In this blog we have talked many times about the importance of SMEs digitizing their processes; not only due to the advancement of the Internet and changes in consumer demands, but also due to the advantages of technologies such as the Cloud . For this reason, today we want to focus on the problems that can appear when business owners buy platforms on impulse without the support of an expert on the subject.
Because it is not about acquiring the best software in the world , but rather the one that both our company and our clients need at this time; Thus, we cannot make decisions based only on the price or the recommendations of another entrepreneur.
So what are the five most common problems when buying business software without advice? Here we tell you. Pay attention!
#1. Inadequate or poor performance of the platform
This is the most common problem that alludes to the lack of vital functions for the operation of the business. For example, an entrepreneur who is about to open a physical store and purchases a simple point-of-sale system online to manage payments. What usually happens in this case? That after a few days he realizes that with this system he cannot control inventory or register airtime sales for cell phones.
The first thing that a professional and experienced advisor will do is prepare a diagnosis of the current needs of your business to recommend, for example, a comprehensive cash system that allows you to effectively manage all aspects related to the management of products or services, receipts and inventory.
#two. A platform too complicated to use
One of the great advantages of technology is the simplification of processes; but if you buy non-intuitive software that requires hours and hours of employee training and is difficult to use on a day-to-day basis, you will undoubtedly make a bad investment.
Before making a decision, it is important to ask the business solutions expert to give you a demonstration of how the platform works, ideally together with the collaborators who will use it. If it’s difficult to navigate and a simple task requires several steps, it’s better to think of another alternative.
#3. Inadequate support for the new needs or objectives of the company
One of the most important points to consider when acquiring a platform is the ability to customize certain functions or integrate with larger systems, as the company grows and other needs appear in daily administration. For example, a consultant can help you choose a billing system that can seamlessly interface with a more robust business administration or electronic accounting system .
A common mistake when buying software without the necessary knowledge is to end up with an inexpensive solution, but inflexible because it is only useful for the initial stage of the company and that in the medium and long term forces the businessman to make a new investment .
#4. Lack of technical support
This is a key point to decide on one or the other system; since not only can problems arise in the use of a platform, but also migrations to new versions or adjustments must be resolved .
An adviser will be able to inform you about all the details of technical support, what is the network of local specialists with which each provider works and what are the most common problems that may appear. On the other hand, an unsupported software can bring you many serious problems, such as loss of valuable information or generation of misleading data .
#5. Outdated software
Finally, be sure to be aware of issues such as acquiring software that quickly becomes out of date, whether due to unforeseen changes in supporting hardware , the appearance of new applications, or a lack of adjustments to comply with the latest provisions of the tax authority of each country, such as the migration to version 4.0 of the electronic invoice or the obligation to generate a CFDI supplement Carta Porte when goods are transferred.
In general, the most recognized providers in the market are the ones that can ensure access to new software functions or their update without complications for the user. This is very important information that you need to have when evaluating different alternatives, since it can provide you with a serious and experienced advisor in the needs of an SME like yours.
