Let’s reduce operating cost

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Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 17, 2008 at 1:13pm

Dear Isura,
If you could identify in detail, the exact fields (data columns), in respect of usage patterns/statistics/marketing info. etc. we could design an Excel spread sheet an publish in this site. Then TC operators could upload data pertaining to a particular month, at month end.

Also, u mentioned your intention of maintaining a database relating to Telecenters. Could u please elaborate.
I assume such a database will have some permanent data relating to telecentres and also the above mentioned usage statistics could be linked to it. Excel or Access would be suitable for it, I guess.

If you could be explicit about your idea's, it will enable us to focus more effectively on desired goals. (For ex. I made wrong assumptions about accounting requirements,
until u explained, what Role Fusion plans to play)

Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 15, 2008 at 3:06pm

Social entrepreneurs....what comes first ability to survive (sustainability) or social service from your point of view.
If they are unable to survive ...no social service is possible.

Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 15, 2008 at 2:56pm

Agree with u Isura, if its capacity building, its basically
training and guidance. Excel is a simple, but powerful
tool for advanced users and could be used initially.

Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 15, 2008 at 2:51pm

Dear isura, I did not see your comment...I get your picture

Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 15, 2008 at 2:42pm

Fusion has to decide what services they offer to Telecenters. Whether they be only in form of advise/ guidance/training etc. or whether they include data processing as well. Later will require additional resources at Fusion, hence Fusion could make a charge from telecenters for additional services.(at least to cover the costs.)

Telecenters has to decide which services they require and could afford.

Either way, it is a requirement of telecenters to maintain a proper set of accounting data, which is a legal requirement in respect of a registered business.
Not having a reliable accounting info. leads to avenues for fraud, malpractice, wastage, running out of cash and finally closing shop.

Comment by isura silva on August 15, 2008 at 2:18pm

Dear Senaka,
to focus on our requirement at this moment: is to educate TC operators on simple book keeping and accounts practices. The idea is to make them use financial records for their decision making, so they know where they are heading. TelecentreFamily(TCF) would not need their accounting figures to guide, but capactity building with relevant resource persons on a regular basis is a must. What we are keen at TCF is to make telecentre operaotors to be Social entrpreneurs, innovative agents in their communities. We should look at developing simple tools, starting from simple excel sheet?

Comment by Senaka Warnasuriya on August 15, 2008 at 1:55pm

Centralized accounting:

We may have to design standard data input forms in respect of usage (marketing purposes). Accounting controls could be done via the Financial skills group you just created. Probably, you may have to design a standard set of Chart-of-Accounts which could be used by all tc operators. This has to comply with requirements of any packaged accounting software Fusion already has a license for. In my opinion, every TC operators should on a monthly basis produce a P&L and a Balance sheet. If tc opeators send data pertaining to accounting on a monthly basis, Fusion could use accounting software, do the processing and produce the desired output reports, monitor them, update and maintain an accounting database and report back to TC operators together with any messages relating to previous months performance.
About Fusion's ability to manage this sort of centralized accounting, needs further thought, discussion, and will depend on number tc operators who has connections with fusion.

Else, the only option is decentralized accounting, where they produce their own reports and inform fusion. For this, all of them must have the software and they have to be trained in use of it.

Either way, introduction of standardized accounting procedure's is an absolute must, if Fusion plans to monitor them in any effective manner.