7 Business Considerations For Sourcing Software Solutions

Business and logistics is more complex than ever before with disrupted supply chains and fluctuating prices. Managing more volatile sourcing requires a high level of accuracy and foresight. Errors in tracking, calculating, forecasting, and recording sourcing can cause serious problems ranging from; shrinkage, procurement of unnecessary goods, inadequate stock, to delays in delivery of orders which of course can disappoint consumers. Mistakes like that often happen when you're still managing your sourcing manually. You need accuracy and speed for your business sourcing, and you need it now. What is the right solution for your company?

Sourcing Software Strategy

Sourcing software is designed to help companies of all kinds, both small and large, to automate sourcing and improve their business efficiency. With this automated solution, various human errors can be reduced and even eliminated. If you are one of the many business owners looking for an automated sourcing solution, then this is the article for you. 

The following are the 7 top factors to consider when you are choosing sourcing software solutions for your business. 

1. Your Business Needs 

Before deciding to buy sourcing software you need to understand your needs first. Find out what challenges you face in managing to source and what solutions you expect. 

Ask yourself the following questions; do I want to be able to monitor the delivery status of goods to other locations? Do I just need to know the sourcing level only? Other relevant questions should be asked as well when deciding on your business solutions decision.

You need to explain your requirements in detail to the vendor, so you can get a fixed price quickly. If you don't know the answer to all of these questions, you probably shouldn't commit to a SaaS (software-as-a-service) purchase yet.

2. Price Comparison

The price of the software will depend on how many and how complex your company needs are. We recommend that you first do some research on the prices of sourcing software on the market so that you can decide whether the price offered by the vendor is decent enough or too expensive. 

Before deciding to buy software, you also need to make sure that your business finances are stable enough for the plan. Check your budget and ask yourself if this a good time to invest in new business technology. 

Fortunately, with the advent of cloud-based solutions, sourcing software prices are now much more affordable. This is the most appropriate option for lean startup companies, SMEs, or companies with a tight budget. 

3. Customization 

If you have very complex needs, then you will need a lot of customization in your sourcing software programs. Ask the vendor if their software can meet your specific needs and how much customization can be made to the program. If you currently have a sourcing system and you want to add a new system that offers different features, then make sure that the new system can be easily combined with the existing system. 

4. Ease Of Implementation 

This is a factor that most business owners overlook. In fact, this point is what determines how effective the role of sourcing software is in your business. If your staff takes hours just to learn the ins and outs of the software, then you should choose another software that is easier to implement. 

5. Integration 

You may not have thought about integrating your sourcing software with other software, but you may need one as your business grows. Moreover, sourcing is closely linked to other areas of every business. Currently, many startups are using up to four applications to simplify their business processes. 

Therefore, you need to ensure that the software you choose supports integration with other software. Sourcing software is often integrated with warehouse management, accounting, eCommerce, and purchasing software. 

6. Flexibility 

Another important factor to consider when choosing sourcing software is its flexibility. Find out if the software you are considering is compatible with mobile devices, whether it can be used by multiple users, whether it is the web -based or using an email server, and so on. Flexibility is especially important if you have multiple stores or warehouses spread across multiple locations. 

7. Software Support Provided 

Once you've purchased sourcing software, you don't want to be left alone and figure out for yourself how to use it. When you are confused about finding purchase data from suppliers or when your staff doesn't know how to manage notifications about low stock levels, you definitely expect someone to provide a solution as soon as possible. Therefore, make sure that your vendor offers complete support consisting of training, warranty, and mentoring. 

What Makes Sourcing Software Important? 

The first and foremost benefit of sourcing software for retail businesses is that it helps reduce costs and optimize inventory. This helps to better control the business thereby improving the overall business flow in a company. A large amount of data is required for the successful running of a business both the location of the inventory and the number of incoming orders. All this cannot be done without sourcing software. 

If the company doesn't have sourcing software, the company usually tends to take longer to generate leads so the company takes longer to close transactions. Delays like this can lead to losses in any business. 

Benefits Of Sourcing Software For Retail Business

Sourcing Software for retail businesses benefits everyone from business owners, sales managers, to sales teams. You can reduce breakdown or cancellation costs, get notified about inventory data, and do multiple jobs simultaneously with the help of sourcing software. 

There are several standards, professional and enterprise-level features, and functionality that is generally included in quality retail business inventory software. Some of them are: 

• Pre-built reporting  

• Barcode integration 

• Permissions 

• Number of calculations and number of cycles  

• Notifications and notifications 

• Vendor Management 

• Mobility 

Make sure these features are included in your chosen SaaS solution.

Why Is Sourcing Software So Useful For The Retail Industry? 

Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, and many other similar e-commerce services are capable of generating huge amounts of revenue. The secret behind the success of these companies is the use of sourcing software SaaS solutions. Proper sourcing can help increase the level of your business and increase your online transactions. 

1. Implementation of sourcing software for retail businesses can save the company significant work time. This will allow companies to focus more on more important tasks and the hassle of manually managing inventory. 

2. Overstocking can be prevented with efficient sourcing software. Every business can cater to their customers' needs on-demand and keeping new stock levels is no longer a problem. 

3. Customer service will be improved using the right sourcing software. This allows the business to never lose sales due to operational errors. Sourcing is made much easier with sourcing software programs. 

Start Sourcing Smart

As you now understand, sourcing software programs can be quite advantageous to your business bottom line. Start your SaaS sourcing solution today!

7 Frugal Online Tools For Startup Companies

Launching and managing startups is incredibly challenging, so you need the best tools of the trade. The right frugal tools can make the difference between the success and failure of a startup business. There are many expenses to reckon with when you launch a company and can’t afford to pay for online tools or software solutions. This list of seven free SaaS programs will make it easier to track data, collaborate with staff, and market your business. 

