written by Michael R. Arrache, CPA, EA CEO/Founder Mr. Smart Tax, Inc.

Modern business for the most part is a tangled web of humans and technology.

As a certified public accountant and a business owner, I am constantly studying the art of technology, balancing the right combo of human resource and technology.

Often times when researching a new software to integrate into a business, I will have people on my team test out a trial version to get real-time feedback and really put the software to the proverbial test.

What I find most interesting is that in many cases, the new software is really “one more thing…” on the action item list. One more login. One more keyboard short cut. One more menu display. One more of everything. There are some softwares that will eliminate redundancy, connect applications and utilize platforms, but there are also those softwares that just want to suck up your time and leave you right where you started.

Here are 5 examples of common things to ask or look into when testing out a new software:

1. Is the data secure? (if the software is free and/or there are banner ad’s or other advertisements, then your information is most likely not safe)
2. Does the app create a deliverable?
3. Is it available in Desktop and Mobile?
4. Does it integrate with other applications such as email, calendar, contacts, etc.?
5. Gut-check. After a reasonable trial period, how do you feel about the software in terms of increasing productivity by improving efficiency or quality?

Bottom line, if you are finding challenges to implementing software, especially for any of your Tax, Accounting or Resolution needs, it might be time to consider a human resource approach.

Feel free to reach out and schedule a FREE intro consultation.