Charging in head first without a plan is usually a bad idea, right? Just as how you wouldn’t barge into a battlefield without some sort of idea of what you’re going to do, you wanna consider what your company needs before buying software. After all, buying software before defining your business needs will severely limit what your system can accomplish.
Who Does Your Business Cater To?
This is an integral question in deciding what your company software needs. While it’s true that all companies are unique and have different requisites, specific types of businesses have more unique needs. Business to business and business to consumer companies have entirely unique methods of operations.
Because of that, it’s important to ask yourself this question, “Do we primarily handle businesses or consumers?” Your answer will lead you to the next step.
What Field Do We Specialize In?
The answer to this question will be the most vital in determining what software your company needs. This is because some software companies exist that create software programs specifically for those in a specific industry.
Take DBX Software for example. Although our software packages can be used to great lengths by just about any company, we have specific packages made for roofers and pool contractors. And those in the roofing and pool industries will find greater benefits in using these tailored packages as opposed to using generic ones.
If, however, your company specializes in a variety of fields, then all-in-one software solutions would be the best place to start your research. These packages are all-inclusive, meaning it contains the foundations for all business operations. It’s just not exactly geared towards any specific field.
Research, Research, and More Research
When you’ve reached the research stages of your journey, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as too much research. You can never be too knowledgeable when going into a large decision like this. Just as we discussed in our previous article about mistakes people tend to make when choosing software, knowing is half the battle.
Another thing to take note of is popularity. The highest ranking software on Google doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fit for you and your business. It’s recommended to take the time to learn what your options are capable of. This can be done by scheduling demonstrations with software providers. A majority of providers will be more than happy to give you a demonstration of what their software can do.
Take these demos seriously and ask many, many questions. These demos are your best bet of learning the software without actually having to buy it. Other companies will allow you to take part in a trial, although this doesn’t happen to often. But when it does, however, be sure to take absolute advantage of it.
Invite other business partners or workers to take in demos with you. The more brains there are, the better your chances of making the best decision for your company.
What to Look For
We said that every company has different software needs, and it goes to follow that we can’t exactly list what it is you may be looking for. But, there are indeed a few things all business software should have.
Cloud Based Software
Every software you consider to buy should be Cloud based. For those unaware, Cloud based software allows you to access the features of the software, provided you have internet connections. All data is stored within the Cloud. What this means is an incredibly efficient and convenient way of operating your business.
Impeccable Customer Support
You’re bound to run into issues with your software at some point down the line. It doesn’t matter how many stars it’s got next to its name. Unless you’re the one who engineered the software, you won’t fully understand it in and out. That’s why a dedicated customer support team from the software provider is so important.
They’re the ones who answer your questions and troubleshoot your problems – the ones who help your company truly operate smoothly. So make sure the company you sign on with has amazing customer support.
Final Thoughts
Treat the hunt for your software needs like entering a battlefield. Tread carefully as if your life were on the line, because, well, your company is. It’s important for entrepreneurs to figure out what their company needs before jumping into a software contract. Don’t let your software limit how you operate.