Top 7 Best Frugal Or Free Online Tools For Startups

1. G Suite / Google Workspace

G Suite is Google’s set of cloud collaboration tools, which offers a number of solutions, including slides, email, documents, spreadsheets, and more. Every file is stored in Google Drive. With this tool, it’s easy to edit and share work in real-time. What’s more, the software is very user- friendly. It saves changes at regular intervals automatically. It is cloud-based, so you’ll never lose your work. 

2. Google Analytics (GA) And Search Console (GSC)

This classic website analytics tool hardly needs an introduction. Traffic tracking and analysis are indispensable to a website. Google Analytics will show you your traffic source and which website pages are most popular with visitors. The free updated tool also helps with any improvements necessary because you can see where visitors leave your site. This way, you can make changes. Last but not least, Google Analytics can help improve your marketing through detailed insights into your audience. 

Google Search Console is also an excellent free tool for webmasters and SEOs to help manage website keywords, links, traffic, indexing, and manual action resolutions. If you haven't set up your website with Google Search Console and integrated it with Google Analytics, you are missing out.

3. Brand Snag 

What’s a business without a name? Brand Snag is a business name generator that’s easy to use and highly recommended as it helps create a unique, original online presentation of your business or personality. The tool helps users check, compare, and select the best name to symbolize their online presence. The world of digital marketing is quite overcrowded, and this tool can be indispensable in helping businesses, brands, and personalities stand out. Brand Snag checks social media handles, domain names, and online gaming usernames to guarantee that your username is original and unique. Your top choice might already be taken. In that case, Brand Snag will provide a creative and catchy alternative to show the digital world who you are. 

This top online tool also offers tips and tricks if your name of choice is taken. You will find an alternative based on your goals, brand, and personality. In the process, it’s important to avoid common business name mistakes. The choice of name can be decisive in the digital world. Your self-presentation or the name of your brand will transform the way your potential clients perceive you. The creators of this new tool are well aware of this and will assist you accordingly. 

4. Calendly 

Calendly is a free app to schedule appointments, meetings, and more. With it, you will no longer struggle with getting appointments scheduled. You can set meeting limits and choose when to take calls during the day and week. After setting up your scheduling page, you send the link to customers and make an appointment based on the available slots. This tool integrates with many others on this list, including Zoom, the next choice for top startup software solutions. For example, each customer who has scheduled a meeting will automatically get a link to your Zoom meeting room if you integrate Calendly with Zoom. 

5. Zoom 

Workflow during the pandemic wouldn’t be as optimal without tools like Zoom. This is another choice that needs no introduction. It is essential to host video conferences and schedule virtual meetings, and Zoom is one of the best tools to this end. Zoom’s free plan includes access to an unlimited number of personal meetings and group meetings, in which as many as 100 people can take part. 

6. Mailchimp 

Finding the best email provider is crucial because email marketing is critical for business, especially if you are a startup. Mailchimp is intuitive and free for up to 12,000 emails and 1,000 users. Mailchimp can automate emails and create campaigns and signup forms. It’s an excellent option for those just starting out, although it lacks some of the features of its competitors. Nowadays Mailchimp has filled in the gaps on some of these email marketing features as well as expanded its overall service offering. Mailchimp is now a full service digital marketing platform after years of massive growth.

7. Zapier 

Last but not least, you can create workflows and connect your apps using Zapier. It integrates with Slack, Google Docs, and more than 3,000 additional apps. The free version comes with up to five single-step Zaps. Zapier is certainly a top frugal online tool for startup companies to leverage. 

Top Tools To Try Today 

Running a startup business is no easy feat. Keep these top frugal online tools in mind to help make it just a little bit easier.

Guide To Different Types Of Software Licensing

Let's say one day you buy new task-managing software for your company. It was super cheap, it runs well...then a team of lawyers rappel down your building, smash in through the windows, and hit you with a veritable barrage of lawsuits. 

Ok, so you won't have to deal with a SWAT team of lawyers. 

But anytime you get new software, you should make sure you know what the license is. Otherwise, you do risk incurring some serious problems if you unknowingly violate the license. But what are the different types of software licensing, and how do they work? 

Well, wonder no longer! We're here to break down everything you would ever need to know about the types of software licenses! So without further ado, let's get into it! 

First Things First 

Before we break down the different types of software licensing, it is important to know the basics of how software licenses work. Think of a software license like a deal you make with the company that produced the software. You get to use the software in exchange for following the terms and conditions they present. 

More often than not, this licensing goes into place to protect the copyright a company has with the software. This is because anything violating the terms of the license stands as a breach of copyright. This also tends to mean that the user cannot access the source code of the software and either copying or altering it in any way. 

That said, different companies have different levels of protection on their software, and that's where the different types of licenses come in. 

What Are The Different Types Of Software Licensing? 

The first type of software license we are going to talk about is public domains. This is the most hassle-free entry of the list, as this means the software is free for anyone to use in any way they choose (including for commercial use) since it is not owned by anyone. Famous examples include SQLite and CERN. 

Next on the list is open source (i.e., LINUX). Open-source software carries many of the same freedoms of public domain software, like the ability to modify the code and use the software however you choose. The difference lies in the fact that open-source code still carries copyright with it (albeit a very loose one) while public domain software has no copyright at all. 

Several sub-types of copyright licenses exist among open-source software. One of these types is MIT, which requires you to put a specific copyright statement about the software you used in any work you produce with the software or reproductions of the software you give to others. 

