There are so many applications aimed at trade and construction companies, all designed to improve your business efficiency, but which ones are right for you?
Cloud based applications have significantly changed the way trade and construction companies are run. These applications, when properly implemented have streamlined administration and improved communication saving time for business managers and improving efficiency.
But for as many success stories there are disasters, where the selection and implementation has gone wrong.
The other problem is time. Where do you find the time to identify and test the enormous number of options that are available to find the one that best suits your business need. This is even before implementation and training. So while applications can save time and improve efficiency, the initial research and implementation process can be time consuming.
We have implemented a lot of applications for clients over the last couple of years and understand just how time consuming and frustrating the task of finding and implementing an application for your particular needs can be. Here are twelve things that we have learnt along the way.
- First and foremost you need to understand your current process. Many businesses make the mistake of picking the application and then make their business fit.
- Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. If you current system is working, make sure you have a good case to change.
- Have a checklist of what is important and cannot be compromised.
- The options in applications are vast and it is probable that one application is not going to provide all the answers for you.
- Build a checklist of functionality when you are looking at applications. This will help you with your decision making process. We write down the required functionality before we start research and add to the list as we move along.
- Don’t change too much at once, especially if you have a team. And don’t forget to train people.
- Have a plan for implementing, training and using the application. Keep checking that the implementation is aligned to these goals.
- An application is not the fix. It needs to be adopted to facilitate the benefits. Train staff and modify business processes.
- Keep things simple. It is easy to get carried away with all the functionality that the applications provide, when this is not always what you need. It is good to understand the additional benefits that the functionality of the application provides, so that you can implement this when required to improve business efficiency.
- Pick systems that integrate and wherever possible remove manual input.
- Minimise the impact of the change on your business, implementing a new system can be disruptive. Don’t introduce systems when you are at your busiest, introduce them when it is quieter.
- Trial and test the applications before you commit and talk to others that have used them.
We have tested and trialed hundreds of applications, so chances are we have looked at the applications that fit your particular need. If you would like to discuss the options with us, call the Clever Cow team on 9981 3137.
