Category Archives: Software

Software, Technology

8 Benefits Of Cloud ERP For Small To Medium-Sized Businesses

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve. A transformative solution that has garnered widespread attention is cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. These platforms offer numerous advantages for SMBs to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

If you’re considering a cloud ERP for your business, here’s why it could be a game-changer:

  • Streamline Operations

One of the most significant advantages of cloud ERP for manufacturing and SMBs is the ability to streamline operations. By integrating various functions such as finance, HR, sales, and supply chain management into a single platform, businesses can achieve unparalleled efficiency.

This integration eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, reducing complexity, and saving time. You’ll find your team can focus more on strategic tasks rather than getting bogged down by administrative work.

  • Cost Efficiency

Switching to a cloud ERP can provide substantial cost benefits, especially compared to the high initial costs of traditional on-premise systems. These solutions often operate on a subscription-based model, which can lead to:

  • Reduced Initial Investment: By eliminating the need for substantial upfront hardware and software expenses, cloud ERP systems offer a more accessible entry point for SMBs.
  • Predictable Monthly Expenses: Subscription pricing provides the benefit of predictable monthly expenses, aiding in more accurate budgeting and financial planning.
  • Operational Savings: Businesses can see reductions in energy costs and save on IT infrastructure and staffing, as maintenance and updates are managed by the service provider.

However, businesses must consider the long-term financial implications of adopting a cloud ERP system. Remember that subscription costs can accumulate over time. Depending on the level of customization, data migration needs, and additional services required, conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to make a wise investment.

  • Improved Security

Although big corporations are often the primary target of cyber attacks, SMBs are no exception, and they can be more vulnerable since they don’t have the budget for advanced data security measures. Luckily, several cloud ERP providers invest significantly in security measures to safeguard your data from cyber threats.

These security measures typically include advanced encryption, regular security audits, and comprehensive disaster recovery plans to enhance the resilience of your data. However, it’s crucial to recognize that no system is entirely impervious to all types of cyberattacks.

With that in mind, businesses themselves should secure their data by adhering to best practices in cybersecurity. This collaborative approach to security involves ensuring that users are adequately trained on security protocols, maintaining strong access controls, and regularly updating passwords and permissions.

By combining the robust security measures of your cloud ERP provider with your own security practices, you can better protect your business-critical information.

 
  • Enhanced Accessibility

The flexibility of accessing your ERP system from anywhere, at any time, is a boon for SMBs. Whether you’re working from home, on the road, or at a client’s site, you can access real-time data and make informed decisions on the go. This level of accessibility ensures that your business remains agile and responsive to market changes.

  • Scalability

As your business grows, so do your needs. Cloud ERP solutions are inherently scalable, allowing you to add more users, functionalities, or modules without significant disruption or cost. This scalability ensures that the system grows with your business, providing a long-term solution that adapts to your evolving requirements.

  • Real-Time Insights

In the age of data-driven decision-making, having access to real-time insights is invaluable. Cloud ERP systems provide up-to-the-minute data across all business functions, enabling you to monitor performance, identify trends, and make proactive adjustments. This real-time visibility empowers you to steer your business with confidence.

  • Enhanced Collaboration

Cloud ERP fosters a collaborative work environment by providing team members with access to the same data and tools. This shared access facilitates better communication and teamwork, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. Whether your team is in-house or distributed across the globe, everyone stays on the same page.

  • Compliance Made Easy

While cloud ERP systems are designed to ease the compliance burden by being regularly updated to reflect the latest legal and regulatory changes, it’s essential to recognize that this does not entirely eliminate the need for businesses to take active steps in ensuring compliance.

The responsibility to ensure that the specific use of the ERP system aligns with all relevant regulations and standards partly rests with the business itself. This may sometimes require manual intervention, customization of the system, or additional compliance measures to address industry-specific requirements. By staying proactive in compliance efforts, businesses can better leverage their cloud ERP system to maintain regulatory adherence with greater efficiency.

Conclusion

For SMBs aiming to excel, a cloud ERP system presents an opportunity to improve efficiency, save costs, and gain a competitive edge. Embracing cloud computing lets your business enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive ERP solution that supports growth without traditional barriers.

 

Software, Technology

3 tips for seamless SaaS procurement and integration in 2024

When it comes to procuring SaaS, 2024 has you spoilt for choice. Statista reports that there are over 30,800 SaaS companies in operation, developing and distributing tools to support every business function from marketing asset creation to human resource planning.

