Despite the fact that other operating systems like Apple’s Mac OS X and Linux are sometimes touted as being “safer,” the vast majority of small businesses are still digitally managed within Windows. As the world’s leading operating system, there are more software titles developed for this OS than any other platform in existence, which means business owners have access to plenty of options when it comes to installing new tools that will enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and other essential corporate attributes. While the exact software needs of each company will vary, here are three kinds of software that every Windows-based business can benefit from using:
1. Performance Management Tools
Since payroll expenditure is one of the most significant costs associated with running a business, monitoring and managing the performance of your employees becomes a top priority in any scenario. Check out this list of the top performance management tools to get an idea of how this kind of software will help you get the most out of the hourly wages and salaries you’re paying out. On the other hand, taking a lackluster or unorganized approach to this aspect of business management could cause you to overpay lazy and unproductive workers.
2. A Suite of Document Creation Tools
It’s hard to imagine a business model that would be able to operate without the use of a word processor like Microsoft Word. Whether you’re writing business letters, proposals, applications, resumes, or any other kind of formal document, you need a well-rounded software to facilitate the creation of those crucial texts. Likewise, Microsoft Excel is almost ubiquitously used by entrepreneurs who use spreadsheets to keep track of data. Generally, the most common approach in this department is to simply install the latest version of Microsoft Office, but there are plenty of free and open-source alternatives available as well (i.e. – Libre Office).
3. Accounting Platforms
Managing a business without the use of dedicated accounting software is never a recommended course of action. You may start out keeping track of your finances, expenses, and budgets within simple spreadsheets, but when it comes time to translate that data into other formats and utilize it within a tax filing process, you’ll wish that you had been using an accounting software instead. Businesses that conduct a high volume of transactions should still have a dedicated CPA on standby to provide advice and assistance, but recording daily financial details in accounting software like Quickbooks or Xero is almost a default requirement for any business.
Don’t Go Overboard with Software
It might seem like having a designated tool for every task or area of company management would be ideal, but it’s actually possible to reduce your productivity by giving yourself too many interfaces to switch between. Opt for a few feature-rich tools that provide the functionality your company needs and try not to waste too much time installing and testing every software that comes along. In conclusion, the more tasks you can consolidate into a single software, the easier your workflow will be.