The mere mention of the word software is enough to send the average CEO into frenzy. Usually, the thought of costs, business interruption and the time needed for staff training can be costly for a company.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Business software can be an excellent tool in your working arsenal. Streamlined processes, automation and savings are significant. What’s more, they are all significant reasons why entrepreneurs invest in new software.
But, before you go in head-first into this kind of specialist IT technology, you need to think about your business, its needs and more importantly, your budget.
Figuring Out the Budget
Defining your budget is one of the best things that you can do. Before you start implementing new software, you need to think about your business as a whole.
With apps being able to do the same job as some premium packages, you need to think long and hard about your software needs. Can an app do the job of a premium package?
If so, it may be wise to use this in smaller, less affluent companies. I’ve personally done this and in most cases I’ve been able to avoid the high cost software packages but in other times I’ve found the high software solutions to be the best.
In the end it all depends on the company, your needs, and what you can afford.
Training
With the implementation of any new software, you need to consider training. If you have a smaller company, you may be wise doing the training in-house.
But, for larger SME’s it may be a sensible option to look at courses and training to help your staff get to grips with your newly implemented tech. Take a look at these Simplilearn.com resources.
These can help you make sense of what is needed for your team. After all, successful technological and software implementation rests on adequate training.
I’ve personally done all of my own training house mostly because I preferred to do it that way. For training I would turn to online courses and I’ve found this for me to be the best solution for me
What Software Does Your Business Need?
Irrespective of the size and scope of your company, you need to ensure that you have the right software. Accountancy software is a must have, whether your turnover is significant or not.
I recently switched accounting software because of this vary reason. My old accounting software required quarterly updates all at a cost, whereas my new accounting software is less expensive and I only have to update it once a year.
On top of that the new software has more functionality with it and it actually saves me more time now than with the old software. Speaking of easier…
Is It Making Your Clients Lives Easier
You also need to ensure that you are making your clients lives easier. But, you also need to make sure that your accountant has something tangible to work with. Your business’s financial health depends on accountancy software.
Of course, in the digital age, it’s all about email too. Your email is the primary line of communication. From customers to suppliers, it’s pivotal that you have an all singing, all dancing email system.
It’s not only functional but, it’s important that you have a professional email address to ensure that your customers see you as a business that is professional.
Documents are an important part of the software process. But, implementing a cloud based solution is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you are on the right lines.
Plans, documents, letters, presentations. All of these things need to be recorded digitally. So, look out for cloud based solutions for streamlined processes and cheaper associated costs.
Software Myths Debunked
You don’t have to have a mega buck’s budget to implement software. The key is to start with the basics so that your business can get going. As your company grows, it’s wise to change the software that you use. Software is always evolving.
That doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck in a rut. Figuring out what is best for business can be the tough part. But, viewing software implantation as a linear process will ensure that you are on the right lines.
For example, you don’t need to have a CRM solution such as Share Point. This would be overkill rather you could get away with a low budget solution.
Wrapping Up…
You need to calculate all the cost involved from training, to ongoing cost before you make any big decisions. So take time determine all the cost involved and review your current business budget.
So what kind of software are you planning to buy for your business and are their any concerns you have before you plan to buy it? Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.
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