And Then Things Get Complicated 

Copy-left takes this a step further by stating that anything you produce with the open-source software becomes subject to the same regulations as the software you used to build it. So, if you made a video game on open source software with a copy-left license, your game would become an open-source piece of software as well whether you wanted it to or not. 

The next "tier" of software license is anything that falls under the "freeware" banner. Freeware means that you can use the software free of charge, but it's still a copyrighted entity with a unique list of restrictions on how you use it. 

Shareware, on the other hand, gives you a limited "free trial" of copyrighted software. It used to work on the honor system (when your trial finishes, you either paid up for full use if you wanted to use it more or deleted it) but has since evolved to lock you out until you pay. 

The Big Kids On The Block 

Finally, we get to the proprietary license. This license happens with commercial software developed by a company that will sell it to you for a very specific use. No mucking around the code here, since this software is the product the company makes money off of, and you'll get stripped of your right to use it (if not worse) if you try anything funny. 

There are two main forms a proprietary license will appear in, and those are perpetual and subscription. Perpetual is a one-time purchase that grants you infinite use of the software for as long as you want. Subscription, on the other hand, requires you to pay a monthly fee of some kind to keep your access to the software while also offering incentives the longer you stay on the subscription program. 

The Island of Misfit Licenses 

In addition to all the licenses we mentioned, there are a few more licenses that serve as specialized restrictions for certain kinds of software. For example, Original Equipment Manufacturer licenses grant you the ability to use any software bundled with a piece of technology that you buy (like a laptop). Applications like iMovie and the Safari web browser tend to fall under that umbrella. 

Not For Resale licenses get used when software sellers want to give the software to a company in a straight transaction. This prohibits the buyer from giving it to the public or other companies. Concurrent Use licenses mean you have to buy an "individual unit" of the software for every single person that's going to use it (as opposed to selling it to one person to distribute to others). 

Volume Licenses operate on a similar principle, requiring that you get a certain amount of units to buy the software at all. Educational software licenses distribute software to schools or teachers at reduced costs, and server licenses grant you an individual license for every server you run software on. 

This all seems super complicated, right? Well, if your business wants to keep a handle on all the software licenses they juggle, they can get SAP license management to make sure they are up to code while avoiding any unneeded payments.

Master Of The License 

And there you have it! You now know all the different types of software licensing! And if you want to know even more about enhancing your business through computer software, check out the other posts on our blog! 

Now, we need to check why lawyers are rappelling down the side of our building...

How Modern Tech Innovations Are Impacting Us

In our rapidly advancing world, the sky is the limit when it comes to technological advancements and modern solutions. From the bustling streets of cities to the digital highways of the internet, innovation continues to propel us towards a future filled with endless possibilities. In this exploration, we will soar through various aspects of contemporary progress, examining how these changes impact our daily lives and shape our future. 

The Digital Dawn 

The Rise Of Smart Technologies 

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of smart technologies. Homes are becoming more connected, and gadgets smarter, making our lives more convenient and efficient. Voice assistants, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems are no longer futuristic fantasies but everyday realities. 

The Impact On Daily Life 

These advancements have streamlined many aspects of our daily routines. For instance, controlling your home's climate, security, and entertainment systems can now be done with a simple voice command or a tap on a smartphone. 

The Evolution Of Online Platforms 

The digital landscape has also transformed how we interact with the world. Online platforms have become central to our social lives, business operations, and entertainment choices. The rise of e-commerce, streaming services, and social media platforms illustrates this shift. 

Changing Consumer Behaviors 

With the convenience of online shopping and next-day deliveries, consumer behavior has evolved. People now expect a seamless digital experience, from browsing products to receiving them at their doorstep. 

The Green Revolution 

Embracing Sustainable Solutions 

Sustainability has become a key focus in recent years. Companies and individuals alike are seeking out eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are gaining traction, showcasing our commitment to a greener future. 

The Role Of Electric Vehicles 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of this green revolution. With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming more accessible and practical for everyday use. 

Health And Wellness In The Modern Age 

The Advancements In Healthcare 

The healthcare sector has seen remarkable innovations, from telemedicine to advanced surgical techniques. These advancements have made healthcare more accessible and efficient, improving patient outcomes and experiences. 

The Emergence Of Wellness Trends 

Alongside medical advancements, there is a growing focus on wellness and holistic health. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are becoming mainstream, promoting mental and physical well-being. 

A List Of Modern Innovations 

- AI and Machine Learning 

- Blockchain Technology 

- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) 

- 5G Connectivity 

- Autonomous Vehicles 

The Future Of Entertainment 

The Digital Transformation Of Media 

Entertainment has undergone a digital transformation. Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume media, offering a vast library of content at our fingertips. 

The Rise Of eSports 

Also eSports is another area witnessing explosive growth, with professional gaming becoming a lucrative career and a mainstream entertainment option. 

The Unseen Forces Shaping Our World 

Big Data And Analytics 

The use of big data and analytics is reshaping industries by providing insights that were previously inaccessible. Businesses can now make data-driven decisions, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. 

The Power Of Social Media 

Social media platforms are not just for connecting with friends; they are powerful tools for marketing, social change, and even political movements. 

Embracing Change And Looking Forward 

As we embrace these technological advances, it is crucial to stay informed and adaptable. Innovations like dispensary Las Vegas highlight how even traditional industries are evolving to meet modern needs. 

Conclusion: The Sky Is Not The Limit 

Our journey through the clouds of innovation reveals that the sky is not the limit; rather, it is just the beginning. As we continue to innovate and adapt, the future holds endless possibilities, limited only by our imagination and determination to reach new heights.

