Enterprise software, systems, and processes often are overly complex for no particular reason. Perhaps it’s to create job security.
Below I’m highlighting a few online services that can replace existing enterprise software. While I do enjoy using them, it’s not a recommendation. You should define your specific business requirements before implementing these systems.
Financial Management – Freshbooks
Rather than hiring a team to install expensive financial management software like SAP/Oracle, General Dynamics, etc., considering trying online versions such as Quickbooks, or Freshbooks. These online systems include simple billing, timekeeping, and payroll functionality.
Office Productivity – Google Apps
Maintaining a Microsoft Office environment is also really expensive. You have to maintain servers, keep IT staff onsite for maintenance, and continually update software. Instead, try using Google Apps for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and email. What’s more important is you don’t have to worry about file storage. Most importantly, all documents are searchable using Google search technology.
Document Management – Shoeboxed
This is a really neat service. Mail in your documents like receipts and business cards using the provided pre-paid envelope. They’ll scan, run OCR and have a human validate accuracy, and integrate your data to your other systems.
So What?
These are only a survey of the options out there. These services can really disrupt the traditional model. There are hundreds of alternatives to the traditional systems out there.