However, with this dramatic proliferation of software, businesses have taken to procuring SaaS solutions with little regard for the sheer volume of the platforms they are buying into. Ultimately, this can have consequences for productivity and finances when managers waste valuable time and resources procuring SaaS solutions that yield little return on investment.

In fact, many businesses have found that their cloud software contributes to the very problems it was purchased to solve, such as inefficient resource planning or manual administrative workflows.

 

Here, we’ll explore three ways that businesses can transform their approach to SaaS and get back to seamlessly procuring and integrating platforms into their tech stack.

1.    Assess existing workflows

The first step in effective SaaS procurement is a thorough assessment of your organisation’s existing needs and workflows. With this preliminary step, each procurement decision can be made fully informed of existing gaps in the organisation’s portfolio and subsequent bottlenecks in processes that may be taking place.

To conduct this audit most effectively, SaaS management platform Vertice recommends carrying out a thorough needs analysis. This process, they advise, involves a comprehensive evaluation of:

  • Business objectives
  • Required features
  • User requirements
  • Integration needs

This assessment can be conducted alongside heads of department throughout the organisation to provide full insight into the business functions most in need of optimisation. Equipped with this knowledge, managers responsible for procurement can identify the areas of the business where procuring and integrating a SaaS solution may add value, rather than overlap with existing tools and drive SaaS to be wasted unnecessarily.

2.    Choose compatible SaaS solutions

The return on investment you take from your SaaS tools depends largely on the extent to which they integrate well into your existing tech stack. With the average organisation subscribing to as many as 130 different tools, the need for any new platforms to integrate seamlessly into the wider portfolio cannot be overstated.

Without a well-oiled, compatible suite of tools that integrate with one another, you may find yourself subscribed to a range of tools that silo data instead of supporting streamlined sharing and collaboration throughout the organisation.

One factor that can affect software integration is the API framework of a tool, or as Rapid API explains, “the programming interface allowing you to interact with another application or operating system.”

Robust API frameworks support the smooth exchange of data and functionality between different applications within a tech ecosystem. But beyond APIs, you should also consider compatibility in terms of the scalability, user experience, and security functionality of each tool you procure. This will help to future-proof your procurement and integration strategy.

3.    Deploy data migration strategies

An integral part of the onboarding process with many SaaS tools is to migrate your existing data over. Successful migration ensures the continuity of important operations and the preserved integrity of critical information, such as sensitive customer information. To best navigate this process, organisations should take inventory of existing data, identifying essential sources and potential redundancies.

At this stage, it may be worthwhile to conduct some routine data cleansing, the process of reviewing and removing inaccurate or irrelevant data before it’s moved. This ensures the accuracy and quality of information that is migrated between systems, by preventing the propagation of any data errors and enhancing the integrity of the data. Software Testing Help recommends a range of data migration tools to preserve integrity during the exchange, such as:

  • Dextrus
  • IRI NextForm
  • io
  • DBConvert Studio

However, migration doesn’t have to happen in one fell swoop. It’s productive to take a phased approach n to mitigate disruptions and allow for testing and validation at each stage, which will minimise data loss or system downtime. Safeguarding against these issues might involve collaboration between IT teams, end-users and SaaS providers for maximum efficacy.

 

With due diligence, you can ensure that your SaaS procurement and integration strategy in 2024 is set for a successful year of SaaS adoption. And it’s a necessary step to take — the market shows no signs of slowing, with more and more SMEs coming on board with a range of cloud-powered tools once reserved only for the corporations that could afford them. By following some of these crucial strategies, your business can gain a competitive advantage against competitors with less robust systems in place to support SaaS implementation.

News, Software, Technology

Softeon Showcases Ability to Help Manage Increasing Warehouse Complexity

Softeon, the only tier-1 warehouse management system (WMS) provider focused on optimizing warehouse and fulfillment operations, announced the launch of its new visual identity. The new brand identity features a modern logo, colors and messaging that reflect Softeon’s mission to deliver a composable WMS platform that eliminates boundaries for customers. The new tagline “Limitless Delivered” reflects this mission to eliminate constraints in the warehouse.

The recent upgrade to Softeon’s unified WMS and WES (warehouse execution system) solution demonstrates how the company is delivering limitless capabilities for customers. Along with the new release, customers will now have access to a bi-annual calendar of scheduled upgrades that spur growth.

