Whether you run a small business or a division in a mid-sized corporation, business support software applications are an essential part of improving how the business operates — and how well customers’ needs are met. There is a plethora of business support software solutions available, tailored not only to specific tasks but often to your particular industry. Finding the right business support software systems that meet your needs can help to ensure that the business runs as efficiently as possible, enabling employees to live up to their potential and deliver their best to your customers.

Business support software programs can simplify many tasks in your company. These include:

1. Sales and marketing, with product management software.

2. Customer service, through customer management software.

3. Billing and accounts payable, with revenue management software.

4. Product delivery, with fulfillment management software.

5. Other office support software solutions that make everything from e-mailing to scheduling conferences quick and easy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify the challenges you need to address with business support software

By enumerating and prioritizing the issues you wish to solve, you can find software that best meets your needs.

I recommend: Doing a thorough assessment can help you uncover the issues. You may wish to use an online questionnaire, such as the one available at Manifest Services.

For instance, if you're interested in turning your office into a virtual office, there is software specifically geared to this. Take a look at Jive Software to see what's available to make your virtual office appear as if all employees are under one roof.

Once the issues are defined, look for a business support software system tailored to your industry

By selecting software tailored to your industry, it is more likely that it will perform according to your specifications.

I recommend: For example, if your business is an e-business, there is software geared to help you; take a look at Acumen Software. If you are an event planner, Acteva offers specific applications to help manage your events more efficiently.

Before you buy, try a demo and use a business support software tool on a trial basis

Software purchases are important, and possibly expensive decisions. Some companies may enable you to try the software out first. If so, this is highly advisable.

I recommend: A website that offers full demos on all of their company's products is Card Integrators Corporation. You can also try out software, as well as view webinars on products, at Numara Software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy, take some time to review the software company's customer comments. If possible, contact some of the customers to find out how the software worked for them.
• •  Talk to colleagues and read reviews on business support software in trade publications. Unbiased opinions are valuable.
• •  Find out as much as you can about the software company's customer support. You will possibly need some technical assistance after the purchase. Knowledgable, 24/7 customer service is as important as the software itself to achieve a successful outcome.