QuickBooks offers some order management tools, although they are limited. As your business grows, you will encounter these limitations. The solution is to find order management software that is more powerful and designed for B2B companies yet integrates with QuickBooks, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
When do you know it is time to take your QuickBooks order management software to the next level? Let’s take a look at five signs that tell you it’s time to make the move:
1. Can’t Find Information Quickly
Are your employees spending more time looking for data than actually using the data to make informed decisions? A web-based order management system makes it easy to find data because each customer’s account information is centrally located and accessible from anywhere at any time. You don’t need to wade through multiple spreadsheets to find the information you require.
2. You Have Error Creep
Humans make mistakes. That can cause problems when your business relies on manual data entry. The more places that data is entered, the greater the chances for error increase. Order management software combats this problem in two ways. With an order system integrated with QuickBooks, any order information created is automatically updated in QuickBooks, and the order software can retrieve any information entered into QuickBooks.
Reduced manual entry of data and reduced chances for errors. Additionally, ordering software that allows customers to enter their orders reduces the risk of an order being taken or entered incorrectly.
3. Too Much Time Spent Answering Questions
Your customers are eager to check the status of their orders, update their billing information, or inquire about product availability. Relying on phone calls ties them to your business hours and consumes valuable employee time. By implementing advanced order management software, you empower your customers to access the information they need independently and instantly. This not only enhances their experience but also allows your team to focus on strategic business activities. Your sales representatives can dedicate their efforts to driving sales instead of searching for information, resulting in a more efficient and productive workflow.
4. Reports Take Too Long to Generate and Lack Information
QuickBooks, on its own, can only handle a certain amount of data. When reports take too much time to generate, it’s a sure sign that it's time for order management software that can efficiently handle the growing data. With multiple order channels, orders can be overlooked or “lost”. Having a centralized order system reduces this. It also means that creating meaningful reports will be easier. You’ll find that, over time, the web-based order software will become the main channel due to its convenience and superior customer experience.
5. You Can’t Adapt to Change Quickly
Do you find yourself a step behind your competition? Because of the limitations of QuickBooks, when information can’t be found quickly, meaningful reports can’t be created and accessed on demand, errors cause unreliability, and employees are drawn from other tasks for customer support, you cannot quickly adapt to changing market situations. With a centralized web-based order system, it's possible to spot customer order patterns and emerging trends, which can benefit your sales reps and help you manage inventory more effectively. It's easy to make price changes and promotional offers for each customer to meet their needs. Not being tied to manual data entry or customer support, your employees can take on tasks that help the company adapt and grow.
