In the fast-paced world of technology, businesses often face challenges that can disrupt operations and erode trust in service providers. Identifying these common pitfalls, or “sins,” allows you to choose the correct software and IT infrastructure for your business – and the right company to partner with.
#1 Isolated Systems
Have you ever felt frustrated because your software doesn’t integrate well with other systems? If you’re dealing with outdated technology or software that doesn’t perform as needed, it’s likely impacting your productivity more than you realize. This is the sin of Isolated Systems – where disconnected tools stifle efficiency and growth.
Stewart Tech has helped businesses find ways to overcome this challenge, even when native integration isn’t available. Here’s a prime example: A logistics company faced significant inefficiencies due to outdated inventory management software. To tackle this, they upgraded to Sage 100, which seamlessly integrated with their order processing system. Further, they utilized Scanco’s scanning capability and their shipping platform, Starship. Although these systems did not have native integrations, Stewart Tech utilized cost-effective integration bridges to connect them, creating a cohesive ecosystem.
This upgrade eliminated the need for manual data entry across systems, significantly reducing errors and saving countless hours each week. As a result, the company improved order fulfillment speed and accuracy, increasing customer satisfaction and substantial labor cost savings. By automating processes, enhancing data accuracy, reducing operational costs, and elevating customer experience, the company regained productivity and time.
These businesses transformed isolated tools into integrated solutions by updating their systems and using integration bridges when necessary, unlocking efficiency gains, cost savings, and improved performance. Don’t let isolated systems hold your business back.
#2 Inflexibility
Is your software keeping you from growing? Growth is exciting but can be a headache if your software can’t keep up. While closely related to Isolated Systems, the sin of Inflexibility rears its head when too rigid systems stunt your progress. Scalable solutions ensure that as your business grows, your software grows with you. This flexibility allows you to embrace new opportunities without technological constraints holding you back.
#3 Lack of Automation
Efficient workflows are crucial, yet many businesses suffer from inefficient processes without realizing it. Sometimes “the way it’s always been done” or fear of change in process can leave a business behind. If your business or certain departments are struggling with manual processes and the errors that result, automating workflows can help. More than fully utilizing software due to inadequate processes or excessive time running reports can drag productivity down, and take your team’s focus away from the important tasks at hand.Streamlining operations makes data reporting meaningful and accessible through intuitive dashboards and reports while minimizing errors and boosting efficiency.
#4 Lack of Reporting
Inadequate reporting tools lead to missed critical data insights. Without comprehensive and customizable reporting, making strategic decisions in today’s fast-paced business world becomes a guessing game, and actual performance metrics remain hidden. Guessing doesn’t just risk your strategy – it costs you money. A lack of visibility can impact every aspect of your business.
How can a lack of reporting negatively affect your business? Here’s what we’ve seen:
- Misallocation of Budgets: Companies often misdirect funds to underperforming marketing channels due to inadequate reporting, leading to wasted resources and suboptimal returns on investment.
- Inaccurate Financial Forecasting: Insufficient financial reporting prevents accurate trend analysis and forecasting, resulting in poor budget planning and financial instability.
- Overlooked Inventory Issues: Many companies frequently face stockouts of their best-selling items because they lack accurate visibility into inventory levels and sales trends. This results in lost sales, dissatisfied customers, and excess inventory of low-demand products, tying up valuable capital.
In the competitive and rapid pace of business, relying on guesswork hampers growth and directly impacts your bottom line. Don’t let incomplete data derail your strategy.
#5 Inadequate Security
Data security needs to be a priority. Many companies overlook or cut corners on security, leaving sensitive information at risk. This is the sin of Inadequate Data Security. No one has time for a security breach. A security-in-layers approach fortifies your system so your data and assets are protected. When your IT partner has a proven approach in place, you can be confident knowing your information is safe and protected against cybersecurity threats.
#6 Passing the Buck
Clear communication is essential to a healthy business relationship but can sometimes be overlooked. When software providers deflect blame when issues arise, and insist that the problem lies with another system rather than their own, this deflection is the sin of Passing the Buck. Passing the buck leaves customers feeling abandoned, frustrated, and unsupported, with no clear resolution.
Consider a company using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that may not be syncing correctly with its inventory management tool. The ERP provider claims the inventory tool is at fault, while the inventory tool provider blames the ERP. This leaves the company caught in the middle, wasting time and resources to resolve the issue independently.
For critical systems like an ERP, it’s imperative to have a provider who offers robust support and excels in effective project management. Effective project management is essential for controlling costs and ensuring successful outcomes, whether it’s a product update, system conversion, or new software rollout. Costs often escalate when there’s a lack of expertise to manage these projects effectively. Having dedicated resources ensures that projects go live smoothly, minimizing unexpected expenses and maximizing efficiency.
Choosing a provider that values transparency, open communication, and accountability is not just good business—it’s crucial for maintaining trust and operational efficiency. A responsive provider who offers clear and frequent updates fosters a partnership based on collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring that your central system is well-supported and projects are managed effectively.
#7 Hidden Costs
Have you ever purchased a service or product, a workflow consultation, or a new business solution software that initially seemed affordable, only to be hit with unexpected fees later? This frustrating experience is what we call the sin of hidden costs. It’s a deceptive practice that can wreak havoc on your budget. Ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for from the start – no surprises – is paramount when looking at year-over-year subscriptions. Most subscription-based software packages have a year-over-year increase. Imagine the peace of mind of knowing there won’t be any additional hidden fees lurking around the corner.
Navigating the tech industry to find the right provider for your business can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Being able to identify (and avoid) these seven sins of software as a service can help you choose a partner that is dedicated to your success and satisfaction, and committed to providing support, innovation, and the transparency needed to stay ahead in the competitive marketplace.
At Stewart Tech, we are strategic problem-solvers who provide IT services and consulting along with ERP accounting and system workflow expertise. We help businesses harness their potential by securing their networks, streamlining systems and processes, and optimizing workflow. If you’re in the market for a trusted business technology advisor, reach out to Stewart Tech. We help you figure it out…and then some.