5 Reasons Businesses Need ERP Software

Resource planning software is critical for organizational management as the size of those organizations grows. That is true in everything from compliance to revenue growth potential.

In the following article, we will be looking at five specific reasons to go the ERP route if you haven't already. In a salute to ERP efficiency, let's be as productive as possible and not mince any more words.

Keep reading to learn more about the big business benefits of resource planning software programs. 


1. Saving Money

The top draw of ERP systems is that they almost always undercover operational efficiencies that allow a business to save money. It does this through clarity of process, less downtime, and ease of financial reporting. 

Enterprise resource planning also removes administrative costs. On the customer side, it helps an organization better manage that relationship so there is no loss of revenue.


2. Better Collaboration Between Departments

For large organizations (municipalities, for instance), it becomes easier for the different departments to communicate with each other. Think streets department communicating with engineering communicating with utilities on large-scale projects.


3. Strong Data

ERPs keep meticulous data points. This gives department heads and top brass a chance to easily read and tease insights out of the analytics that serves to better the organization. 


4. Risk and Compliance Benefits

Heavily regulated industries experience a high degree of risk with compliance and legal matters. ERPs give them more robust features to ensure everything is "to code" and any liabilities the organization may face are limited. 


5. Inventory and Resource Management Strengths

One of the biggest reasons to have ERP software in place is to better control your inventory and resources. This cuts down on costly matters like buying too much, internal theft, or location management. 


What to Look for in Software Solutions

Now that you know the reasons for enterprise resource planning systems, it is time to discuss what you should look for in the software. There are five basic features that remain the same no matter which industry. They are: 

Scalable and Flexible

A software program must be scalable to your entire organization. It also must be flexible enough to work with existing systems through both hybrid and transitional processes. 

Mobile Support

Mobile support untethers your employees from the office. It allows them access across devices and locations, thus putting your productivity on steroids. Any ERP in 2020 and beyond should have its mobile kinks worked through.

References

ERPs are very costly, and with a good reason provided they deliver as promised. That cost should have some type of track record to back up the expense. 

Fair Pricing

ERPs aren't cheap, but they should be fair. Examine the options in your industry, and make sure you're doing apples-to-apples comparisons. 

User Friendliness

Any system you purchase must contextualize well with your internal data and programs. It also must be more intuitive and easy to pick up on the user's end. Lastly, it should interface well with any customers and clients who will be accessing a final product.


Resource Planning Software Gets the Jobs Done

With resource planning software, you give your employees and organization a chance to revamp how business is done with an eye towards efficiency, revenue growth, and cost savings. Good luck as you implement yours. For more helpful business tech tips, check out some of our additional posts.

Understanding Reverse ETL And How It Works

In today’s economy, data has become increasingly important. As technological capabilities advance, more and more businesses are beginning to use data to track and optimize their performance. 

One of the main processes used to source and organize data is ETL, or “extract, transform, load.” Within this process, users are able to extract data from different sources, transform it into a functional, safe resource, then load that data into systems that other users can access. 

Essentially, ETL is used to centralize data in a data warehouse. However, it is also used to send data from data warehouses to third party systems. This process is known as “Reverse ETL” and is quickly becoming an industry standard among tech companies. 

If you’re looking to set up your data team for success, you’ll need to educate yourself on a few key points. To learn more about reverse ETL and how it works, keep reading below! 

ETL 

To understand reverse ETL, you need to first gain a firm grasp on traditional ETL. This process fits under the category of data integration methodology. 

Through ETL, raw data is extracted, transformed on an alternate processing server, then loaded into a target database. This database can be loaded with a myriad of different data cells and organized according to the user’s preferences. 

ELT 

Recently, as more companies have moved to cloud data warehouses, ELT (extract, load, transform) is starting to replace ETL. Unlike the ETL process, users do not have to transform their data before loading it. 

Instead, they can load the raw data directly into a cloud data warehouse. From there, users can conduct data transformations from inside the warehouse through SQL pushdowns, Python scripts, and other code. 

ETL and ELT both move data from third party systems to target data warehouses. The third party systems used are typically business applications like Hubspot and Salesforce, while the databases are usually cloud applications like Oracle and MySQL. 

The Reverse ETL Process 

With reverse ETL, the source is the data warehouse, not the target. The target acts as a third party system. Data is sourced from the warehouse, transformed within that warehouse to meet data formatting requirements of the target, then loaded into the target for action taking. 

This method is known as reverse ETL, rather than reverse ELT, since data warehouses are unable to load data straight into third party systems. However, this process deviates from the traditional ETL process because data transformation is done within the warehouse. As of right now, there is no intermediate processing server that can transform the data. 

To illustrate how this process would be used in the real world, consider this: if you have a customer lifetime value score in a Tableau report, you can’t process it in another app like Salesforce. This is because the data requirements of these apps are different. 

In order to transfer the data, a data engineer would first have to apply an SQL-based transformation to the data inside of Snowflake to isolate the LTV score, format it for Salesforce, then move it to a Salesforce field. 

Impact Of Reverse ETL 

This process allows businesses to operationalize their data by pushing data back into third party systems like business applications. 

Any team can benefit from using reverse ETL, whether you are in sales, marketing, or product. There are an innumerable amount of applications for reverse ETL. 

Some popular examples include syncing internal support channels with Zendesk to enhance customer service, moving customer data to Salesforce to optimize sales, adding product analytics to Pendo to improve customer experience, and organizing support, sales, and product data to customize marketing campaigns for customers. 

Even if your company already uses a cloud data warehouse, you can benefit from reverse ETL. Sometimes, data ends up in the wrong hands. Reverse ETL solves this issue by transferring data directly into applications leveraged by line-of-business (LOB) users. 

