What Software Should Ready Mix Producers Adopt to Help Manage Their Business?
Don’t underestimate the importance of it – Buying software as a RMX producer to help manage any part of your business is a big deal.
With the proper solution, you will be able to run an efficient, on-time, profitable company and spend more time enhancing your operations and planning your next moves. There are many things you should consider before purchasing a software solution, including:
- Who are you buying this from? There are many questions to consider when you see several companies offering similar solutions – When was the company founded? Has it ever been bought out by a larger company? Does the company specialize in software for a single aspect of your business process or is that a small piece of a larger strategy for the company? Taking a closer look at a company’s history can give you insights into the future of the company.
- What do the features include? Whether you’re just starting up a new plant, or your company is well versed in the industry and looking to make a change, the software you choose to manage your plants and business processes should have a wide range of features. Not only should you look for basic features such as record your Mix Designs, Customer Order History, and Timekeeping, but also more advanced features that you can implement when you are ready for them.
In addition, ask about updates to the software. How often do they happen? How do features get implemented into the software? Do users get a say in new features? You should look for a company that routinely updates and upgrades their software to ensure the features you want and need are there.
- Desktop vs. Web. RMX business management solutions come in a variety of methods. Some software is desktop, or application-based, and others are in the cloud, or web-based. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so let’s dive a little deeper.
Desktop, or Application-based software is created specifically for its intended purpose. You have to download this type of software on each machine you want to run it on. This type of software requires downloading it on each machine you intend to run it on. With this type of software, once installed, she’s all yours. These systems are usually very custom made, and will likely require dedicated staff members and equipment to handle system maintenance, training and support.Web-based software is software that you run through a browser (such as Chrome). You don’t have to download anything other than the browser you’ll be using. With this type of software, you can access your data anywhere, at any time with just the Internet. With a recurring fee, you’ll have access to support if/when needed, and have the most up-to-date software on hand at all times.
- Price. Just like buying a car, one model does not suit all of your desires. Because of that, there are many different ways to look at the cost of business management software. While one system appears more expensive at first glance, will you actually end up paying less in the long run? It’s worth running the numbers to determine how much a system will actually cost.Sit down with your quotes and a calculator. While comparing the numbers, consider your long-term costs. What’s the initial fee? Are there training fees? Ongoing fees? What other costs are associated with it? Will you need dedicated IT personnel? A data center? Maintenance of computers and servers to use the software?
In summary, buying software to help manage your Ready-Mixed Concrete business is a large decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider all of your options before making the move. Your team depends on it.