Business and professional services firms are often ‘people businesses’ for whom effective mobile working and collaboration systems are critical. For these companies, internal and external communications and management of their corporate knowledge are at the heart of their services.
Line of business systems often centre on CRM, which must be appropriate for the users, fully embedded in the processes and available on laptops, phones and tablets. Compliance and confidentiality often require specific technical and process solutions. Many services businesses rely on a mix of employed, freelance and subcontract staff and secure collaboration across these groups needs slick technology.
Accurate time recording and simple billing, expenses management and clear reporting on client, project, staff or divisional utilisation and profitability may sound easy but all require well-structured systems that are properly used by well-trained staff.
Modern clients expect online portals and digital services. For many services businesses, custom software (when used for the right purpose) can give you a competitive edge, can create recurring revenue and can lift your valuation to a new level.
Successful service businesses have great talent and great clients. Both need to be impressed by your technology and how you use it.