Some teams already have access to data via BI reports but unfortunately, these reports are often underused. The data that really is impactful for teams are the systems and processes that they already know. 

This is where reverse ETL comes in. Reverse ETL allows businesses to utilize data in an operational capacity. In real-time, teams can make decisions based on this data. 

Reverse ETL can also help streamline data automation by eliminating manual data processes like CSV pulls and imports. These processes can be time-consuming and slow down your workflow. 

You can use reverse ETL to complete a step in a broader data workflow. For example, if you’re creating an AI/ML workflow on top of your Databricks stack, you can use reverse ETL to move formatted data into the sequence.

How New Technology Helps Remote Work And Hybrid Working

Over the past couple of years, remote work has become a normal part of our everyday lives. Many businesses and organizations are opting for hybrid and remote work models because of the convenience it provides along with the potential for streamlined operations. Plus, companies may save money by employing workers in cheaper parts of the country rather than the known central cities on the coasts that typically house upper level operations. Working from home (WFH) or as a digital nomad is now a reality like it has never been before in the age of Covid-19 restrictions.

This kind of work model wouldn’t be possible without technological advancements in streaming, network security, cloud computing, cloud storage, data warehousing, SaaS software, and project management systems. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, these tools were already extremely useful. Now, they are updating and improving these tools every day to help remote workers be faster and more efficient in their jobs. Many experts would say that the virus and its fallout has accelerated remote work and digital innovation by 5-10 years out of sheer necessity.

An Essential Commodity 

Once a luxury, advanced tools are an essential commodity for any business today. “Technology is essential in today's workforce,” says Acre Gold Head of Operations Jared Hines. “Never before have we had such tools at our disposal to be able to organize and host all our business information in one place. Google suite, combined with zoom and slack make communicating so much easier and more efficient than email communication.” 

These tools help streamline communication and enable smooth operations between departments. Plus, with improvements in network speeds, we’re seeing amazing things happen in businesses with remote models. “With the technology we have at our disposal today, communication between departments is much smoother than it was even just five years ago,” said Kasish Gupta, Founder and CEO of Hightouch. “The pandemic really turned the heat up on video streaming, file sharing and communication hubs. File sharing is one of the biggest advantages of modern technology with transfer speeds being so much faster as 5G gets rolled out.” 

It hasn’t been long since these tools were fairly rudimentary. FaceTime was novel, but impractical for use in a business setting and external cameras required extra investment in hardware. “Video streaming and chatting services have been popular for a long time, but only recently have been practical to use in a widespread fashion to conduct business. Now, on the other side of a global pandemic, we have several options to consider for a high quality streaming service. Zoom is the best and most obvious option, and Google Meet / Google Hangouts are a great option for integrating your meeting links into your calendar,” says Judy Nural, President and Founder of MicrodermaMitt, on the topic of virtual meetings. 

Improvements In Cyber Security, Hardware And Network Speeds 

The issue with hosting large amounts of information and communications online was the risk of hackers and lack of privacy. Over the years, cyber security has improved a great deal to provide safe and closed network spaces for businesses. “Cyber security is something that has prevented remote work from progressing for a long time,” said VP of Sales and Marketing for EnergyFit, Jeff Meeks. “Now, there are major progressions in cyber security technology such as blockchains, 5G and the IoT field of study which explores the potential physicality of the internet. Today, businesses have a ton of advanced options to keep your private cloud based information safe and secure.” 

Improved security paired with faster and more reliable hardware computers has also contributed greatly to a better and faster remote workforce. Chris Gadek, Head of Growth at AdQuick had this to say, “This may seem obvious, but computer advancement over the last several years has contributed greatly to the efficiency of the remote workforce. Access to faster and higher quality machines means that your team will be able to use their tools effectively for longer without worrying about obnoxious repairs and operating system failures. These machines are at the center of what we do, and advancements in both computers and mobile devices have paved the way for vastly more efficient lines of communication and collaboration.” 

The final piece to this equation is the network speed. Long past are the years of dial-up speeds. Today, high speed internet is a must and is much easier and cheaper to install than it ever was before. “High speed WIFI used to be difficult and expensive to install. Now, with the rollout of 5G, high speed services are available to a much wider range of customers and communities,” said CEO and Founder of LashPro Academy Courtney Buhler. “Without high speed networks, all of our fancy hardware like smartphones and computers would be rendered totally useless. WIFI and high speed connections are squarely at the center of remote workforce strength.” 

Streamlined Communication 

Project management systems have provided a hub for businesses to host all their information and progress on projects that are currently active. These are becoming more and more essential for all businesses to use, especially when your entire office is remote. Isaiah Henry, CEO of Seabreeze Management had this to say on the topic, “Working remotely means that you will need a project management system that is reliable and easy for your team to learn how to use. Some great examples are Slack, Asana and Google suite but you can also explore other options like Hive to fully integrate your messaging, project planning and files. 

These useful tools have cloud based technology to thank for their immersive and synced systems. Additionally, check out Basecamp for another great option to compare and contrast.” These tools also offer options for your employees who may function higher in a home office. “For many workers, office culture can become a toxic place. The expectation to always be or seem busy results in work not getting done as quickly as it could be. With technology allowing space for more remote jobs, we are finding that efficiency has actually increased in some ways. We find that trusting your team to get the work done that they need to get done results in a more efficient and faster workforce,” said Jason Boehle, CEO of QuaGrowth. 

