How cloud based computing can improve your business system?

Software as a service is becoming more and more prevalent in the business world, with software providers increasingly offering cloud based programs accessed over the internet such as cloud based accounting. Traditional, locally deployed software and systems locked into individual machines seem set to become less popular and less widely available as the landscape moves towards cloud based systems. For business owners and managers, what are the considerations you need to make when looking at moving to a service like cloud based accounting and how can the cloud improve your business system?

Every business has some sort of business system, even if you have never thought about it in any depth or explored how your system works. In simple terms, your business system covers each step in the process of producing and delivering your product or service. The business system includes what happens when you receive an enquiry from a potential client, how you go about preparing the resources you need to complete a job, how you go about organising payment and a whole host of other essential tasks which allow you to utilise your skills, assets, people and software in the course of running your business. The question which naturally follows is whether the current business system is fit for purpose or whether it could be improved. As experienced business advisors in Melbourne, SP Solutions show clients that there are significant opportunities to harness technology like the cloud. Increased efficiency of your business system with greater time-saving, automation and insights can unlock the potential for your business to run more smoothly and, ultimately, more profitably.

A solid business system should cover all the key areas of your business, from clients and suppliers to ongoing jobs, marketing and HR. A well thought out business system allows you to streamline and automate your workflow while also reducing errors, saving you time and allowing you to delegate tasks with confidence. Beyond the day to day, having a clear understanding of your business system also allows you to easily capture relevant data to provide insights into how well your business is operating, contributing to well-informed decision making and an environment of constant improvement. Finally, as any business owner knows, a good business system should also be cost effective. These days, implementing an effective business system nearly always means utilising computer software. Advances in technology and computing have transformed the way we do business, with greater automation of processes along with convenient data storage and analysis. The key criteria many business owners and managers look for in their software and business system are efficiency, stability and scalability. How can cloud based computer services help you achieve this?

In terms of convenience and accessibility, cloud based applications allow you to stay connected to vital aspects of your business operations anytime and anywhere. All the data is also updated in real time, providing you with the means to keep your finger on the pulse, respond to clients and suppliers quickly and appropriately, and provides the agility to grasp new opportunities as they arise. Services such as cloud based accounting also provide an affordable pay as you go subscription model as opposed to the expensive upfront costs of owning and maintaining local IT infrastructure. What’s more, cloud based business applications often provide rolling updates and improvements at no additional cost and don’t tie you in to a long term commitment. Software companies have invested heavily in developing cloud based apps and, as they increasingly become the norm, data security is just as robust as locally deployed systems.

If you are weighing up the benefits of moving to the cloud and improving your business system, there are a number of important considerations. Firstly, you will need to get a clear picture of where you are now by documenting and assessing your business system including the processes, people, responsibilities and software currently in place. From there, you can identify problem areas and explore solutions. That might mean changing your workflow structure and making better use of the software you already have. It might be that the advantages of switching to a new cloud based system also become very attractive. You will then need to identify the key features and functionality that your business needs from a cloud system and evaluate the available services against these requirements to find the best possible fit, including any tailored customisation options. It is also wise to formulate a detailed and time-bound plan for moving your system to the cloud in order to ensure a smooth transition.

While implementing changes to your business system and the idea of moving to cloud based computer services might seem daunting, many business owners have benefited from practical help and guidance from expert business advisors, Melbourne based SP Solutions. Contact us to find out more.