The main differences between these and the PGAS system is that the PGAS system is completely customizable to handle special needs of particular businesses. For instance it is set up to account for quantities and numbers as well as dollars, to handle multiple profit centers, and to handle sales of products made from raw materials or with specialized taxing requirements. Examples are bulk fertilizer sales and gasoline sales. The profit center accounting and quantity and number accounting are especially useful for farmers. The purpose of accounting is to keep track of items of value including goods, cash, and financial obligations in their current state and in their flow or change over time so that reports useful in making management decisions are available to the managers of a business or other accounting entity.
Accounting is based on the concept of a financial transaction.
A financial transaction occurs whenever the status or ownership of a thing of value changes. A deposit is made to a bank account. A purchase is made and cash is paid. A purchase is made on credit. A payment is made to an account payable or receivable.