“Our customers are at the core of everything we do. As we roll out our new brand identity and software upgrade, we are committed to delivering limitless customer-centric solutions that propel businesses through the ever-changing warehousing challenges,” said Jim Hoefflin, CEO of Softeon. “Softeon is providing limitless solutions and support for some of the world’s most complex, highly automated warehouses.” 

Softeon’s latest WMS/WES upgrade includes robotic interfaces and other automation implementation options designed to address the growing customer investment and innovation in warehouse automation. 

According to the Gartner report, Use the Right Software to Support Warehouse Automation and Robotics, “By 2028, 80% of warehouses and distribution centers will deploy some form of warehouse automation.” 

The report also recommends that a WES be used in “highly complex automated environments and in mixed manual and automated environments: A WES can suggest the best routing for activities based on current loads in manual work areas and automated equipment. A WES also offers the potential for other types of advanced optimization, such as blending wave management with advanced waveless functionality, often incorporating machine learning.”

Softeon’s WES helps supply chain leaders manage broad and complex integration on a single platform, including material handling equipment, robotics, or other enterprise software. The open and integrated nature of the modern warehouse is reflected in Softeon’s new brand.

“At Softeon, we are preparing our customers for what I call the technological battleground of the warehouse, which is the need to integrate and orchestrate all of the work being completed by utilizing automated technology, like a WMS, WES, and autonomous mobile robots,” said Mark Fralick, CTO, Softeon. “We leverage our composable WMS solution for handling warehouse data and processes, which enables orchestration across various devices and systems on the warehouse floor.”

The expanded platform and first rebrand for the company in nearly 20 years signifies a pivotal milestone for Softeon. The new footing for Softeon shows the company’s commitment to providing forward-looking software solutions.

For more information about the Softeon rebrand, visit the Softeon website.

  1. Gartner, Use the Right Software to Support Warehouse Automation and Robotics, Simon Tunstall, Dwight Klappich, Rishabh Narang, Federica Stufano; 20 November 2023.

Gartner Disclaimer

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Care, Healthcare Tech, News, Software

Nourish Care expands into person-centred community care with CarePlanner acquisition. 

Nourish Care, the leading Digital Social Care records system signals expansion with acquisition of home care planning software CarePlanner

Nourish Care has announced its expansion into improving outcomes for person-centred care anywhere with the acquisition of CarePlanner, the software used by more than 2,000 domiciliary care agencies.

Nourish currently serves more than 3500 residential care providers with its flexible digital care management software and aims to adopt a more holistic approach by widening its net and delivering care management and support in the community. Funding for the acquisition  was facilitated by NatWest.

“A person’s pathway into care is very often far from straightforward and many people want to stay at home for as long as they can. The community is the place where the magic needs to happen, so that people can be at home, supported by a digital provider that can bring everyone in the circle of care together  – family, care teams, regulators, NHS care staff, etc. People who are being discharged into the community from hospital need to be supported on a platform that is used by both care workers and hospital care teams, ” says Nourish CEO and founder Nuno Almeida.

“When it is done well, social care helps to weave a web of relationships in local communities that add meaning, connection and purpose to our lives. A powerful digital tool keeps everyone informed and coordinated. It also gives the person being cared for a voice. CarePlanner is an ideal partner for us because it enables us to deliver the best possible person-centred care experience in the community.”

 

Agencies who currently use CarePlanner will continue to have access to all the functions and integrations that have made it so popular. Going forwards, Nourish will offer clients the choice of using a combination of the products that suits their needs.

Nuno says: “We will do more than simply maintain those integrations, we’ll evolve them so that partners integrated with CarePlanner can deliver even more value in the future.”

 

Nourish’s chief product officer Jeremy Baldwin, adds: “CarePlanner has more than a decade of experience delivering software that covers all aspects of care worker management including availability, visit requests, rates, rosters, monitoring of visits, payroll, etc and will become the backbone of our range of functionality enabling us to deliver services through home care providers into the wider community.”

 

Careplanner CEO and founder Matthew Sharp says: “We welcome this partnership at  CarePlanner. Nourish and CarePlanner are market leaders and this partnership will revolutionise adult social care and drive improvement across the sector.”

 

Kit Maclaren, Head of Venture & Growth Finance, NatWest comments: “We are delighted to have structured this expanded debt facility for Nourish, supporting the management team and Livingbridge as they continue to champion digital solutions that are at the heart of modern care provision. This financing was delivered through Venture & Growth Finance team, which reflects our firm’s wide dedication to support scale-up companies at each stage of their innovation lifecycle. We look forward to supporting Nourish as they continue to grow their presence in the care market.”

