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To many businesses, the obvious answer to
internal problems is to computerise, to bring in software that will
solve problems. In many instances this does nothing more than
create new problems, problems you could well do without, and ones
that take the eyes of both your and your staff off the main
business.
Computers are tools that you can use to assist
your business. Similarly, software suites are tools that can be
used on computers to assist your business. Computers and software
should not drive your business, and you should not need to make
changes to your operations purely because you have installed
software. Changes to processes should be made because the business
will benefit from them, not because you have new software.
So the first question is what processes are you
looking to automate, and is purchasing software the most appropriate
method of achieving that automation.
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As an example, is it better for your business
to purchase and run accounts software yourself, or to employ an
Accountant.
There is no simple answer, and every business
will be different, but just because one solution costs more does not
make it the least cost effective. Staff time is expensive, and
using valuable time to undertake tasks that can be outsourced may
not be the most cost effective answer.
You must look closely at the problems that you
have, and decide on the most appropriate solutions to those
problems, before considering whether to implement those solutions.
Remember, if you do purchase and install new software, your staff
will have a learning curve to circumvent, and their productivity
will suffer in the short term as they get to grips with the new
systems.
In the short term you will lose efficiency and
effectiveness, and you must be sure that the subsequent gains that
can be made are worth the short-term pain.
KCA Marketing does not have ties into software
houses. We can be totally impartial, and assist you to find the
most appropriate solutions to your problems, whatever they may be.
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