If we examine the range of different tools on offer, we will undoubtedly conclude that none of them will satisfy all our needs, because they are completely different. What do we need to simplify business management? Definitely some ERP or accounting software. Some task, project and process software will definitely come in handy. CRM, of course. These will be the crucial ones. Maybe we need some CMS and an e-shop. And depending on what we do, some specialized solutions. Like software for weighing trucks. And maybe some more.
What to look for when choosing a solution for your company?
After many conversations with my clients, I have come up with 6 key points.
1) Does it cover most of our needs?
Did we do an analysis? At least the basic necessities. The things that bother us or that we could improve.
2) Is it intuitive?
Let the salespeople work in the accounting program because there’s a database of contacts and you’ll see that it won’t work. Most accounting programs are not very intuitive. Well, if we let those for whom it is intended work in them, it’s a different story. User-friendliness should be one of the basic things, because if the program is not user-friendly, it will not meet your expectations. People won’t want to work there.
3) Is the solution fast?
When I click somewhere, does the desired action happen right away? Or does it take 20, 30 or more seconds? Users who have worked or are working in such a program could tell a story. It’s something that leads to “madness” without fun.
4) Is it easy to manage?
This question can be divided into two. User administration and IT administration. Is it easy for the user to “tweak” their account settings or does IT have to do it? And thus delaying and increasing costs for the company. What about IT itself? Does it install the system easily or is it a “superhuman” task. And if IT is going to set up the system, does it do it once or twice or does it have to go through a two-day training?
5) Can the solution be extended to our future needs?
Not everyone thinks about this, and yet it is so important. Life changes and companies evolve. If something changes in a year or two, will the supplier do any customer extensions for us?
6) Can the software under consideration talk to others?
Modern solutions have interfaces, called APIs, through which they communicate. Above, we considered the fact that there are basically no universal solutions. So of course it’s important that our software can talk to others. Older software doesn’t have it. Even there you can solve a lot of things, for example via XLS. Find out how communicative the solution you are considering is.
I wish you the easiest decision making when choosing the right solution. You can make your work easier with the 1CLICK organizational system.
