Forms automation software is a great way to increase productivity and speed up the flow of business, if you choose the right product. Choose the wrong piece of software and you may spend more time trying to figure out how to use it than getting actual work done. The key is to understand your specific needs, and then find a company that can help you meet your goals and your budget.

When looking at different automation software providers, you'll encounter some really great sales pages with few concrete details about the company or even the product. Which is why you want to dig a little deeper to find out the following:

1. Forms automation software information including features, operating system and benefits of using this program over others

2. A list of projects that the forms automation software provider has worked on in the past to make sure the company can handle yours

3. Customer references, to make sure that others have been satisfied with the company's work and customer service

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

Find forms automation software that's intuitive and easy to use

Forms automation software only works if your customers can use it, so you need to choose a program that's easy to use and that makes sense. If it takes longer to fill out a form on the computer than it does manually, look for a different program.

I recommend: Pick a program that's intuitive for your customers to use. Both Form Docs and Form Fast boast forms that are user-friendly and easy to use, which is so important in today's fast-paced online marketplace. A good graphical interface is essential, and customers should be able to fill out sections of the form with just few clicks.

Choose a forms automation software provider that provides training and assistance

Learning a new program is often a challenge for many employees, so training and demos are a great way to give them a chance to work with the program before you commit to purchasing it. Look for companies that offer follow-up assistance after the sale, in case you have employees who are struggling to figure the new program out.

I recommend: Let your employees try it before you buy it. High Orbit provides a fully functional 30-day demo copy of its HR forms automation software so that you can make sure that the product is exactly what you want. Tethys Solutions also offers it customers a free trial run.

Get the best price on forms automation software

Forms automation software can be expensive, especially if you have to get it custom-created to meet your needs. So shop around for the best price, and ask about the licensing issues for your business. The company might charge one price for use on one computer, but much more if you plan to install it on all of your employees' laptops.

I recommend: Contact each company to get a price quote. You can start with Master Control and Formatta, which offer a wide selection of options for business owners. Both companies require that you call them directly for price quotes, which gives you the freedom to haggle and tailor your product selection to exactly what you want and nothing more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a company's forms automation software, list the tasks you want the software to accomplish. Gather samples of the forms you use currently and show them to the sales rep if you're unsure whether the product is a good fit.