Hi Abacus,
My business has been growing steadily, and I’m considering implementing a few new tools. I’m looking at options for inventory management and point-of-sale systems, but there are so many options! I’m just a little lost when it comes to figuring out what’s best for my business. What is the best tech out there right now?
Thanks,
Too Many Tools in my Toolbox
Dear Too Many Tools,
That is a great question! Let’s get something out of the way first—there is no single “best” option for your business. No matter which software you go with, your business will keep on changing, and so will your software. Sometimes you’ll outgrow it, or it will outgrow you. In a few years, you could be in a totally different spot than you are right now, with a totally different set of needs. Technology will continue to evolve and change. Nothing is permanent.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re searching for technology. The first is your people. Talk to the people who will be using your software. What is their skill level? What programs are they comfortable with? Is the software user-friendly enough for them? Also think about how your business is changing. Will this software last a few years? Will it cover your needs right now and in the immediate future?
Your business changes, so remember that you will have to frequently reevaluate your tools to make sure they’re still a good fit. I advise always trying a tool out before you buy it. Most software options offer a free trial. It’s always a good idea to test these out to make sure they’ll meet your company’s needs.
Here are a few things to think about when you’re looking for software:
- Don’t try to find one tool that does everything, because it’s unlikely like everything it does will be right for your business. If you’re looking for a tool to manage your entire business… well, that doesn’t exist. A lot of tools say they can do various tasks, but many of them will not be sophisticated enough for your growing business.
- Make a spreadsheet of the processes and activities you want to manage, such as bookkeeping. Don’t forget to include who will be involved in that management process.
- Now look at that grid and choose a software that your employees will be able to handle, and that covers your most important processes and activities.
- It’s always good to have software that can communicate with your central accounting system, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. If you have a good accounting team, they will be able to capture that information without having to transfer every line of information.
Good luck out there,
Abacus the Accountant
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