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MFM™ Technology

Braided Matrix holds the patents to the multi-function-modular (MFM) technology that forms the underpinning of all 4th Quarter® products. Because of our MFM design our software is more adaptable and more easily adaptable than any other accounting software.

Effective computer software must be modular so that different areas can operate with relative independence. This is the only way increasingly complex systems can be built in the context of ever-changing technology. Modular design always presents the problem of figuring out how to simply and flexibly integrate related areas without sacrificing independence.

Up until 1998 no one had devised a general, modular accounting system. Lincoln Stoller's patent (US Patent #5,740,427) is the first system to offer you a full-featured, fully adaptable accounting system that is independent of any particular business model.

Stoller's patent provides multiple ways of connecting the different accounting modules. Each module can function in a variety of different ways. The basic building blocks on which 4th Quarter is based can be connected and reconnected in a variety of ways. That is, each module supports multiple functions, hence"Multifunction Modular"or MFM.

How MFM Is Used

Accounting follows basic rules across all industries, but each industry structures its accounting in different ways.

Using 4th Quarter's MFM tools we have been able to select those aspects of the accounting engine most appropriate for specific businesses.

For example a chart of accounts is always composed of the same set of possible accounts and types of accounts. Each business will use different charts of accounts, while have different accounts for different functions, and will generate more or less details for particular accounts.

Using 4Q's MFM tools we can set up a complete chart of accounts for any business in which different types of accounts are linked to different entities. For example a bank may have client loan receivable accounts and a portfolio of mortgage assets. A leasing company may have prepaid service contract assets and lease income accounts. A marketing company may have vendor payable and vendor receivable accounts, coop advertising, commission fees and royalty payable accounts.

In 4th Quarter all of these account structures can be linked to those objects that are relevant to each particular business, whether it be vendors, sales agents, licensers, or mortgages. You design the business, the 4Q accounting engine handles the accounting.

In another example, different businesses will keep different journals. An international wholesaler may keep separate domestic and international sales journals. A manufacturing firm might standard production and custom production costs on separate purchase journals. In 4th Quarter any number of journals can be created. The program can be directed to use different journals under different circumstances. You define the bookkeeping structure, the 4Q accounting engine will handle your management structure according to generally accepted accounting principles.