A software program is meant to ease operations. It should bring a positive impact and move the business to a higher level. All those directly and indirectly connected to the software should find it easier to carry out their duties and enjoy themselves in the process. The opposite is also true. The wrong software can have a negative impact on your business.
Here are a few ways that your business can be hurt by the wrong software.
Costly
When you invest in a software only to realize that it cannot meet your needs, you will have two options. You can either revert to the former operation methods or invest in a more appropriate program. The bottom line is, you will have used money but did not benefit the business in the process. This can set the company a few steps backward especially when you do not have enough running capital. Also, you might have used some resources to train the staff on how to operate the system. This will all add up to unnecessary expenditure.
Negative Impact on Employees
When the employees embrace the new software with enthusiasm and eagerness, their expectations are cut short when it fails to deliver. They get frustrated trying to work with the system. They may not even want to try any other software, or when they do, they will not be as receptive as they were in the beginning.
Slows Down Business Growth
When the system is not right for the business, one of the things that happen is that operations halt for some time before employees revert to the old system as they wait for a better option. The confusion and delays can have a significant impact on the growth of the business. Also, the main aim of getting the software is to ease operations so that the company can move forward faster. When this is not achieved, the overall business goals are not achieved as planned.
Customer Care Operations
It does not matter which department the software is meant to serve, but when it is wrong or does not function as it should, the clients get affected too. There can be a slowed down process of moving goods and services to the clients or accessing important customer related information. When customers do not get their needs met on time, they feel that the company is failing them. To avoid this, communicate to the customers and let them know when to expect a smoother flow of services.
Time Consuming
Other than the fact it is an added expenditure the company would have done without, there is also the time factor. Employees have to spend time to learn and familiarize themselves with the new system only for it to fail them. Besides this, there is the issue of having to migrate from the older system to the new software platform and the time spent trying to make the wrong software work. This can be equivalent to thousands of dollars.
To avoid all this, it is essential to communicate your software needs clearly to the provider. For instance, when you want to test new software programs, request for demo. According to Checkpoint EHR, “Improvements to the software are always being developed and implemented.” This will help you analyze the system to check whether it is the perfect solution for your business needs.
Before going for any software, first, analyze your business needs and what you expect the software to achieve. Consult with a software expert about the issues you are currently facing as an organization and get to know the different software options that are available for your particular needs. This will not only save you a lot of money by ensuring you buy the right software, but it will also save you time and a lot of frustration.
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Eileen O'Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
