Know your options

Before you choose your small business management software, you need to decide how you’re going to use it, how many people will be using it, and which factors will best address your company’s specific needs – now and in the future.

I recommend: NetSuite’s integrated, Web-based software solution combines CRM and Web capabilities with accounting and ERP capabilities to give you improved collaboration, less IT costs and maintenance, and fully automated processes. NetSuite Small Business pricing begins at $99 per user per month; before buying, check out their Free Trial. The award-winning Intacct offers their Small Business Application Suite includes financial management, supply chain management, business intelligence, and (optional) project management. You pay a monthly per-user subscription fee, rather than pricey start-up licensing fees, and best of all, this small business management software gives you the option to add new users and software applications as your business grows. Check out the online demo to get a look at it.

Purchasing – or subscribing to – business manager software

All-in-one small business management software incorporates your business’s many various functions – from inventory to HR to CRM and more – into one easily-accessible solution. You can use this software through Web-based subscription, and pay by month – or purchase it outright, which is a much more expensive upfront investment.

I recommend: Go to Business.com's Project Management Software Directory for a Project Management Software Guide and many resources. Everett Software’s Everett Advanced automates all key operational aspects of your business. Can’t quite wrap your head around what business manager software does? No problem – Everett has a terrific graphic to show you. Not sure if you want to buy it or get it through a monthly subscription? No problem – here is a side-by-side Comparison Chart to help you decide.

Invest in the right business management risk software tool options

A business management risk software tool is necessary to any good small business management software – if your software doesn’t have the tools to address any risk management issues, including anti-virus software, then your whole system – and business – could be vulnerable.

I recommend: At Business.com’s Business Management Risk Software Tool Directory, find business management risk software tool needs, vendors, and more. Microsoft Business Solutions Small Business Financials, ranging in price from $995 (for two users)-$4,500 (for a maximum of 10 users), is a flexible solution with fully integrated financial, sales, purchasing, inventory, payroll and other capabilities. It’s made to grow with your business, offers automated file back-up and recovery tools in case of loss of data. To try out Microsoft Business Solutions, and other types of top business management software, 2020software.com allows you to order free CDs of each one. Want to find the best pricing? No problem – 2020 gives you the option to Get the Best Pricing. Make sure the one you choose has strong business management risk software tool capabilities.

Make your management software work for you

Your small business management software should – once it’s implemented – actually make your job easier by consolidating and providing information in an easily accessed display. If it doesn’t do this, perhaps you’ve chosen the wrong system for you.

I recommend: Explore the Management Software Solutions at Business.com. At 2020software.com, check out the “Top 7” industry-specific management software options, including feature/price/option comparisons for construction software, retail software, mid-market accounting software, enterprise solutions, and yes, small business software. (Not all options offer all functions, so check under the “Modules” section to learn which software includes which specific functions.)  Check out the Small Business Software for a comparison of several of the business management software options discussed in this guide.

Check out “executive dashboard” solutions in business management software

Look into some “executive dashboard” options in small business management software. Yes, “dashboard,” as in a car – something you can check quickly for the overall operation of the machine – except in this case, the “machine” is your small business.

I recommend: QlikView, a powerful business intelligence, analytics, and reporting management software package, and that promises to change your business in just 10 days. QlikView’s Competence Center gives you a full line of learning options, from an e-Learning course, in-depth training (offered on-site at your location, or at theirs) for “power users,” and a free15-day trial. Go to your Executive Dashboard for one-click access to all performance aspects of your business.