Business software and outsourcing are two tools/methods available to business owners that can help make running a business much more manageable. Business software is a set of computer programs that help organize and perform certain business functions, while outsourcing involves turning over a certain function of your business to another company to take over.

Both allow for more time for you and your employees to focus on other tasks, and you can also use a combination of both. Here’s a look at eight different types of software and outsourcing services for businesses.

#1: Time-Tracking Software

If you have several projects that need to get done in a certain amount of time, then time-tracking software will be of great help to you. This type of software can show you where you’re exerting the majority of the time, allowing you to see where it can be better applied. This will help everyone with their time management and help you run a much more efficient business. For example, in fields such as dentistry, where appointment-making and record management play an essential role, utilizing the use of a virtual assistant can be a highly beneficial move to make for your business. Incorporating the use of virtual dentist assistants streamlines business operations and improves your team’s efficiency as they can focus on the core objective.

#2: Sales and Marketing Software and Outsourcing

Organization is key in business, and sales and marketing software can help keep you organized. This type of software will collect and analyze your sales and marketing data, allowing you to make better decisions about your techniques. This is because this program takes several steps further, and can assist in the processing of bids for leases, handling emissions targets and helping to automate the process as a whole, aside from many other useful features. If you choose to outsource your sales and marketing departments, then it’s likely that the company you outsource to will utilize this software, and for good reason.

#3: Project Management Software

Large company projects can be daunting for your employees and even for you as a business owner. However, with the assistance of appropriate software tools, tasks can be organized more efficiently and effectively. For instance, reliable mind-mapping software can simplify complex ideas, visualize the project’s scope, and streamline collaborative thinking.

Thankfully, various types of project management software, including industry-specific ones such as the field service management solutions offered by OverIT US, are available on both computers and smartphones help break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This aids in boosting your team’s productivity and efficiency. When paired with time-tracking software, project management tools ensure crucial tasks are executed correctly and promptly.

#4: Manufacturing (Outsourcing)

Many small businesses set up their own manufacturing and shipping facilities, but it comes with a great cost— literally. The good news is that there are manufacturing businesses out there that will do this for you.

Even more good news: not all manufacturing businesses are overseas— many are still here in the U.S.— so you won’t have to worry about the many barriers that come with outsourcing to a foreign country. Outsourcing this function will save you more time to focus on other business tasks.

#5: Information Technology (Outsourcing)

Information technology (IT) is one of the most outsourced functions of business because it’s one of the most complicated. It’s a very skilled-oriented field although most people would consider themselves pretty tech-savvy in today’s digital world. Oftentimes companies choose to outsource to an IT firm that offers on-demand assistance, but you can also use a managed service provider or hire remote software engineers to make sure your business is covered.

#6: Human Resources (Outsourcing)

Human resource services (HR) is another part of a business that’s often outsourced, particularly with larger small businesses and even businesses with more than one location. HR deals with everything from hiring candidates to firing them, and they are even in charge of employee benefits. However, recruiting and interviewing candidates before they even get the job can also be a task of HR.

#7: Cyber Security (Outsourcing)

Cyber security is extremely important for all businesses, whether they operate in person, online, or a combination of both. Cyber security is available as software, as seen by companies like Norton and McAfee, but companies will benefit more by outsourcing their cyber security as a service with a company. Using a company will provide you with access to more security services to ensure that your business will be protected from a cyber attack.

#8: Accounting Software and Outsourcing

Accounting is another area of business that is often outsourced, managed with software, or a combination of both. When it comes to business, accounting includes bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes. You can use bookkeeping software to keep track of all of your business financing, including payroll and expenses while hiring an accountant to handle all of your taxes. For example, leaseaccelerator.com and similar sites offer software designed to make lease management easier and faster, saving you thousands of hours per year on managing your leased assets. Whether it’s account tracking, reporting, administration or sourcing, software can do it all for you. All you need to do is install a demo and give it a go!

If you’re not a financial expert, then it would be in your best interest to use one of these tools or a combination of both to secure your business’s financial health.

Both software and outsourcing present an upfront, and even ongoing cost, but it’s worth it in the long run. Investing in software and outsourcing certain business services allow for fewer mistakes to occur— mistakes that can end up costing you more money than what these services cost.

Jane