Software Development

One of the most critical steps in growing a business is often software development. It can also be one of the most overlooked steps.

The little spreadsheet or database that Joe Schmo threw together in his spare time, for example, worked just fine when there were three people in the front office supporting a handful of sales people. But, suddenly, the business has taken off; the sales and support staff has doubled. Reporting requirements have tripled. And that little program can't handling the demands, at all. Bad news for everyone.

Almost as bad as hiring the wrong person or company to help fix the problem.

Years ago, I worked for a company with locations all over the United States and Mexico. Each department had pieces of information. Reports and spreadsheets transferred back and forth, around the company, with this group adding that group's information to their files. There was no single report or place where all of the information could be found. So, because I thought that was ridiculously inefficient, I was asked to fix it.

Not a problem - to a point. I knew enough about spreadsheets and databases to pull all of the information together. In a matter of days, I managed to create a consolidated database with all of the details about all of the locations. Anything and everything that anyone and everyone needed to access was there. But that was all I knew how to do.

I didn't know how to create reports from my pretty little database. In essence, the information was useless. Luckily, two contractors, working on another project, knew exactly what to do next.

So, take it from me: If your business is growing and your software applications aren't getting the job done, make sure you hire someone who is able to put all of the pieces in place and make them function efficiently. Otherwise, you could end up with a pretty little database that no one can use.



Be sure to stop by JMark Afghans. Or catch us on Squidoo and Facebook.

Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!

Jules