By
Rich Ahlgren
Submitted On July 02, 2014
Automating your supply chain and inventory can seem to be a
daunting task whether you are upgrading an outdated automated inventory
control system or starting fresh by adding software management for the
first time. For each situation, there are several considerations in
which to take into account, such as cost, integration with existing
methods and technologies, and the time frame needed to learn the new
system.
Many small businesses already use accounting software (such as QuickBooks) and having an inventory control program that integrates with these programs is a worthwhile idea. By so doing, the amount of upstart for the new program is greatly reduced and the time needed to learn the software can also be reduced. If you have outgrown your accounting software in addition to the need for an upgrade on your current inventory program, you can look for a program which can do both your accounting and your supply chain/inventory management.
The expected cost (as well as the assumed date to outgrow the program and upgrade) should be taken into consideration. The adage of you get what you pay for is certainly true when it comes to software.
There are software products that perform as a luxury car with many unneeded bells and whistles as well as those who are more bargain basement. When selecting a business software solution (for any function), it is important to find what you need with a little bit of wiggle room for expansion. (Think of this as being similar to buying a small two door, four seater sedan and three months later learning that you are expecting triplets!)
In the event that you are upgrading your current system, you may already have tools (bar code scanners, wands, etc.) that you are currently using. Determining if you need to abandon these methods or integrate them into a new system can be challenging. Speaking with a customer service representative can be helpful in determining your needs and how to best address them.
Finally, it is important
to examine the amount of time that you and your employees can reasonably
expect to be on a learning curve. If possible, discuss this very matter
with others already using the inventory management software
which you are considering. Getting this information from others in the
trenches can prove invaluable. When and if you get a chance to speak
with another trench-mate, an area worth asking about is how well the
company does their tech support and bug fixes.
Many small businesses already use accounting software (such as QuickBooks) and having an inventory control program that integrates with these programs is a worthwhile idea. By so doing, the amount of upstart for the new program is greatly reduced and the time needed to learn the software can also be reduced. If you have outgrown your accounting software in addition to the need for an upgrade on your current inventory program, you can look for a program which can do both your accounting and your supply chain/inventory management.
The expected cost (as well as the assumed date to outgrow the program and upgrade) should be taken into consideration. The adage of you get what you pay for is certainly true when it comes to software.
There are software products that perform as a luxury car with many unneeded bells and whistles as well as those who are more bargain basement. When selecting a business software solution (for any function), it is important to find what you need with a little bit of wiggle room for expansion. (Think of this as being similar to buying a small two door, four seater sedan and three months later learning that you are expecting triplets!)
In the event that you are upgrading your current system, you may already have tools (bar code scanners, wands, etc.) that you are currently using. Determining if you need to abandon these methods or integrate them into a new system can be challenging. Speaking with a customer service representative can be helpful in determining your needs and how to best address them.
Looking for an effective yet simple to use inventory management software? Try Inflow's inventory software for free - no strings attached.
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