Today’s Tech: Modern Business Tools Specifically Designed for Efficiency
The business models for most anyone involved in a startup, nonprofit, small business, or even those at a large corporation have changed tremendously within the past couple of decades.
No longer do businesses have to struggle with operations as in years past. Today, all businesses have help, and that help comes in the form of advanced technology.
Our technological applications that are available for business owners to use today have taken much of the guesswork out of everyday business functions. With streamlined tools, apps that access data in real-time, and software all designed for business use, any business owner can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to daily operations.
Though we have such an array of technology at our fingertips, navigating all of the technical jargon can seem overwhelming at times. Here, we’ll break down the most essential technological tools that every business owner should consider using.
ERP Software
Enterprise Resource Planning, otherwise known as ERP software, generally is a suite of applications that enable a business to run its operations and relay data from different departments back and forth in real-time.
Popular brands of ERP include JD Edwards software, which is a robust suite of application tools that allows any business the ability to meet the demands of the modern business world head-on.
These tools function in such a way that links each element of a business to work together and share data regarding every aspect of a business.
Some of the functions of ERP software include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Supply chain operations
- Procurement
- Human capital management
- Accounting
- Production management
- Project management
- Risk management
- Compliance
- Sales
- Order management
- Customer relations management (CRM)
Though ERP generally facilitates other software programs such as project management tools and customer relations management, this is the type of suite that integrates all outlying functions of a business as well through various data interfaces.
Website Builders
Today, you need to be as professional as possible when considering any aspect of your business. And this isn’t just about picking out a great matching suit and tie. Every aspect of the business from your business card to your website is a critical component that needs to exude professionalism.
With web publishing tools becoming much easier for anyone to use, they’ve also become a little lackluster in appearance. It’s true, today anyone can build a website, but not everyone can build a professional website.
In today’s business world you need several elements incorporated into your website in order to appear as professional as possible. A few of these features are as follows:
- Landing pages
- Blog page
- Sales page
- Responsive design
A site builder needs to be able to allow you to add critical pages with ease in order for you to maximize your website’s performance. This also has a lot to do with being able to generate traffic and funnel your traffic into your sales page.
Automation Tools
Everyone loves not having to work as hard and not having to keep up with things from time to time. And this is the gift that automation tools give to us. Some automation tools for your business are time tracking software, a communication platform, cloud-based storage, and even an Android route planner for sales routes.
When you enlist automation tools, you’re taking half of the work out of keeping up with certain aspects of your business. This is usually the case with certain areas of marketing.
Social media automation is by far the most popular of these tools to use. While you’ll still want to interact and engage with your followers, customers, and supporters, you can also take a little bit of time to yourself and let the automation tools schedule your posting and content sharing efforts.
The modern business world is always changing and evolving. Like human beings, everything must evolve and adapt to a changing world. It’s up to you as a business owner to change and evolve along with it, otherwise, you could keep using outdated technology and end up out in the cold for good.