Cloud Storage 

Cloud storage is one of the biggest advancements for remote operations. Hardware storage gets expensive and is limited. With advanced compression systems becoming the norm, storage is a much smaller issue than it once was. Lindsay McCormick, CEO of Bite offered this comment, “With any business, you will need to think about where and how you will store your information. For a remote office, file cabinets and cluttered papers are not ideal and more importantly, they are wasteful. Cloud based storage has been advancing since its inception, and now you can host up to several TB of information on a single source. This was unheard of just a decade ago and has made remote operations so much better and faster.” 

In addition to storage, cloud based computing means higher transfer speeds of files between departments. “File sharing is faster than it’s ever been,” said David Gilboa of Warby Parker. “Today you can transfer and download huge files in a fraction of the time you would have been able to a decade ago. This has made launching new products and communicating between stores an absolute breeze.” 

No Remote Work Without Technology 

The reality is, no remote jobs would exist without technology as Ryan Rottman, CEO and Co-Founder of OSDB Sports tells us. “Technology has not only improved working from home, it is 100% responsible for this model of work. Without it, we would still be sending snail mail back and forth waiting for days to hear from our correspondence.” And it’s absolutely true. Without these amazing advancements over the last several decades, we would not be able to accomplish anything close to what we can today. 

There are many ways that technology can improve our lives, but there are also many ways it can render us unprepared for the real world. “Social media has created a simultaneously great and damaging tool for businesses,” says Lauren Singer, CEO of Package Free. “There is such a big opportunity for business growth, marketing and advertising, but all focused on the image surrounding the product. Businesses need to be careful using social media to advertise their products.” There is always going to be a risk and reward ratio for businesses on social media. 

Top Technology Today

New technology has created a set of tools that allow businesses to operate from wherever, and whenever. This is extremely powerful for small businesses who in the past had to worry more about renting offices and overhead expenses. Today, starting a business is a more realistic endeavor for aspiring entrepreneurs because of these amazing technological advancements. Remote work and hybrid working aren't going anywhere, so it's time for your business to get on board or expand remote working with top new technologies.

How Is Shelfware Limiting Business Growth?

Shelfware is a term used in the technology industry for software that is purchased and then rarely ever, if at all, used. The business software just sits on the shelf collecting dust, even if it's a software-as-a-service (SaaS) program where the shelf is digital or cloud-based. 

While a company may have the best of intentions for the software initially, somewhere down the line, the momentum decreases or there is no longer use for it as plans across the business change. This is especially common when an IT department is not working efficiently with the business management team and communication is less than ideal.

Research suggests that a significant portion of new tech investment is being wasted. On average, each computer in every office around the world has about $259 of unnecessary, unwanted, or unused software on it. According to a new study, businesses wasted a staggering $30 billion (yes billion!) on unused software over the course of a four-year study. Nearly £5.7 billion of this sum, is accredited to the cost of shelfware across UK businesses – an average of approximately £159 per work desktop user. 

A recent discussion with MHR Analytics, a provider of financial performance management and business intelligence consultancy, found that only 4% of businesses are actively using every software licence purchased; with 20% of respondents stating that more than a quarter of their business intelligence software is lying idle on a shelf. This suggests that powerful tools are being ignored or under-utilised which means that businesses are missing out on a valuable stream of insights despite software being present within the system. 

But how can using Business Intelligent tools help? 

Recent reports found that 64% of business leaders who use powerful Business Intelligence software, claim it has given them a competitive edge. Not only does it help businesses to make sense of data, enabling faster, more confident decision-making, but it also offers quick access into performance insights, data patterns and relationships. This detailed level of data gives further clarity and allows enables businesses to create more accurate reports. This is a clear indicator, that not using our purchases BI software could be directly stunting the growth of your business. 

Nick Felton, Senior Vice President at MHR Analytics, said: “BI software that remains in the cupboard as ‘Shelfware’ is a major waste of resources and business potential. Business intelligence software makes decision-making 5 times faster through revelatory insights that enable the transformation of an organisation. IT leaders need software and implementation partners who understand their needs better, match their exact SaaS solution requirements and are ready to provide the right level of training. 

If you are a business owner who is concerned about Shelfware within your organisation, it could be time to check exactly what is and isn’t being utilised. If you have any unused BI software, now is the time to implement it within your business strategy to get the upper hand on competitors and stand out against the crowd. 

Your business needs all the intelligence and tools it can get in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace driven by the new most valuable currency: data. Just don't let these software programs and SaaS solutions go to waste!

Project Management Then & Now

Infographic on "Project Management Then & Now" brought to you by Wrike free scrum management software.

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7 Top Small Business Software Programs

Time is precious when you run a small business. Time is money after all. Unfortunately, much of your time gets tied up working on tasks you aren't great at doing.

If you want to spend less time on repetitive work for your small business, software solutions can help. Keep reading to learn about seven small business software programs that will help you manage your company efficiently. 

Top 7 Best Small Business Software Programs


1. Buffer

Social media is a powerful tool for businesses. People don't want to connect with faceless organizations. They want to connect with the people they spend money with.

Social media can give you that face. It provides a way to interact directly with customers. 

Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming if you have several social media accounts.

Buffer is marketing software for small business that lets you control your social media accounts from one place. This smart SaaS solutions allows you to post to all your accounts at one time and schedule posts in the future.

You will also be able to track engagements with all your social media campaigns. This data will give you valuable insights into what kind of content your audience responds to the most.


2. WordPress

If you have done any research into starting your own business, you probably know by now how important it is to have a website. The question is, do you have the skills to run one yourself?

The great news is that WordPress makes it easy for anyone. You can sign up for a hosting account and set up your website with a few clicks of a button. Once it is up, pick a theme from WordPress or a paid theme option.