Customer Experience, News, Software, Tech, Technology

CRM In 2023: What’s Next In Customer Relationship Management?

As we head towards 2023, businesses are looking at what’s next in Customer Relationship Management (CRM). There has been rapid change in the field in recent years, and businesses must keep pace to remain competitive. Today’s top CRM systems are about managing customer data and facilitating personalisation, automation, and predictive modelling, among other features.

In this article, we will look at some of the emerging trends in CRM as we head towards 2023.

AI And The Future Of CRM

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in the field of CRM, and this trend is expected to continue into 2023. Top CRM systems now use AI and machine learning to better anticipate customer needs, help businesses personalise interactions and automate mundane tasks.

One area where AI is being used is in chatbots. With chatbots, businesses can use AI to simulate conversations with customers, answering their questions and solving their problems. AI-powered chatbots can learn from past interactions and improve over time, leading to better customer experiences. With chatbots handling routine inquiries, businesses can free up human agents to handle more complex issues, improving efficiency and reducing response times.

AI is also being used in predictive modelling. With predictive modelling, businesses can identify patterns in customer data to determine the most likely outcome of certain customer interactions. This technology can predict the likelihood of churn or identify customers who will likely buy a certain product.

Customer Experience Will Take Center Stage

Creating a positive customer experience has always been important, but it will become even more critical in 2023. Customers are more empowered than ever, and their expectations for a positive experience are high. Top CRM systems are now designed to facilitate this kind of experience.

One trend to look out for is the use of omnichannel functionality. With omnichannel functionality, businesses can interact with customers across multiple channels, providing a seamless experience regardless of the channel customers use. Customers can start a conversation on one channel, like social media, and seamlessly transition to another, like email, without repeating their issue.

Another trend is a focus on personalisation. Top CRM systems use customer data to create personalised experiences, such as tailor-made promotions, content, and communication. This can be done through AI-powered tools that analyse behaviour patterns to create custom customer experiences. With machine learning algorithms, systems can build a deep understanding of a customer’s preferences, history, and behaviour, providing a more seamless and personalised experience.

Integration With Other Systems

In 2023, CRM systems will need to be easily integrated with other systems to be successful. This means top CRM systems must be flexible and open to integration with other enterprise applications, like marketing automation and ERP systems.

One benefit of integration is better leveraging customer data across the enterprise. For example, businesses can use data from CRM and ERP systems to identify trends in customer purchasing behaviour and tailor marketing campaigns to target those customers. Integration can also make it easier to manage customer information, reducing time and effort, improving efficiency, and ensuring data accuracy.

Greater Mobility And Accessibility

In a world where remote work is becoming more common, CRM systems must be mobile and accessible from anywhere. This means that top CRM systems in 2023 should be designed with mobility in mind, allowing users to access customer information from any device at any time.

Mobile apps and web-based solutions are expected to become more common so businesses can access CRM data from different devices without hassle. The rise of mobile devices in the workplace and the need to empower remote work will drive the need for mobile CRM solutions.

Emphasis On Data Security

In the digital age, where data is flowing freely, the focus on data security has become paramount. As businesses collect and store vast amounts of customer data, they must prioritise protecting this information. Customers increasingly know their data rights and expect businesses to handle them carefully. 

Therefore, top CRM systems must incorporate robust data security features to safeguard sensitive customer information from breaches and cyberattacks. By integrating advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and access controls, CRM solutions can ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, instilling confidence in customers that their information is safe and reinforcing trust in the business.

Personalisation At Its Peak

Personalisation is no longer just a nice-to-have feature but a business imperative in 2023. With so many customer options, businesses must stand out by delivering customised experiences. Therefore, advanced CRM platforms leverage data analytics and machine learning to create highly personalised customer interactions. 

By analysing customer data and behaviour patterns, businesses can anticipate customer needs, offer timely and relevant content, and tailor promotions and communication to each customer. This can significantly impact customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, ultimately, business growth. In a world where customers demand distinct and tailored engagements, the personalisation offered by top CRM systems will be a vital differentiator for businesses.

Enhanced Mobile CRM Capabilities

Gone are the days when CRMs were limited to desktops. With the rise of remote working and on-the-go lifestyles, mobile CRM has become indispensable. This isn’t just about accessing CRM on your phone; it’s about optimised interfaces, functionalities, and real-time updates, regardless of location.

