Aid Business Growth
One of the common growing pains in any business is the need to match the technology to the size of the organisation. This could be moving from a single user application to a shared environment or from a single server to a mission critical multi-tiered redundant architecture. We can remove the barriers to growth by migrating you to the right tools.
Putting this in to real terms, this could mean scaling Microsoft Access up to an enterprise level database, increasing efficiency by greater automation of tasks or improving sharing and accessibility through browser-based applications. A beneficial outcome to such internal upgrades is the resulting improvement in customer service.
A common area where we've seen this is the spreadsheet - perfect for a single user and maybe for small teams where little sharing is needed. Once your staff start to properly share information, then spreadsheets will start to be a hindrance.
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Spreadsheet Pains
Microsoft Excel isn't just for calculating your expenses, it's an incredibly powerful tool in the right hands. But there are business dangers to be wary of. Many companies harness this power to great effect but in doing so fall foul of the issues inherent with multiple local copies of spreadsheet files.
If you're small enough and the overall concept works we'll probably advise you stick with them. With us providing you with enhancements and ongoing support, we can put you back in control. Another example of how a bespoke approach can be the cost effective alternative to a product.
As their business use grows above a certain level then spreadsheets can quickly get out of hand. Lines such as "Here's a book on Excel, you're now in charge of the Sales spreadsheet", "How can I update the template with the new terms and conditions" and "Why aren't you on the latest version" are commonly heard in businesses before we are called in.
If these sound familiar then you should be asking yourself these questions:
Is everyone using the latest versions? Why not?
Who's using the spreadsheets? Should they be?
How is the code maintained? Is it good enough?
Are you reliant on a single person? Is it distracting from their primary job role?
Can you report on ALL of the data? Isn't that the point?
If you feel uncomfortable about your answers, then we'd be happy to help make sense of it all.
Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Maintaining sustainable growth is such an important time in any business that it needs proper support - let us help you achieve your potential.