If you are looking for something more unique, you can pay a designer to develop a custom theme for you. Doing this will help you stand out in a crowded market. Once you are done, you can maintain the site yourself by logging in and posting updates.


3. Salesforce

You are going to deal with a lot of people when you run a gym. It isn't only going to be customers, either. You need relationships with suppliers so you can keep your facilities stocked and in good order.

If you don't have a system to keep track of your relationships, things are going to be a mess. A CRM like Salesforce provides you with a central location to track everything.

Your Salesforce system gives you a way to track contacts, information, and communication with people in your CRM. Everyone in your organization can log onto your CRM to check the status and history of your contacts.


4. Google Drive

Do you have a lot of documents to share with your team? If you are a small business, it is probably not worth putting together an IT infrastructure to house all your data. You can use cloud internet services to do this.

Google Drive is a service that provides an online repository for your data. You can store spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and any other documents usable on desktop computers.

Not only will your whole team have access from anywhere in the world, but you will also be able to keep backup copies of old document versions. If anyone makes a change that shouldn't happen, all you need to do is revert to a previous version of the file.


5. Carbonite

You need great data if you want to make the best decisions for your business. While it is easy to get the information you need, it is just as easy to lose it.

Carbonite is a backup solution that will protect your data. It is as simple as installing software on your desktop computers and setting up your schedule. Once you finish, the files you pick will be backed up to the internet.

Once you back up your files, it is simple to restore everything. Log into your Carbonite account and find what you want to restore. You can restore it straight to your computer with a few clicks of a button.


6. Mailchimp

You can only do so much when you work on your customer's schedule.  You're stuck relying on them coming into the gym to see what you have to offer. You need a way to reach them on your own terms.

Building an email list with Mailchimp will let you do just that. Ask your customers if they want to opt into messages from your company. You can do this by asking them at the gym, or set up an opt-in form on your website.

Once you have customers on your email list, you can send them direct messages whenever you want. You can send informative content to build your brand or send deals to customers that will increase your bottom line.


7. Quicken

Have you ever calculated how much time you spend every month tracking employee hours and making sure you pay them enough? If you want to save time and stop simple errors, investing in payroll software is a wise investment.

Quicken is considered by many to be the best payroll software for small business. It ties into your accounting software so you can import all the financial information you need. Once everything is in the system, you can manage your payroll with a few clicks of a button.

Quicken also allows you to print checks for the people who want to deposit their money themselves. For everyone else, direct deposit is quick and easy to set up for everybody.


Top Small Business Software Programs Are Worth Investing In

The last thing you need to do is spend time doing tasks yourself when you can invest in software that can handle it for you. The small business software programs above will give you a leg up when managing your company. Start testing today the top SaaS solutions to see which programs work best for your needs.

Are you still looking for more tips that will help you run your gym efficiently? Head over to our blog to learn our latest strategies on the best small business software programs that fitness companies need today. Visit the Marketing and Tech sections of our blog now.

12 Microsoft Office 365 Tools For Productivity

Microsoft Office 365 tools have become ingrained in business culture. With more than 200 million active monthly users of MS Office 365 software, it is understandable why many new businesses would think about incorporating it into their daily workflow. 

But how do you get the most out of Microsoft Office 365 when you decide to turn the key? In the following article, we are going to show you how to do just that by focusing on a dozen productivity tools that are baked right into the pie. 

But first, let's explore why Microsoft Office 365 SaaS is the first choice among business owners.


Why You Need Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft's Office 365 is readily available in an array of industries ranging from transportation and public service to charitable and commercial organizations. There are several reasons for such widespread adoption. 

Let's examine the top MS Office 365 benefits below.


It Is Based in the Cloud

Being cloud-based and cloud-accessible, Microsoft Office 365 tools can be accessed, edited, and shared from any compatible web browser. It doesn't matter which device you're on. As long as you have an Internet connection, you're able to work. 


It Contains Numerous Options

As you are about to see when we get into the heart of this article, you can do a lot of things with MS Office 365. Write emails, craft multimedia presentations, and share with either a select group or your entire organization. It is up to you as the user. 


It Is Universally Accepted

Two hundred million business professionals! That is a lot of people. With the Microsoft label, it is a suite of tools that the most successful business owners in the world have learned to love and so will you. 


It Facilitates Teamwork

You can work for yourself your whole life without hiring someone and do just fine. But if you really want to grow your business, you will eventually need team members and thinking that you can all work the same hours from the same location in the 21st Century is a bit unrealistic.

Office 365 tools enable you to maintain productivity as an individual and a group by creating flexible virtual environments in which to do your work. That is teamwork!

Now that you know why Microsoft Office 365 is important, let's get to the main event. These are the 12 productivity tools that make it successful. 

12 Microsoft Office 365 Tools To Be More Productive


1. OneDrive

The Microsoft Office 365 tool OneDrive is a godsend for any company that's had to work with large files and is finally tired of passing thumb drives to share information. OneDrive is a cloud-based hard drive that also allows you to create links to the content and control with whom you share. It is also constantly adjusting to the business environment with one of the latest feature add-ons being the option to request files from a document custodian.


2. Access

For the typical office environment, this is one of the lesser-used Microsoft productivity tools. But it is no less important.

See, Access allows you to create end-user software. And it has gotten quite intuitive in its old age. If you have an internal software development team, Access can open doors that make the Office 365 suite more business-friendly and customized to your end-users' experience.


3. Excel

Excel is probably second only to Word in usefulness among the Microsoft Office productivity tools on this list. MS Excel is a spreadsheet platform that allows you to create simple or complex databases that help you group information, track data, and sort by a number of variables.


