Businesses of all sizes can reap the benefits of cloud-based software, which allows them to control several aspects of operations in and out of the office, from any browser. Of course, there are many different platforms to choose from across various categories, but these four categories can help keep the business in order: business intelligence software helps monitor and make use of data; CRM software helps manage customer relationships; HR & payroll software makes it easy to pay and process employee interactions; and social media management keeps all your social channels in order. Together, you’ll have an entire suite of software to help streamline your day to day business.
Business Intelligence Software
According to a Gigaom data report, the world is using less than 1 percent of the data it consumes. Big data is a world of potential, and for good reason. Armed with the ability to help build businesses, create better organizations, and reinforce governing bodies, data can do so much. But with a large amount of data wasted on a daily business, it’s important for businesses to be able to utilize it as best as possible. This is where business intelligence software comes in.
One of the best benefits of business intelligence is having the ability to use interactive data visualization to better understand data. Interactive data visualization allows users to view data in graphical elements like charts, tables, and graphs. This is especially important for employees who don’t have a background in data or statistical analysis. Through these interactive graphics, you’re able to effectively comprehend and process that data. This way, you truly getting the value out of the data you capture.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
The benefits of CRM are aplenty. CRM tools provide business owners with the ability to focus on making customers happy to increase profits. When customers are happy, they are more likely to come back for repeat business, and studies have shown that repeat customers are more valuable than new customers. According to BIAKelsey, 61% of small businesses reported that over half of their revenue comes from repeat customers.
With CRM software, you can cultivate the all-important relationship between the business and its customers. In addition to being able to improve informational organization, you can improve your customer service. Additionally, all customer details are stored and accessible as soon as you come into contact with a particular customer. This means that regardless of who works with that customer, you can provide them with the same level of customer service.
HR & Software
Payroll shouldn’t take up your entire night. According to Score, 40% of business owners spend eighty hours on average on filing paperwork for payroll. The majority of your billing process should be funneled through billing software, which eliminates the need for so much manual paperwork. With the right program, all your payroll needs will be taken care of in minutes.
You’ll also be able to avoid a slew of common payroll mistakes that many businesses make. In 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) levied $4.27 billion in penalties related to mistakes that small businesses made with employee taxes. Updates to billing software keep it in compliance with local and federal guidelines and regulations.
Many products offer a combination of payroll, time, and benefits management. Through the same platform, employees can request time off, view payments, and communicate with human resources. Major players in this space include Zenefits, Gusto, and bambooHR.Check out how these options stack up against one another and how your business can make the most out of its features and tools.
Social Management Software
Social media has become synonymous with brand building, and business owners need a social media management tool to stay ahead of the curve. Several studies have shown that a consistent online social presence can build customer loyalty and lead to increased profits. Social media management tools like SproutSocial, TweetDeck, and Buffer all make it easy to manage several social channels at once. Through these cloud platforms, users can schedule posts, better monitor the brand’s reputation, and use analytics to track social progress and make appropriate changes.