Choosing Manufacturing, Construction, and/or Accounting Software Like an IT Pro
Published: 10/9/2019 9:29:10 AM
When you need a software package to get the job done at work, you'll probably focus on user interface features like accessibility, efficiency, and ease of setup. No one wants to pick a software that looks simple to operate, only to find out that it won’t work on your network.
Here are some terms and features to consider if you can’t have a tech expert sit in on your entire evaluation process.
Even the Cloud needs to physically exist somewhere. The only question is if you’d rather share cloudspace, or pay for the additional security of private server space.
If you do want to run Windows-based software on iOS or alternative OS like Linux, a web-based software interface using a browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari could provide compatibility.
For this reason, you may want to involve an IT expert. You’ll have to know how the application programming interface (API) in each kind of software communicates with each other, and whether syncing is automatic or must be manually triggered.
Let’s not forget security issues, either. Encryption protocols for stored data is just as important as how to manage user access and read/write permissions. How much of the integrated system will each level of user be able to access? How often will passwords need changed? You’ll definitely want to check the options for data backup and retrieval, and ensure that the security protocols for each is up to snuff. The last thing you want is to make headlines for an embarrassing data breach.
Here are some terms and features to consider if you can’t have a tech expert sit in on your entire evaluation process.
To Host or Not to Host?
You probably aren’t looking to start a server farm, but don’t think that web-based or browser-accessed software is your only option. You can certainly opt for one of these, but some software providers offer the best of both: server-based programming that they host in their own data center, allowing you remote access to your rented portion.Even the Cloud needs to physically exist somewhere. The only question is if you’d rather share cloudspace, or pay for the additional security of private server space.
OS: Probably not iOS
If you’re one of the over 77% of computer users running Windows, then most of the software on the market is compatible with your Operating System. If you use Apple products (Mac or iPad), you may have a tougher search ahead. Server or cloud compatibility with your OS is also something to consider. Be sure to check your network and hardware specs before commencing your software search.If you do want to run Windows-based software on iOS or alternative OS like Linux, a web-based software interface using a browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari could provide compatibility.
Inter-System Compatibility, Security, and Data Backup
As a business, you’ll most likely be keeping track of multiple record types at once. Integration is key to an efficient use of time and network. Entering the same data into multiple systems is not only time-consuming, it also increases the chances that you will miss something.For this reason, you may want to involve an IT expert. You’ll have to know how the application programming interface (API) in each kind of software communicates with each other, and whether syncing is automatic or must be manually triggered.
Let’s not forget security issues, either. Encryption protocols for stored data is just as important as how to manage user access and read/write permissions. How much of the integrated system will each level of user be able to access? How often will passwords need changed? You’ll definitely want to check the options for data backup and retrieval, and ensure that the security protocols for each is up to snuff. The last thing you want is to make headlines for an embarrassing data breach.
