A great tool for number crunching is spreadsheets and can be very helpful with data keeping. Though When you have a significant amount of data, i.e. customers, staff, inventory; and efficient data management tool can become more beneficial to you. Here is why you should reconsider replacing spreadsheet databases to help the growth of your business.
1. Centralised systems
Keeping track of incrementing data can be tricking if your business is growing with staff assisting in running it. A great database system assists in managing all your business-critical data centrally and securely, whenever you need it, whilst boosting your chances of success.
2. Better management of human resource (HR) matters
The use of a HR database assists the management of staff records allowing a save of time and money. The structure of the database can streamline majority of your HR tasks, automating routine jobs and increase the processing of data for example, staff hours, leave, payroll, benefits, etc. This allows you to spend more of your time and effort into the growth of your business.
3. Managing customer data and relationships
Like in most businesses, if a customer is the lifeblood of your business, then a great CRM (customer relationship management) database should be at the heart of your growth plans. Full-featured CRM databases are usually powerful enough to store and process everything, from customer contact details, interaction history and accounts, to new prospects, leads and business opportunities. Some CRM systems can even help you run and track marketing campaigns, such as email newsletters. See more on customer relationship management.
4. Efficient inventory tracking
Managing your inventory well can infrequently feel like a balancing act. It's easy to have too much - sitting on a shelf risking wastage, or too little - disappointing your customers and damaging your reputation. If you're tracking your inventory manually, it's also easy to miscount, make data entry errors or misplace spreadsheets and notes. By employing an inventory tracking database, especially alongside electronic data interchange and barcode scanning, you can avoid those risks and minimise lost sales while incrementing your opportunities for growth.
5. Planning for growth
Most business have some form of reporting capabilities in their databases, those including – analysing input data and productivity tracking, to anticipating future trends and customers needs. If you’re planning an approach for growth, a robust database system can be your business most valuable resources.
