Improving your business is a daily effort, and certain aspects of your operation require software or computer systems. Purchasing management software for your business allows you to positively affect every division, and you will see instant results.
Consider the six factors below during a yearly audit or review of your office, staff, or locations. You can change the trajectory of your business while improving morale, satisfying customers, and reducing manager oversight.
1. Increase Productivity and Efficiency
Working efficiently is the hallmark of any good business. It can be difficult to remain efficient when there is so much work to do and that work is spread across several systems. Centralizing everything into one program allows employees and managers to quickly shift from one task to another.
A faster point of sale unit helps close transactions in seconds, and enhanced inventory programs give employees up-to-the-minute figures. In a situation such as this, an HVAC technician, for example, knows if an AC blower is in stock before placing a special order and wasting the customer’s time.
Workers lose time every week waiting for new software platforms to load. Using one platform ensures that the program loads in the morning, the employee works without delays, and they shut down at the end of the day. Laterally, customers receive better support because employees are not waiting for computer systems to load during every call or chat session.
2. Cut Back on Errors
Using one software platform cuts back on errors in translation. As information transfers from one program to another, it could be lost, corrupted, or misinterpreted. For example, transferring accounting information from one platform to another might result in $200.76 losing the decimal and becoming $20,076. An almost $18,000 loss can be deadly for any business.
You also remove the possibility of double entries or manual errors. Information goes into the management software one time, and that data remains the same for as long as it exists. Managers can easily review employee work to correct errors, and some programs scour big data for potential errors.
3. Improve Interoffice Communication
You do not need to use email to reach everyone. Business management software allows you to text, call, or use messaging apps to reach employees. Plus, the management software company likely has an app that allows employees to check in using any mobile device.
Sending quick text blasts to your employees takes only a few seconds, or you can use secure messaging to protect your company’s data. If you insist on using email, a centralized business management platform houses an address book featuring everyone at the company. Employees and managers can easily find the right people, send emails, and remain connected. Systems such as this also allow you to:
- unsend messages
- send large files
- share links to the cloud
4. Make Task Assignments Easy to Manage
Sending assignments to your staff seems simple when using email, but email threads can be long, confusing, or get lost in your inbox. Assigning tasks through business management software keeps all the tasks in one place. Employees get tasks on their dashboards, and managers can see every assignment on their end.
Set up your management software so that employees can:
- check tasks as complete
- add comments
- receive feedback
Managers can flag urgent assignments, or they might remove redundant tasks to save time. The program can also:
- send reminders to employees when tasks are due
- alert managers when tasks are marked complete
- create an activity log for each employee
5. Improve Your Compliance Efforts
Compliance is a large part of keeping a business healthy, avoiding fines, and operating within the bounds of the law. Your company cannot thrive if regulators are constantly reviewing your operations or even shutting you down. If you must complete routine tasks to remain in compliance with local regulations, the management program sends a reminder to all responsible parties. The manager of a restaurant will receive alerts when they must check the temperature of the walk-in freezer, check the hand-washing stations, or restock the soap and towels.
Compliance issues also involve city, county, or state-mandated forms that you must complete, transmit, and save. You can:
- scan these forms into the program
- complete them electronically
- email them to the appropriate agency
If your compliance efforts involve individual employees, you can teach your employees to complete these forms and save them to a shared drive. This level of compliance is especially important in the trucking industry, as owner-operators must log their hours and vehicle inspections.
6. Enhance Customer Relationships
Reaching customers and building relationships creates a loyal and active clientele. Management programs help you:
- send email blasts
- review customer files
- offer customized care
For example, when customers call or email with questions, you can:
- review their file
- determine the exact nature of their issue
- offer a quick resolution
Your business management program can also manage your eCommerce store, checkouts, and shipping.
You can use a great campground software to send reservation verification emails to customers. You can also schedule reminder texts or emails that go to your clients a month, a week, or even a day before their reservation with instructions for check-in. The campground might also send reminders with information on local attractions or events. The same program also helps you review special requests, accept payments, and check the campground schedule when booking customers.
You may also use these programs to create custom order forms. Customers complete the form, and you can scan that form into the program so that it is easy to review while filling each order.
You Can Improve Your Business with One Software Program
Your business can improve overnight using management software to simplify your operations and centralize your software usage. Enhancing your customer relationships drives revenue, while compliance keeps you on the right side of the law, and an efficient work environment keeps employees happy. Work with a consultant to customize your management program, make adjustments as needed, and even manage your business on the go from a mobile device.
Comment below or share your experiences with business management software. Working as a community, everyone can improve together.
