7 Signs Your Business Needs New Operations Management Software

Operations management software, most commonly used in manufacturing and service industries, can combine everything from business intelligence and accounting to task management and customer relationships. We think of operational software as a business-centric toolkit; a centralised system for the day to day running of your business. Software that is capable of managing production, inventory and facilities, tracking goods delivery, task management, measurement of employee performance, report generation, and much more besides. Yet we hear time and again of operations management software that is falling short; impacting on all corners of the business. Here’s some challenges that we hear teams experiencing with their current operational software. Sure-fire signs that their business software is in need of an overhaul. 1. Our operations management software does not reflect our business today Operational software, more than anything, should be a reflection of your business. Not an add on, or a nice to have, but a valued asset. It’s a fundamental tool in your strategic planning and can uncover game-changing business insights. Your operations management software should be made up of custom solutions to problematic processes. Software functions which represent how your business functions. It’s also equally important that your business goals and expectations are represented too with the inclusion of key performance management tools. Your business is constantly evolving. Rather than representing where your business was 10 years ago, your software should reflect where you are today, as well as where you are heading. Your operational software should be front and centre, ticking all the boxes, without compromise. A bespoke software system can be designed specifically around how your business operates and be flexible to future change and growth. 2. My computer keeps saying ‘no’ System failure should never be something that employees get used to. If your team can regularly be heard moaning at their computer, there’s a good chance that the system is not only having an impact on productivity but also effecting employee happiness too. Your people are most likely the most important part of your business. Your software should work for them; with them and not against them. If inputting data and generating reports is a daily task carried out by employees, then the software system in use should be quick and efficient. Having a software system that is reliable can make all the difference to your team’s daily work life and job satisfaction. 3. There are issues with the quality of our data Data management challenges are common in manufacturing and service industries. Operations managers have to juggle huge data sets with everything from financial and marketing to performance and customer data. In a data-driven business world, it’s vital to turn your data into insights. Data handling is essential to effective operational management software. Harnessing data effectively; focusing on the quality of structured formatted data can have a direct impact on the capabilities of your business operations. Bespoke software developments focus on building an effective data management strategy. Supporting better decision-making and ensuring accurate data compliance. 4. I have to click on multiple different buttons to complete one task Overcomplicated processes are a common challenge of business software. If your software is not intuitive to the people using it, then something’s not quite right. Operations management software is used by multiple people in varying job roles. So it’s important that each function is carefully designed to give each type of user a custom experience. The beauty of bespoke software developments is the ability to automate processes. Less clicks; more results. Bespoke software systems are built around the user experience; how they need the software to work for them. Bespoke operational software should, and can, make your life simple. 5. No one knows how to programme our legacy software anymore Legacy software often falls short because it was built on technologies that are rarely used today. Technologies that are limited in capability are preventing your business from being efficient. Modern software which is built using cloud technology enables your systems to be scalable and to constantly benefit from upgrades. You will also benefit from data storage needs and security that is custom to your business needs. When you create a bespoke software development, you can make the most of the very latest and greatest technologies which will award your business software with a mark of distinction. When bespoke software developments are built, support and maintenance of the software going forward are a primary consideration. Technology can and will go wrong at times, but having software developers on hand who know the software inside out, can limit disruption. 6. Our software does not integrate with our other business systems Operation management systems that are riding on a completely different wave length to other business systems is definitely cause for concern. Having business systems which seamlessly integrate is key to increasing visibility, managing data and creating a customised customer experience. It may be that one centralised system on a single platform, combining your core business functions is needed. Or that your operational software needs to be part of a suite of modular tools or applications. Either way, your operations management software should be perfectly in sync with all your other business applications. 7. I can’t access my full system out of the office No matter your industry, it’s becoming ever more vital for employees to be able to access business systems away from the office and usually from a number of different devices such as desktops, tablets and phones. Tasks such as uploading documents and reviewing real-time data can enable better collaboration across teams, whilst mobile alerts and reminders can enable any member of the team, wherever they may be, to rapidly respond. Enterprise mobility is a priority for many businesses and access to software should reflect this. Bespoke software can ensure your operational systems are accessible across various operating systems and devices. Streamline your business operations with bespoke software Operational inefficiencies can have many detrimental effects on your business. Low productivity, unhappy employees, poor quality data, inflexible processes, to name a few. Bespoke software can change that. Having a state-of-the-art centralised business software system, can streamline your strategic operations as well as simplifying administrative processes to reduce costs and improve performance. Operations management software that integrates applications, manages large data sets and automates workflows for all, can open up a whole host of possibilities for your business.

For more information on 7 Signs Your Business Needs New Operations Management Software talk to Clever Software Group