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Every business owner wishes their team could be more productive. It’s why we invest in staff development and new technology. But with new software and new business markets opening up every year, it can sometimes feel as though you’ll never be able to keep up with the demand.
You might have a whole list of different software that you’ve purchased, and yet you can’t remember the capabilities of half of them – let alone actually using them. Or in other words, you have a set of software that you don’t know what to do with. This is where IT professionals can help.
How to Make Your Programs More Useful
In your dream scenario, your software makes your business more efficient by eliminating redundancies and automating tasks. Every piece of software in your business serves a purpose and integrates seamlessly. In reality, many businesses have a jumble of applications that overlap and aren’t used to their full potential. The first step is to hire someone who knows all about software, either internally or by hiring a professional IT management firm.
The Four Applications Every Business Needs
The next step is to identify the needs of your business and match them to a collection of software that keeps your data organized, your team supported, and your life easier. You can think of it as a spring cleaning but for your software systems. Your IT expert will help you purge the programs you aren’t using and fully implement the ones you are – or find new solutions that combine the capabilities you need. There are four main components that all businesses need: a customer management tool, a communication system, and an automated marketing process.
Depending on your business, you may also need additional tools, such, data management software and project management software.
CRM
Every business needs a tool to manage its customer details. Before computers, the business had a Rolodex or a card catalog where they stored their customer details, such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and account numbers. Today, all this sensitive information is managed by online software that keeps the information secure and easily accessible for the business.
A powerful CRM can help you manage your customers, market to specific groups, and provide superior customer service. There are many CRM tools out there, and your IT expert can help match you with the right one.
Communication and Productivity
Internal Memo Boards are a rare find in the age of remote work teams. Whether part of your staff works from home or your entire staff does, a virtual communication tool helps keep your employees organized, connected, and more productive. But not all communication and productivity software is created equal. You’ll want to consult with your IT expert to find the software that meets your unique needs.
If you’re a project-oriented company, you may want a tool that allows for easy sharing of files and tracking of timelines. If you’re a creative agency, you might prefer a tool that has versatile communication options. Depending on the size of your team, you might want a combination of tools to serve different functions.
Finances
Accurate bookkeeping is an essential part of the business. The software you’ll use will depend on the size of your business, the complexity of your transactions, and the person looking after your finances. Whether you use an internal employee or outsource to an accounting firm will play a factor in which software you’ll need. Consulting an IT expert will help you find a system that also integrates well with your chosen CRM, keeping your data in one continuous path.
Marketing Automation
You can save your business countless hours by using marketing management and automation software. No matter which platforms you’re using to market your business, there are marketing integration and automation options available. From email marketing to advertising to Social Media posting, there is a simpler process out there than manually sending or publishing. Some CRMs include marketing automation functions. An IT expert will be able to help you determine what your software can do.
Optimize Your Software with IT Professionals in Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton’s professional IT managers at Alt-Tech Inc. can help your business create customized or integrated software solutions that work better for your business. Contact us today for a consultation.
