What are the current suggested computer system requirements for an Expense Reduction Analysts franchise?
Expense_Reduction_Analysts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
access mode and speed that meets our requirements (collectively, the "Computer System").
The current suggested requirements are as follows: Laptop/Desktop/AIO Intel i7 Family processor or AMD equivalent 16 GB RAM 1 TB SSD Monitor (optional) Copier/Printer High speed Internet access Windows 11 Home, Business or Professional Edition) Chrome Browser (recommended) Antivirus Software (recommended) VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.) for the public WiFi's (recommended)
The estimated cost of the Computer System is between $0 and $3,000. The estimated cost of annual upgrades or a maintenance contract is between approximately $0 and $300, depending on whether you have an acceptable system or need to purchase a new computer and/or software. You will be required to pay the then-current Technology Fees associated with the Proprietary Software and any other software we designate for use in connection with your Consulting Business (which currently consists of our ERA Management Information System, and as of the Issuance Date, is included in the Technology Fee).
We have the right, but not the obligation, to develop or otherwise designate: (i) computer software programs that you must use in connection with any component of the Computer System (the "Required Software"), which you must install at your sole expense; (ii) updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements to the Required Software, which you must also install at your expense; (iii) the tangible media upon which you record data; and (iv) the database file structure of the Computer System. At our request, you must purchase or lease, and thereafter maintain, the hardware necessary to support Required Software. You agree, at your own expense, to keep your Computer System in good maintenance and repair and install such additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, and/or replacements to your Computer System or Required Software as we direct from time to time in writing. (Section 11.9 of the Franchise Agreement,).
You will use the Computer System to, among other things, manage leads, contacts, appointments, accounts and work-in-progress, to access our Proprietary Software, and to communicate with other members of our global franchise network. It will collect and generate client information, client projects, work projects, projections, evaluations and reports.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Expense Reduction Analysts suggests that franchisees have a computer system with the following minimum requirements: an Intel i7 Family processor or AMD equivalent, 16 GB RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a monitor (optional). The system should also include a copier/printer and high-speed internet access. Expense Reduction Analysts recommends using Windows 11 Home, Business, or Professional Edition, along with the Chrome Browser and Antivirus Software. For public WiFi, a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is also recommended.
The estimated cost for this computer system ranges from $0 to $3,000, while annual upgrades or maintenance could cost approximately $0 to $300. These costs depend on whether the franchisee already has an acceptable system or needs to purchase new hardware or software. Franchisees are also required to pay technology fees for proprietary software, including the ERA Management Information System, which is included in the Technology Fee as of the issuance date of the FDD.
Expense Reduction Analysts retains the right to specify certain computer hardware and software brands, types, makes, and models that franchisees must use. This includes a compatible "back office" computer system, the franchisor's custom and Proprietary Software, other required software applications and programs, an all-in-one printer/scanner, and Internet access that meets their requirements. Franchisees are responsible for maintaining their computer systems in good repair and installing any additions, changes, or modifications as directed by Expense Reduction Analysts.
Expense Reduction Analysts may also conduct periodic quality assurance inspections of the franchisee's Consulting Business, including their computer and electronic records. Franchisees must cooperate with these inspections, providing necessary passwords and access keys to allow a full review of all records stored electronically. All data related to the Expense Reduction Analysts system must be stored digitally in the franchisor's approved OneDrive folder, accessed through their Proprietary Software.