Management Software

managementSeveral reasons why small businesses need management software include:

  • Improve efficiency and productivity in employees and processes
  • Reduce errors
  • Improve logistics
  • Improve communication

In this section, we provide some free or low-cost digital management software.

Collaboration: The ability for people to collaborate & share knowledge

  • Basecamp: a software to manage all of your information and keep track of it.
  • Facebook Workplace: This is a good social media tool for communication and collaboration. There is a free standard plan.
  • Zoho Connect: This starts with a free plan and then allows you to upgrade for more space.

ERP: This is a software solution that includes basically any functional area you might need including accounting, inventory, CRM, SCM, etc.

  • Kennel link: Pet grooming or boarding
  • Toast: For restaurants
  • Versaccounts: This is a cloud-based full-featured ERP system that would probably be suitable for a more established business.
  • Zoho: This software has many different modules that can be integrated. They also have a free CRM version for up to 3 users.

Human resource management: Again, according to this article in Inc. they recommend:

Inventory management:

  • Clearly Inventory looks like an interesting option for small businesses.
  • Inflow: completely manage your inventory business,easily control your stock, manage orders, and run your business more efficiently.” Pricing

Procurement (purchasing): Here is one commonly seen e-procurement software solution:

Project Management: This software helps you manage your tasks and operations, improving efficiency and reducing time.

  • ClickUp: In a recent Forbes article, a small business owner says, “My absolute favorite way to use tech to boost my productivity is through ClickUp. ClickUp has been a game-changer to help with systems, to-do lists, team correspondence and delegation, project management and so much more.” Plus, there is a FREE version- see pricing.
  • Trello is another free project management software that allows you to create projects, tasks and work collaboratively on them in teams.

POS (Point of sale cash register type systems):

  • Revel: i-pad point of sale for restaurants and retail. Supports mobile and e-commerce.
  • Harbor Touch: A good option for a restaurant or small retailer… students reported the price as $39/month.

Scheduling: According to an Inc. article, these are some good software solutions (note that this article has a lot of other interesting small business software recommendations which we have included in other sections on this page.

Supply chain management: Adopting supply chain management software (which usually includes inventory management, procurement, inventory management and logistics) can help small businesses become more competitive by automating processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency and effectiveness in these areas. This software advice websitecompares SCM software.

  • Bizslate: “cloud-based business management solution enables small- and mid-sized distribution and manufacturing businesses (SMBs) to compete more effectively, reduce operational costs, and gain greater visibility into their supply chain.”
  • Kintone: This is geared towards small businesses and provides many features including “demand planning; inventory management; order management; sales & operations planning; shipping management; supplier management; supply chain collaboration; supply chain planning; transportation management; and warehouse management.”
  • Pyrus: This software is also appropriate for small businesses and helps to automate workflow: “Create tasks, set goals, add team members,  automated business process workflows, Streamlines communication”

Other Information Systems & Technologies:

  • Online ordering system: ChowNow
  • Systems for consulting companies:
    • Collaboration: Axero Solutions
    • CRM: Bullhorn
    • ERP: Avaza
    • A great review site for business software! GetApp This web site has compiled software solutions in virtually every category.

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