Business software – how to choose an effective solution
Choosing the right software can be a significant challenge. When reviewing the available market offers it's difficult to decide which business process automation tool is best. The availability of both off-the-shelf and dedicated solutions means that every organization can tailor specific software to its needs. How can you make the right choice among the multitude of solutions available? What should you pay particular attention to when selecting software to ensure it meets your expectations?
Matching the right software to a company's needs is crucial, as businesses of all industries will struggle to function properly. When choosing a system, it's important to understand what expectations it should meet. It's crucial that not all systems available on the market will meet a company's needs. For example, a manufacturing company may struggle with delivery delays, raw material shortages, or high production costs, while a small family business may struggle with timely invoice settlement, procurement, or accounting.
Business software, but what kind?
When searching for specific software, it's important to understand the difference between a universal and a dedicated solution. A properly selected system supports business processes and accelerates most tasks. A tool that isn't properly tailored contributes to slowing down processes and provides data that isn't based on reality. To choose the right software, you'll need to answer several key questions:
- What is the budget?
- How long will the system be used?
- Will the selected business software provide comprehensive support for the company in the future?
- Does the selected system allow for expansion of functionality?
- What are the company's current capabilities?
- What are the company's weaknesses?
- What are the company's goals for the coming years?
- What should you consider when choosing software?
When choosing the right business software, you must consider many criteria to ensure that the purchased solution meets the expectations of a modern enterprise. In particular, it's worth paying attention to:
- available functionality,
- the ability to modify the tool to meet specific company needs,
- basic hardware requirements specified by the manufacturer,
- the permissible number of users or units using the system,
- the ability to introduce changes and the speed of their updates,
- the option of integration with solutions implemented within the enterprise,
- a user-friendly interface,
- performance and speed of operation,
- a dedicated mobile application.
What should you consider when choosing an implementation company?
When deciding to implement IT solutions in your enterprise, you should not only focus on the specific system but also choose a reputable software vendor or a company specializing in implementing tools from leading partners. Depending on the area you need to serve, you should explore the offerings of several vendors – ideally companies with years of experience in supporting a specific environment. The multitude of systems makes the final decision on which solution to choose difficult and often results in a poor fit for the company's needs. What criteria should a good vendor or IT systems integrator meet to ensure full support at every stage of the project?
- Experience.
- Number of completed implementations.
- Dedicated specialists.
- Positive customer reviews.
- Technology offered.
- Support and technical assistance after implementation.
- Project completion time.
- Individualized approach.
When should you choose a ready-made solution, and when should you choose a dedicated one?
The most important thing when choosing software is understanding the difference between a boxed and a dedicated system. Off-the-shelf software, also known as a boxed solution, is a universal tool, available to users, for example, after purchasing a license. A company choosing a specific solution chooses a product, paying for access to its functionality without the option to make changes. In the case of a dedicated system, the client can order a tool tailored precisely to the company's needs.
- A ready-made solution – designed for almost immediate implementation in companies that cannot afford to wait for a system. Compared to dedicated tools, they are cheaper, but the functionalities offered cannot meet the requirements of companies requiring custom-made software. Off-the-shelf systems are designed to be as versatile as possible and automate specific processes without the need to implement special features. However, the disadvantages of a ready-made solution include the inability to expand with newly developed processes and the need to change employee habits, who will have to learn to use the new tool.
- Dedicated software – tailored to the client's needs and requirements, distinguished by functionalities tailored to the company's policies and workflows. The system includes only those options identified during the audit and essential for the proper operation of the company. Additional advantages include the ability to freely modify and integrate with existing programs. Dedicated software is suitable for any company requiring a scalable tool with the option to add additional functionalities.
Why is it worth looking for dedicated (low-code) solutions?
When choosing dedicated software, it's definitely better to choose a tool based on low-code technology, which is a good alternative to traditional programming. The nAxiom low-code platform significantly increases productivity, allowing you to create any application in a much shorter time. It allows for quick adaptation to changing business conditions, thus facilitating efficient management of the entire environment. One of the most frequently cited advantages of the nAxiom low-code platform is its flexibility, which allows for shorter implementation times and tailoring the implemented solution to the client's needs, with the additional option of integration with other tools and systems. Solutions built on the nAxiom platform can be successfully implemented in entities such as universities, enterprises, and public administration institutions, adapting them to their needs. It is suitable for almost every area of business – sales, administration, logistics, finance, HR, marketing, production, and IT.
Why partner with OPTeam?
Choosing the right software is one thing, but deciding on a company or partner that will professionally implement and provide reliable support is another equally important step. There are many companies on the market offering both their own solutions and those of their partners. It's crucial to choose one with years of experience implementing personalized products dedicated to various market segments. Clients who partner with OPTeam can count on assistance in selecting the right solution, tailored to their individual business requirements, as well as a universal solution that meets the specific needs of both businesses and institutions. Thanks to its extensive experience, OPTeam utilizes proven and cutting-edge IT technologies that enable the automation of many different activities performed within the management process.
Summary
When considering software implementation, it's important to remember that it's a long-term investment. In the case of off-the-shelf systems, it's essential to analyze the costs and thoroughly review the solution offered. When it comes to dedicated software, it's worth ensuring a thorough audit of the client's needs. After a successful implementation, every organization will experience positive changes in its daily operations.