Digitisation and automation are at the heart of driving efficient practices fit for the future. Key to this is embracing automation and an integrated product suite now.
We have noticed the trend of practices looking to futureproof their practice by moving to a centralised suite of products. Why? The benefits will speak for themselves. If you take on a centralised suite of products now your practice will compete with, and even exceed, the growth rate of your competitors over the next few years.
A complete software overhaul can sound daunting and high risk. However, if you take the plunge today, you will be able to offer higher value services to clients sooner than your competitors who notice the same trend later.
Automating compliance and admin tasks
Automating previously manual tasks is not new but combining this automation with a new, fully integrated software suite means your staff will no longer have to manage process in at every step.
Your employees will have more time immediately, therefore allowing them to get started on providing higher value services such as business advisory.
You will be able to charge your clients a higher rate for these services, leading to growth in your business. Alternatively, you can start taking on more clients with the time saved.
Improved data flow from one central base
Data and client information flows seamlessly throughout your software suite, eliminating any tedious data entry and complicated pushing and pulling between products. This frees up time for your staff and reduces the possibility of human error caused by manually rekeying in data.
Time and resources will not be wasted re-keying in data into difference systems. Unlocked time and resources will drive greater efficiency and profitability.
Master of one
There is no need to learn about a range of products and providers with an integrated package.
Employees won’t need to spend as much time training on different software, and can instead focus on mastering one and delivering more high-value work.
One of the most important job roles in your product suite implementation will be a dedicated project officer.
It will also be vital to appoint representatives in each department to ‘champion’ the change, answer questions, and help their team navigate the implementation.
Benefits of an integrated product suite
The gains you will see by switching to an integrated suite will depend on which one you choose.
Overall, however, you can expect some of the following benefits:
- Better planning and greater foresight
- Reduction in errors
- Greater collaboration with clients
- Improved data flow
- Focus on higher value work
Achieving your goals
Such a radical overhaul of your systems may seem daunting. The trick to making a successful switch is planning your step-by-step process.
You should:
- Define your goals
- Set your strategy
- Achieve company buy-in
- Locate the right software suite
- Communicate continually and successfully
- Deliver the plan
- Get the most out of your new product suite
Going through a big, organisation-wide change will only work if everyone is on board and you can only achieve this by showing people the benefits.
Identify what you want to achieve by adopting an integrated suite, find practical examples of how this will benefit the business, take the strategy to senior leaders, and ensure all employees are kept up-to-date.
Download our Managing Change – how to build a practice fit for future growth whitepaper for a step-by-step guide to building an integrated suite. This is a must-read for practices looking to leverage automation and integration to drive growth and efficiency.