As a pet business, should you choose installed software or cloud
software for managing your business data? This single decision may
significantly affect not only your profitability, but also your
customer's experience and your personal enjoyment of your job. Choosing
the right software for your business can lead to more clients, more
efficient operations, and a laid back environment for you to enjoy your
pet business more!
Installed Software
With installed software, your business data is limited to your computer or network.
Most
pricing models at first glance appear like a one-time only purchase,
which can be at a high upfront cost, but reasonable when taking into
consideration long term use. It is important to keep in mind that you
will also need to purchase an annual support contract and that as new
versions of the software become available, the old versions will stop
being supported by the manufacturer meaning you need to purchase the new
version. When considering this option; think of it more as chunk
payments instead of month-to-month.
You will have control over
when to update your software. Most companies send out updates every few
months, which you can download manually from their website during after
work hours so as not to disrupt operations during the day.
Most
technologists would agree that installed software is a dying industry.
It is not cheaper, not faster, and not updated as often as cloud based
software.
However, if a person does not have a reliable internet
connection and does not see the value in having a tablet or smartphone
with a data plan, installed software may make sense.
Cloud Software
The
first advantage cloud software has is mobility. Everything is online so
you will be able to access your business data in real-time from any
location. When you need to run errands, take a break, or go on a
vacation with the family, you can still monitor your facility's
activities.
Another advantage is compatibility. With cloud
software, you will be able to view your business on multiple computers,
tablets, and smartphones at the same time. You can use it on a PC and a
MAC without having to purchase different versions -- as long as you have
internet access, you can use your cloud based software. While your
employees are managing a pet's profile from one device, the web browser
on your device will be updated as well.
Pricing models are usually
pay-as-you-go, month to month. This means that the software company
must continue to earn your business month after month. This also makes
the software less of a risky commitment because if you do not use or
like your software then you can cancel at anytime.
Because cloud
software companies take data integrity very seriously, sophisticated
software will host data in a data center that is fully encrypted.
Cloud
software companies will also automatically update the features and
backup your data for you. There wouldn't be a need to restart your
computer after updating.
Depending on the cloud-software provider
you choose, your customers may also be able to book appointments with an
online booking widget set up on your website. This gives you a 24/7
booking window, which is convenient for pet owners who only have time to
set up appointments after working hours. Instead of automatically
accepting each appointment, you also have the option to manually filter
through the appointment requests before they are approved.
All in
all, your software depends on how you want to run your business. Request
a demo or walk-through of the software and explain your day-to-day
tasks and services to the software companies you are considering. Like
you, they are looking for customers with the right fit and whom are
seeking services they can provide.
Compile a list of software
features you absolutely need and ones you would be nice to have. This
will give you a clearer vision of which software companies are worth the
investment.
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