The 5 Most Important Types of Business Software For 2021
Now — at the beginning of the year — is when company representatives will start thinking about their business software needs for 2021.
That will likely call for a wave of new and upgraded technology, fit for a fresh year and the business demands it will bring. Here are five types likely to be vital for enterprises this year:
1. Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing software had its time in the spotlight throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it will likely remain relevant this year, too. Even with vaccines now available, it could be a while before business travel returns to its pre-pandemic levels.
Additionally, some company leaders will recognize that remote meetings held with video tools are simply easier and cheaper. One tech analyst even thinks companies will start offering bundled products to employees who work from home, making the setup less of a hassle. If so, those collections would almost certainly have at least one type of video conferencing software.
2. Identity and Access Management Software
Identity and access management (IAM) software verifies that only authorized users can access the resources they need to do their jobs. Taking that approach offers various benefits compared to much riskier methods that may leave all resources open to everyone. For example, IAM software supports data confidentiality and security, and it can boost productivity.
If a person does not need to request access from a manager and already has it when they log in to start work each day, they’re better equipped to get more done. Some IAM software products also simplify privilege escalation, such as after a person gets promoted.
3. Clinical Qualification Management Systems
A global pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of clinical trials. As scientists worked tirelessly to find effective treatments and develop vaccines, they used specialized software to maintain efficiency and safety.
For example, a clinical qualification management system (CQMS) can manage training documentation for non-protocol-specific topics, such as good clinical practices (GCP) for site staff and investigators at trials. Moreover, a CQMS provides a single platform for all sites to record training and documentation data, letting sponsors know which ones have the necessary qualifications.
4. Content Management Systems
Regardless of the size or type of a business, content is almost certainly crucial to its success. People might read blog posts to get acquainted with the company before making their first purchases from it. Content can also inform the decision-making process, such as when companies post e-books and case studies about their solutions.
A content management system (CMS) is a type of software that lets users create, modify and organize website materials without extensive technical knowledge. It’s also useful when companies have teams working in different locations.
For example, a writer could compose a post in a CMS. Then, an editor could use the same tool to ensure it’s ready for publication. A CMS can also come in handy when someone identifies an error or outdated content, making the problem easier to find and fix.
5. Accounting Software
Company representatives use accounting software every day to track the money that comes in and goes out of an enterprise. It can be instrumental in helping business leaders see how they could save. Plus, it can show them trends that illustrate how things have changed over time — in both positive and negative ways.
Accounting software can also eliminate headaches by automatically generating invoices for customers already in a company’s system. Similarly, it can automatically flag those instances of parties who have missed their payment deadlines, letting employees know which ones to contact first.
Business Software Can Help Companies Meet Goals
It’s often difficult for people to decide which types of business software their organizations genuinely need and which would be nice to have if the budget allows.
While this list should give some valuable food for thought, the people responsible for making corporate software should also carry out more in-depth research about the specific types of software available after verifying the enterprise’s most pressing needs.
Purchasing and deploying software in strategic ways increases the chances of making worthwhile investments. Then, the respective companies are well-positioned to make gains and stay competitive in 2021 and beyond.