4. Word

Another of the most widely-used Office productivity tools, perhaps the most widely-used, Microsoft Word has gone from being a simple word processor to a feature-packed desktop publishing program where word processing is only part of the benefit.

MS Word allows you to create great-looking content for external use. It contains several quality-control features for policing typos and bad writing. And it can bring in other types of media for a more professional-looking final product.


5. Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is another of the longest-established Microsoft Office 365 tools. With it, you can send and receive emails, attach or receive documents or images, and plan or get reminders for upcoming events. 

Outlook also gives you the power to organize important emails. And it will quickly store and bring up contact information with just a few taps of the keyboard. 


6. PowerPoint

PowerPoint gives you the ability to create a sleek-looking presentation. One that incorporates images, video, and animations. Beyond what the final product looks like, it also gives the presenter confidence in the content of his presentation and helps him to focus more on building a relationship with the audience.


7. Publisher

Apple has some very intuitive and sleekly-designed applications that will allow you to do some bang-up business cards or brochures with ease. But no graphic design program that serves the gang in Cupertino has ever been able to surpass the options and the execution of Microsoft Publisher. 

There are no limits to the publications you can pull off with this gem. From future social media memes to full-color newsletters, complex logos, magazines, and print-ready books, Publisher has it all.


8. Planner

Microsoft Planner is great for bringing together a team on a project. You can use it to assign responsibilities, get progress reports, share information and content, and collaborate with others. 


9. Teams

Microsoft Teams is another tool that gives you the opportunity to coordinate and communicate projects among a specific number of people. You also can use it for audio and video calls while splitting off into private channels and separate tabs. 


10. OneNote

Got a project with tons of useful information but the data are spread out in screenshots, drawings, handwritten notes, and more? OneNote can help. It compiles all that information into a seamless, shareable experience for sharing on the web or through an internal network.


11. Skype for Business

Instant messaging, audio calls, video calls. Skype puts your people in one room together even if they are miles apart. And it can be used on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop or laptop computers. 


12. InfoPath

Need to make a fillable form and keep the formatting where it needs to be when you send it to others for their signatures or to add data? InfoPath has your back. It also integrates with SharePoint for easier accessibility near and far.


These Microsoft Office 365 Tools Will Optimize Productivity

Putting these Microsoft Office 365 tools to use in your organization will help you get the most out of your team, whether they are part of the same office or they all work remotely. Use one or all, it is up to you and other users. And for more software and tech business tips, check out some of our additional blog posts. 

4 Tech Tools To Grow Your Business Brand

As we get deeper into the digital age in an increasingly competitive global environment, are you looking for new ways to grow your brand? We can't think of a more fruitful endeavor! But, the truth is, businesses are like a marriage. When communication and financial woes enter the scene, things become a tad bit trickier. As such, we've compiled a shortlist of our top 4 must-haves when it comes to business growth. One deals with that pesky little red line; the other two deal with almighty communication.  

4 Top Tech Tools For Better Branding

1. Quickbooks 

Without the finances, no one can create or support a business. Quickbooks takes the head-scratching matter of finances down to an everyday ordeal. The simple act of creating an invoice becomes a matter of basic data entry. Then, all your invoices are tracked for you, so you don't have to keep a personal record of who to follow up with. 

Quickbooks also helps you create a cash flow forecast. It is a spreadsheet that is, again, been simplified for the "everyday man." It helps you predict your future cash flow based on clients and ongoing projects. Best of all, as you are tracking every penny that comes in and out, Quickbooks is working behind the scenes to create tax documents. It integrates seamlessly into your own tax preparation software or houses all the details so that you can conveniently hand them over to your tax guy. 

2. Slack 

Money woes are a heavy burden, as are communication breakdowns. If you can't get a hold of important team members right when you need them, deadlines can slip and mistakes can be made. 

Slack removes the uncertainty that comes with sending an email within your business. Will it get lost in their inbox along with hundreds of other company messages? Will they read it, but start to do something else and move on without responding? 

And it is much, much more than a basic chat app. Slack allows you to set up dedicated channels. You can create one for each client or one for each of your teams. Also, it has some really cool integrations. It can pull in blog RSS feeds, notify you of your Google alerts, chat with customers from your site, and more. 

3. Hootsuite 

How could we close out an article on growth marketing without discussing social media marketing (SMM)? If you are having trouble ramping up your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account, then the first thing you have to do is find a way to manage them on one platform. 

Hootsuite gathers all your data across each platform, measures your ROI, manages ads, schedules content, monitors your keyword selection, and more. 

You can also create and schedule bulk content, instead of having to post across each platform daily. A platform but Hootsuite is an absolute no-brainer in this age of social media. 

4. Winmo 

Did you know that AI can tell you all about your prospect? It is actually eerily accurate. Winmo’s personality insights allow you to get to know prospects in just 15 seconds. Their customers are seeing response rates double just by approaching marketing budget-owners with tailored outreach that strikes the right chord. AI personality insights will help you navigate landmines that will turn customers or leads off in the sales process. If you are getting ghosted, now is the time to try something new with Winmo.

Grow Your Business Brand Bigger And Better 

The best way to grow your brand intelligently is to allow technology to be your assistant. It pairs lightning-fast effectiveness with order and control. For more free tech tools to grow your business and entertainment library, check out the top torrents for free downloads.

Top Tech Tools Conclusion

At the Frugal Finance Blog, we want to see you grow your business with fewer headaches and greater financial success. As you continue to wheel and deal, boost your social media presence, and track your financial growth, we hope you will keep coming back to visit our site! It is continually being updated, with your technological success in mind.

Grow your business brand bigger and better than ever! These top technology tools will help.