 |
|
EHN Archives home page |
|
Market Report: Software Solutions Programmed for growth Computer systems have become essential for business efficiency, and the latest hire software offers even greater functionality. One of the claims made by hire software suppliers is the time savings and efficiencies that their products can help businesses achieve. One company that would certainly testify to that is Kentec Tool Hire, an independent with depots in Tonbridge and Snodland in Kent. Six years ago it implemented the Insitu program from MCS which, according to Managing Director Steve Booker, proved excellent for day-to-day operations. However, while the company was happy with the Unix-based system, its lack of compatibility with Sage accounting software caused frustration. Kentec re-appraised the software available that offered connectivity to third party accounting packages, generated useful management reports, and which operated under Windows. “We decided to stay with MCS, having been very impressed by the company’s support,” Steve told EHN. “Their staff once organised the complete restoration of our system over a weekend when the server suddenly died, and I know of few other suppliers who bend over backwards like that to help. We opted for the MCS-rm program, because it was user-friendly and intuitive. The ability to open more than one window and multi-task is a major benefit, allowing staff to work more efficiently and reduce time spent on administration at the point of hire. Changes can also be completed quickly with little or no programming knowledge, such as when documents need adjustment. “I have achieved a personal time saving of around one day a week since the implementation of MCS-rm (www.mcs.co.uk), as I have stepped back from the ‘hands on’ administration role I had for so long. I can log onto the system from home if I need to, but more importantly I effectively gain an extra day to concentrate on new growth strategies for the business.” Kentec has been able to further develop its other revenue earning opportunities, including training - it is a registered training centre for PASMA, the BLMA and the HAE. The company has also installed the MCS-crm customer relationship management module, for targeted marketing promotions. Some other hire companies have yet to experience such benefits. “We still find a large proportion of hirers who are either still reliant on manual paper-based or non-Windows systems, or trying to update multiple spreadsheets that are very unwieldy,” states Dan McKenna, Northern Area Business Developer for Higher Concept Software (www.higherconcept.co.uk). “Today’s programs also give hirers the ability to produce detailed management reports quickly, but it is important not to lose sight of the fact that maintaining hire desk efficiency and having reliable accounting systems remain vital.” Several software suppliers report a healthy number of new hire companies being established, for whom a reliable program is an essential requirement. This is certainly the view of All Seasons Hire, based in Basingstoke, which supplies heating, cooling, drying and refrigeration equipment. “inspHire Office Edition (www.insphire.com) gives us up-to-the minute information on stock availability, which would be impossible to track manually as we have so many product lines,” states Commercial Director, Andy Hamilton. “It links seamlessly with our separate customer relationship management and accounts packages, and by starting off with a comprehensive system in place, it will be more straightforward to manage when we open more depots, as we plan to do in the future.” Several years ago, many hirers would have found the prospect of installing or upgrading a computer system a daunting one. However, software suppliers have developed packages that can meet the requirements of businesses of all sizes, operating in virtually all hire markets and targeted at users of all levels of ability. The benefits can be enormous. As Kentec’s Steve Booker says, “we can track hire, sales and training enquiries and manage new business leads, meaning that we will never miss an opportunity.” • Executive Hire News › Archives › December 2007 › Market Report › Programmed for growth
|
