Does Expense Reduction Analysts have the right to designate computer software programs that franchisees must use?
Expense_Reduction_Analysts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ment 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. We may require that your Computer System, and all
other electronic media, be programmed to automatically transmit data and reports about the operation of the Consulting Business to us. We have the right to independently access, monitor, and retrieve any data you input or collect electronically, including access to your Computer System or for any other purpose we deem necessary. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information.
All material and data related to the System must be housed digitally in Franchisor's approved OneDrive folder accessed through our Proprietary Software. This includes all Confidential Information as defined in the Franchise Agreement, for example but not limited to, all past and present prospect, client, and supplier data, reports, materials, spreadsheets, presentations, contracts, promotional materials, website materials, and digital marketing materials.
You must keep your business equipment clean and in excellent repair. Periodically, we may instruct you to upgrade your equipment to meet our currently effective standards and to accommodate any upgrades to the Proprietary Software or other software that we require you to use.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Expense Reduction Analysts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Expense Reduction Analysts has the right to designate computer software programs that franchisees must use in connection with the Computer System. Expense Reduction Analysts can develop or designate the Required Software, including updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements, which the franchisee must install at their own expense. Expense Reduction Analysts can also specify the brands, types, makes, and models of computer hardware and software franchisees use for their Consulting Business. This includes a compatible "back office" computer system, Expense Reduction Analysts' custom and Proprietary Software, other required software applications and programs, an all-in-one printer/scanner, and Internet access.
Expense Reduction Analysts may also require franchisees to purchase or lease the hardware necessary to support the Required Software and keep their Computer System in good repair, including installing any additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, and/or replacements that Expense Reduction Analysts directs in writing. The franchisee's computer system must be capable of operating financial accounting software and be programmed to automatically transmit data and reports about the operation of the Consulting Business to Expense Reduction Analysts. Expense Reduction Analysts has the right to independently access, monitor, and retrieve any data the franchisee inputs or collects electronically, including access to the franchisee's Computer System.
All material and data related to the Expense Reduction Analysts system must be housed digitally in Expense Reduction Analysts' approved OneDrive folder accessed through their Proprietary Software. This includes all Confidential Information, such as prospect, client, and supplier data, reports, materials, spreadsheets, presentations, contracts, promotional materials, website materials, and digital marketing materials. Franchisees must also periodically upgrade their equipment to meet Expense Reduction Analysts' current standards and accommodate any upgrades to the Proprietary Software or other software that Expense Reduction Analysts requires them to use, at the franchisee's own cost.