Time flies when you’re managing a business, especially during the busy festive season. With the new year less than 2 weeks away you’ve probably already started thinking about what you’d like to achieve in your business in 2018.
If a move to the cloud is one of your business goals for 2018 (because you already know about all the benefits!) now is the perfect time to start thinking about and researching the various pieces of software your business might need to undertake this change.
So, to help you with this process here’s three simple questions to get you moving…
1. What software is being used by businesses in my industry that have already made the move?
An easy way of transitioning to the cloud with a lot of confidence is to model another business in your field who’s already made the move.
- What technology are they using?
- What is their staffing and contractor setup?
- What are they doing differently?
It’s not difficult to visit a website of a software provider to find a customer testimonial, and then quickly Google that customers name.
You’ll no doubt have numerous contacts in the industry – most will be relatively happy to tell you ‘we use this and we love it’, or otherwise.
Using the right software tools could help streamline your entire operation, giving you access to better information and insights so you can make better business decisions.
Learn more about factors to consider when choosing software for your business.
2. How can I automate manual processes in my business?
The short answer is “Add-ons”!
In recent years the advancement of cloud technology has been used to cut down on administrative tasks and messy paper based processes. This is allowing businesses to spend more time on other areas of their business or simply free up a business owner’s time.
Digital bookkeeping integrations (commonly referred to as Add-Ons) is allowing businesses to automate processes that used to always be done manually and consume enormous amounts of time.
Add-ons can take care of things like:
- Point of Sale (Kounta, Vend)
- Inventory Control. (Unleashed, Dear, Trade Gecko)
- Job & Project Management. (SimPRO, ServiceM8, WorkflowMax)
- Payroll & HR (Deputy, Employment Hero)
- Ecommerce (Shopify)
- Bills & Expense Management. (Receipt Bank)
- Cash Flow Forecasting (Float)
- Reporting (Spotlight Reporting)
All these different add-on’s contain pieces of business automation – but when you bring them all together you create a set of business systems that will allow you to run an extremely efficient operation in 2018.
Related Blog- Is your business getting the most out of Xero’s Add-On MarketPlace?
3. Who’s going to manage these new systems?
Implementing new systems into your business in 2018 will be extremely rewarding. But without someone in your business who will manage these systems the whole thing can fall apart quickly.
Depending on the size of your business – that person may be you.
Alternatively, you may already have someone internal to your business that can be sufficiently trained to manage these processes.
Either way, most good software providers will provide comprehensive training resources that will allow your designated person (or people) to upskill so you get the full benefit of your move to the cloud.
An alternative option is to consider outsourcing this role to an expert: In-House Vs Outsourced Bookkeeping in 2018
Modern cloud software has made the process of outsourcing your businesses accounts much more achievable and economical for many business owners.
It’s now very possible to outsource the entire financial function of your business using cloud technology!
Related Blog: Bookkeepers Vs Virtual CFO Vs Accountants Vs Business Coach