When deciding whether or not to invest in the purchase and implementation of new software, you must first determine the estimated value to the company and decide if that value justifies the cost.

Why Business Management Software?

The benefits many businesses are looking for include:

• Improved inventory management through gains in accuracy and reduction in carrying costs.
• Improved operational efficiency through implementation of the best practices inherent in the software applications.
• Improved customer service through better order management and real-time information.
• Improved financial reporting for both internal accounting and external audit review through automation.

But can you leverage more from the application? The answer is yes – by taking some simple steps to ensure these systems benefit your users as well as your business, you can provide even more value.

Training and Education

Reading a user manual is fine for reference or clarification, but don't confuse it with actual training. New software and new processes change how jobs are done, and there is always a learning curve. Your employees will be less resistant to a full-scale software change if you train them and they feel comfortable doing their jobs the new way. In addition, well-trained employees can do their jobs more efficiently, also maximizing your software's return on investment (ROI).

User Groups

Many software vendors support their customers through the creation of user groups. These user groups meet regularly to discuss resolutions to business problems and software issues. They also learn about the vendor’s development of future versions and features. User groups benefit your business by giving you contact with the software vendor as well as by offering an opportunity to network with other users of the software. Together, you can share ideas about leveraging the system to get benefits you may not have considered alone.

If there are no existing user groups in your area, you and your consultant could work together to start one.

Consulting Services

A large percentage of businesses work with consultants in the process of selecting and implementing software but terminate their relationship at the end of the project. There are, however, many benefits to continuing the relationship past a successful implementation. Your consultants can provide you with professional services such as on-going training, user group affiliation, upgrades, updates, etc. Don’t overlook the value of the contributions consultants offer your business.

At Southeast Computer Solutions, we have the business systems management expertise you need to maximize your return on investment, no matter what the project is. Contact us to learn how we can provide your company with on-going training, management, and support of your critical business systems.