Business owners know that for a company to grow and function efficiently, it needs to invest in newer technologies, including software for its systems. While looking for such software, there are instances when they tend to make mistakes when purchasing software for their business.
It is essential to know what the common mistakes are so that business owners can keep from committing them.
Assuming that All Software is the Same
People tend to believe that because a reputable software manufacturer made a program, it automatically comes with the industry-specific functions and features that you need. There’s a lot of different software available in the market but choosing one without assessing its specific capabilities in the assumption that it is the same as the others can keep you from taking advantage of the program.
Buying Generic Software
Many businesses tend to purchase generic, non-specialized software in the assumption that it is cost-effective and can result in lesser expenses for the company. Construction companies require management software that offers subcontractor bid management, lead management, and payroll. Generic programs, however, require add-ons to use such functions which the end-user will have to install manually.
Generic software may be cheaper, but it lacks many industry-specific functions, especially the construction industry.
Choosing Software Before Identifying All of Your Firm’s Needs
Seeing a software with a lot of features may be enticing since it offers a lot of options in case you may need them in the future, but you might found out later that they’re not necessary for your business. Carelessly purchasing software results in having a heavy program with multiple features that eat up space in your computers, which is also a waste of money.
Overspending in getting programs with multiple features that may not end up getting used can result in the company losing more money than it needs to.
Purchasing Underpowered Software
Computer programs may be confusing for the average business owner, opting for the purchase of simpler software with fewer features. Simple programs may be easier to understand than more specialized ones, but they tend to lack the features your company may need.
While simple software may be right for small businesses, more significant and growing companies will need to scale their software to gain more capabilities in one program.
Buying Software Too Complex for Your Staff
Simpler software may lack certain features your company needs, but purchasing more complex software can be troublesome when you can’t understand how it works.
Software that can do everything can be a bust because it is simply too complicated, which also potentially leads to most of the features being unused by your business. Purchasing software should make your life better, not more complicated, and finding relatively simple programs with sufficient features is vital for a company.
Not Using “Free Trials”
Free trials let potential buyers try out their software for a limited time to get a feel on the product. Being able to test a particular program enables the end-user to determine whether it is something the company needs and whether it is usable for the staff.
Getting the wrong program because no one from the company tried it out first can be a waste of money for the company. Moreover, having what seems to be the best for your company, but it becomes unusable by your employees won’t boost productivity.
Ignoring The Importance of the Vendor’s Support Department
Finally getting your software isn’t the end. Even high-end software can have its quirks, necessitating contacting your vendor’s support department. It is essential to know how the support department can be contacted to ensure that help is available when needed.
Find out about the time zone and the hours of operation of the vendor’s customer service department. Test out their responsiveness and helpfulness while still in the trial phase.
Simply buying what seems to be an excellent software that has no customer support can be troubling when your staff starts facing troubles with the program.
Many businesses use industry-specific software thanks to its numerous benefits for the company. Your competitors may already be using such software, and they may no longer be facing the problems your company might still be having trouble with.
Bizprac allows construction companies to succeed in the industry by providing them an integrated construction management software that results in cost-effective and time-efficient construction operations.
Contact us today to learn more about Bizprac and our construction management software, or call/email us at 1800 009 970 and sales@bizprac.com.
