What software is currently included in the Technology Fee for Expense Reduction Analysts franchisees?
Expense_Reduction_Analysts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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. 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. You must promptly comply with any such requests at your cost. (Section 11.9 of the Franchise Agreement)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Expense Reduction Analysts FDD, the Technology Fee includes the ERA Management Information System as of the issuance date of the FDD. Expense Reduction Analysts may designate other software for use in connection with the Consulting Business in the future. Franchisees are responsible for paying the then-current Technology Fees associated with any software Expense Reduction Analysts designates.
Expense Reduction Analysts has the right, but not the obligation, to develop or designate computer software programs that franchisees must use, and to require updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements to the Required Software. Franchisees are responsible for the expense of installing any Required Software and keeping their Computer System in good maintenance and repair, including any additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, and/or replacements to the Computer System or Required Software that Expense Reduction Analysts directs in writing.
The Computer System is used to manage leads, contacts, appointments, accounts, and work-in-progress, access Proprietary Software, and communicate with other members of the global franchise network. It collects and generates client information, client projects, work projects, projections, evaluations, and reports. Expense Reduction Analysts may require that the Computer System be programmed to automatically transmit data and reports about the operation of the Consulting Business to them and has the right to independently access, monitor, and retrieve any data that the franchisee inputs or collects electronically.
All material and data related to the System must be housed digitally in Expense Reduction Analysts' approved OneDrive folder accessed through their Proprietary Software. This includes all Confidential Information, such as all past and present 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' standards and accommodate any upgrades to the Proprietary Software or other software that they require the franchisee to use, at the franchisee's own cost.