While people are the most important part of a business, so too are the systems required to run that business. Integrating the right systems in your business can improve efficiency and save costs.
Different businesses have different needs and as such the number and type of systems required will differ from business to business. Some of the most common systems are:
- Accounting
- Payroll
- Project Management
- Social Media Management
- Newsletter Management
These, as well as many other systems, are essential to running a business but often on their own their function is limited. Integrating these systems enables them to work in unison and provide great value to a business.
The benefits of integrating systems in your business
Reduce duplication
Integrating systems will greatly reduce double handling. Whether it eliminates having to input the same data into various programs or generate various reports, system integration will streamline these processes.
Take for example newsletter distribution. In order to send a newsletter, you need subscribers. These subscribers may be part of a database which is used for other business communications and functions. Regardless of what the database is used for, it must be kept up to date. You then also need a program or software to create the newsletter and distribute it. If the database can talk to the email creation software, then updating contacts and newsletter distribution suddenly becomes a more streamlined process without the need to import or update contacts across various platforms.
Reduce errors
Manually inputting the same data multiple times into different systems will no doubt result in errors being made. Integrating systems can reduce the amount of manual data entry and in turn reduce errors. If systems requiring the same information talk to each other then the data only needs to be input once and shared among systems.
Automate generic functions
Automation is the ultimate time-saver. With integrated systems in place, many processes can be automated. Whether it’s generating reports, producing invoices, or any other everyday business function, automation makes things easier for everyone.
Integrated business systems can really change the way a business operates. Integrated systems can be tailored to individual businesses to ensure they get the most out of their systems.