows 95.  It requires 32 MB of memory and 60 MB of available disk space.

  11. What is a user?
    “A User is a person on whose desktop computer the BizBench CD is installed”, per the BizBench license. If BizBench is installed on two computers, that counts for two users.

  12. Can I put BizBench on a network...on my laptop?
    Yes...and yes. BizBench can be installed to a network, but it must be done through the user PCs on which it is to be used. Those PCs are the only ones that will have access to BizBench on the network. Many users install BizBench on a laptop for client office presentations. That installation should be used only by the licensed user.

  13. What if I have a technical problem?
    BizBench software is so easy to learn and use that very few users ever need support and the User's Guide included with your purchase covers many basic technical questions. In case you do need help, we offer 90 days of support free with every purchase.

    Support is available by phone ( 941-840-1040 ) or by email (info@bizbench.com) with the BizBench Support Form and your Bizbench log file.

  14. How is BizBench different from loan analysis software?
    BizBench should be viewed as a companion to loan analysis software, rather than a competitor. BizBench reports focus heavily on developing actions steps to improve future performance.

    Most loan analysis software critiques customers' past performance but does not lead the customers toward improved profitability. BizBench is a tool that commercial banks can use to help build a more profitable customer base. It is also a valuable customer service tool to share with commercial customers.

  15. Does BizBench have a satisfaction guarantee?
    Absolutely. BizBench comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee. If, for any reason, BizBench does not live up to your expectations, return it and get a full refund.

  16. What about upgrades?
    BizBench is upgraded annually with the most recent RMA data and software enhancements. The cost of the upgrade is dependent on the cost of RMA data, which is usually not known until the third quarter of each year. 

    If you are a current BizBench user, you can upgrade by using the Upgrade Order Form.

  17. How do I get my clients/customers interested in the reports?
    It's easy to get your clients interested in BizBench reports by presenting the Client Brochures furnished with the software, and asking "Would you like to see how you compare to your peers?" Plus, BizBench reports are client-friendly and future-oriented. Please see our article, "What Can Business Benchmarking do for Your Client?" for more ideas on ways Business Benchmarking through BizBench analysis can help your clients.

  18. How much should I charge for a BizBench report?
    We encourage CPAs to provide more value to clients than only the report itself, thus making the BizBench analysis worth more. Valuable interactive features like Back Calculation “what if” modeling and Scenarios for recasting new financial targets can lead to additional business improvement consulting work with clients.

    Some CPAs sell the reports separately, some bundle the reports with other services,     and some use them as a free client service. Fees charged for an individual report vary by market.

  19. Does BizBench do anything besides create reports?
    BizBench reports are very impressive, but so are its additional features. BizBench contains two unique modeling features called Back Calculation and Scenarios. Back Calculation performs "what if" modeling, based on clients' desired industry percentile rankings for each ratio. To see a demo of Back Calculation, sign up for our  Thursday Demo Session.
  20. Who developed BizBench Software?
    BizBench software was developed by the management consulting firm of Gerke & Associates, Inc. and its development partner, Delta Systems Group. BizBench was introduced in 1999 and has built a nationwide user base of CPAs, banks, and consultants. BizBench was purchased by Login Tax LLC in 2010, and is now being released in the twelfth version.