intelligent

In accounting , for example , automating data discovery can enhance numerous processes and provide better insights through advanced tools . This provides a high level of transparency into financial data that isn ’ t available with spreadsheets . As a result , connected systems give accountants a more complete picture of financials , enabling them to identify fluctuations and problems much faster and make smarter business decisions .

The right tools for the job

There might be the temptation to look for the mythical tool that ticks every box , but even the most robust , overly complex systems can be used incorrectly and cause resentment amongst staff . Taking the time to determine which tools will serve your business best is important . For example , if you ’ re looking for a finance solution , does it support for the month end close , is it easily integrated or is it too complex for your requirements ? Dispensing with older legacy systems is also important . Email , for example , is a highly problematic medium for collaborative efforts , both internally and with third parties . Emails require time to compose and respond to and may end up obscuring crucial information in extensive chains – which , in turn , can lead to siloing and missed deadlines .

Given the need for agility , it ’ s worth integrating real-time collaboration tools that facilitate a variety of functionalities , such as instant messaging , video conferencing and the simultaneous editing of documents . Real-time collaboration platforms also log changes and updates , so that the evolving status of a given document can be understood immediately by all users . It might sound simple , but a smooth collaboration process is far from universal . Getting to a point where the vast majority of your staff feel helped rather than hindered by their business software is no mean feat .

To get the most benefit from any platform it ’ s important to involve the staff who will be using it – where are their actual pain points , and what would most improve their day-today work ? What would remove unnecessary stress ? Correcting the challenges being felt on a daily basis with the right processes and tools can pay major dividends for the business as a whole . �

GETTING TO A POINT WHERE THE VAST MAJORITY OF YOUR STAFF FEEL HELPED RATHER THAN HINDERED BY THEIR BUSINESS SOFTWARE IS NO MEAN FEAT .