The way that organisations operate has changed hugely over the past two decades.

Communication switched to predominantly digital, cash’s crown wobbled and the rise of Software As A Service (SAAS) led to a range of affordable tools for companies to take advantage of.

SAAS describes the accessing of software from a cloud provider over the internet. Rather than paying up front, the product is purchased with a continued license fee.

The ongoing payment covers support from a tech team or account manager which makes products more accessible.

This allows businesses not familiar with the ins and outs of the ever changing world of tech to access game changing tools.

alex-carmichael-7ZixkACFmM4-unsplash

A multitude of tools

From lead generation to payroll, companies are spending money to make sure they can focus all their energy on what they’re best at.

When done well this can improve efficiency and prevent staff spending valuable time on tasks that can be sped up through automation.

Where do the risks lie?

Older businesses especially will know the problems with legacy software. Tools which have been around for so long that no one can think of another way of doing things.
This can result in a company realising they are using technology which isn’t right for what they want to get done.
 
Naturally this has the opposite effect to what one intends. Rather than saving your team time, it could be encumbering them as they wrestle with either unnecessary or poorly designed programmes.

Out of date software also presents security risks to your company as they may be more prone to cyber attacks.

Do you need it?

Some software will be an integral part of your business with day to day operations ceasing without it.
There will be others however that simply remain a financial burden, perhaps brought in to solve a problem that may no longer exist.
 
That’s why it’s important to take stock each year and understand what brings value and what doesn’t.
For example you may uncover that a lead generation tool has brought you 0 contracts in the past 6 months.  This means no matter what the cost, this tool is now running at a deficit.
 
When you realise that something isn’t working you have three options.
joseph-pearson-FrmpLKLNgNw-unsplash

Retrain staff

If you’re not getting the best out of your tech, it might be because your team isn’t using it properly.

Get an understanding of the capabilities of the product and where the pain points are.

If it’s a lack of understanding, get in touch with the vendor and arrange a training session. Failing that tutorials are bound to exist in one form or another online.

Bin it

Sometimes you’re not using something because it isn’t necessary and the only option is to get rid of it.

Most tech products will have a fixed term so you’ll be unlikely to get out of it early.

It’s always worth checking the contract however as there may be break clauses which allow you an early exit. As a last resort you can try and get in touch with your vendor to make your case.

While you’re unlikely to get out early for free, there might be something you can work out with them.

Find something better

If the idea behind the tool is good but the actual product itself isn’t up to scratch, find a better option.

The world is awash with software and the chances are if you bought it off one company something similar exists.

Assess what went wrong with the last tool and work out whether any new alternatives are more suitable.

windows-kRWY72TKB0Y-unsplash

How to spot the best software

If you do decide to change providers, it’s important you pick something that works. The issue can be that it’s not always easy to tell.

Online review websites like Capterra can give a good picture, although they will rarely highlight issues with the product.

A personal recommendation from a trusted peer is always a good sign. Before taking out a license for a product it’s worth asking your network what they’re experiences are.

Why customer service is so important

A commitment to top rate customer service should be one of the things that you look for when choosing a Saas company.

It means that should you have issues there is a human on hand to help. Not just an out of date training manual.

Dedicated success reps also indicate a close relationship with their clients. This way you know suggestions are taken on board from the people who use the product.

Where we come in

At NotLost, our commitment to top notch customer support is one of our strongest attributes.
We are on hand to troubleshoot and manage queries quickly and efficiently while working alongside clients to ensure the product is suited to their needs.
 
If your business handles lost & found enquiries then dedicated software will be the best way  manage these quickly and effectivley.

Find out more

Get in touch with us on +44(0)20 8037 3970 or drop us an email . 

Plus, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with all things lost property!