What software used for 401(k) plans? Satisfied?

[Guest marciab]

I'd like to hear some recommendations for software to administer defined contribution and 401(k) plans. I'm with an accounting firm doing TPA work for a variety of plans. We're currently using Relius Administration, but want to re-evaluate. We're putting a lot of time into getting staff up to speed with this program. Would welcome any comments regarding the software you use. Do you like it? Does it suit your needs? Is it user friendly? Have you ever converted from one software vendor to another? What problems did you you run into with the conversion? Lots of questions, hoping for answers.

[Guest FormsRmylife]

After experiencing Relius and having to adjust our internal application with every update, we have now created our own system. The plan document generation system for our volume submitter is tied to the administration system so that administration cannot differ from the document provisions.

[Jim Chad]

I also work for a CPA firm and do admin for 86 small DC plans, mostly 401(k). I have been using Relius for 10 years and like it. I can often get data from the accountants in Excel format. Loading this electronically saves me a lot of data entry time. I go to Indianapolis for the user groups and I can't say enough good about those meetings. If you don't go, I can't see how anyone could figure out how to get their money's worth from the system.

The prevoious reply mentions changes in how things are done with each system update. I agree these are a pain in the neck. But how can you grow and get better without change? I want continuous improvement so I accept this pain easily. ( though people will tell you I have been known to gripe from time to time.)

I also like the document system and government forms systems. I think they are very time efficient.

If you are the only one or one of the few "Pension experts" in the firm all the burdon of quality control is on your shoulders. This system is the best I know for helping you watch rules. And support, even during the busy times is excellant.

[K-t-F]

I recently purchased a small book of business (about 15 or so plans) and inherited the Datair system with the plans. So far I like the system and the forms (5500) system that piggybacks the admin system. Relius is ( I think) more pricy than the Datair system. I dont have that much experience with either. I am only responding since noone has who uses the Datair system. So far the service with Datair has been excellent. I say that because I did not go through any formal training and when I have a question (no matter how simple) thay respond in a snap!

[Guest Effie Clark]

Just found this thread looking for something else and had to reply. I have used Datair, Relius and FDP (back when it was available) and have found Datair to be the best for my needs. I work on 401ks, cross tests, 401k/safe harbor/cross tests and integrated plans. I know it's not a window-based program but it always works and their testing reports are the best by far of anything else out there. (Half our staff uses Datair and the other half Relius) Datair also has the capability of importing information from a spreadsheet so time is saved there as well.

[Guest SPOT]

We have used Quantech and ASC. I love ASC and highly recommend it. It's not perfect, but less labor intensive than Quantech.

[Brian Gallagher]

We use SunGard's OMNI. We're pretty happy with it.