Incorporating Social Listening Tools

It’s not enough to just communicate with your customers; it’s also vital to listen to them. CRM platforms now incorporate social listening tools that scan the internet for mentions, reviews, and comments. This allows businesses to get real-time feedback and act promptly, addressing concerns and leveraging positive feedback.

The Emergence Of Blockchain

Blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that is very secure and nearly impossible to manipulate. It has emerged as an area of interest for businesses looking to improve the security of customer data. In the future, we can expect top CRM systems to start integrating blockchain security features to secure sensitive customer data.

One of the main benefits of blockchain technology is that it provides transparency, which is critical in building customer trust. Businesses can demonstrate a commitment to transparency and customer privacy with a tamper-proof record of all customer interactions.

Conclusion

We can see that the future of CRM is exciting and full of possibilities. With the rise of AI, a focus on customer experience, integration with other systems, greater mobility and accessibility, and the emergence of blockchain, top CRM systems will continue to evolve towards becoming more intelligent, efficient, and secure, providing businesses with a comprehensive toolset for managing customer relationships. As we head into the future, businesses should keep an eye on these trends and be prepared to innovate if they want to stay ahead of the curve.

 

Software, Software Development, Software News

Investing in C-Suite Software: The Competitive Advantage Your Business Needs

In the highly competitive environment of modern business, strategic leadership tools have gone from being a luxury to a necessity for sustained success. At the forefront of these tools is a category of solutions known as C-Suite Software.

Defining C-Suite Software

Before diving into the details, let’s answer a fundamental question: What is C-suite software? Often referred to as executive suite software, C-suite software is a specialized business application built to assist high-level executives in their decision-making processes. These tools commonly incorporate features such as data analysis, reporting, strategic planning, and communication functionalities among others, all designed to help leaders steer their organizations effectively.

Exploring the Benefits of C-Suite Software

The advantages of adopting such software are extensive. By providing real-time data insights and fostering collaboration among the leadership, C-suite software can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of executive decision-making substantially. Moreover, it helps streamline business operations, translating into increased productivity and profitability over time.

How C-Suite Software Becomes a Competitive Edge

Choosing to invest in C-suite software can offer a significant competitive advantage for businesses. These tools are designed to simplify complex processes, facilitate effective decision-making, and foster seamless communication across teams and departments. In a landscape where data-driven decisions and agile leadership are paramount, such software can significantly improve business outcomes.

A noteworthy category within the C-suite software space is Boardroom Software. This type of software is gaining recognition for its significant role in enabling strategic decision-making at the highest level of organizations. By allowing executives to manage strategic objectives, track key performance indicators, and communicate efficiently with other board members, boardroom software is changing the way businesses operate at the top.

Ensuring a Wise Investment: Selecting the Right C-Suite Software

If you’re contemplating this crucial investment, it’s imperative to pick the right C-suite or Executive Suite Software for your organization. Several factors need to be considered, including the software’s features and functionalities, its ease of use, compatibility with existing systems, support provided by the vendor, and of course, the cost. The aim is to identify software that not only enhances your executive processes but also provides a tangible return on investment.

The Bigger Picture: C-Suite Software and Organizational Culture

It’s essential to remember that the decision to invest in C-suite software is not merely a technical one. It’s also about shaping the culture of your organization. By facilitating data-driven decisions, improving communication, and promoting transparency, C-suite software can significantly influence your organization’s culture. It encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and promotes a culture of strategic, informed decision-making.

The final word

To recap, making a strategic investment in C-suite software can provide your business with a competitive edge it needs to stand out. By simplifying executive decision-making, enhancing strategic planning capabilities, and promoting a culture of data-driven decision making, this software has the potential to drive business success. If you’re looking to cultivate effective leadership and secure a competitive advantage in the business landscape, it’s time to consider investing in C-suite software.

 

 

News, Software, Tax

As changes are announced to taxation, a leading provider of self assessment software discusses the latest updates from HMRC.

Written by Niamh Spence

 

The clock is ticking for businesses after HMRC recently announced several “simplifications” to reduce the number of taxpayers that are asked to file a Self Assessment Tax Return.  

There are clear benefits for HMRC from taking taxpayers out of Self Assessment, but what do these changes mean for the individuals affected, and their professional advisors? Will it become easier to determine and pay the correct tax liability?

APARI Pro, leading providers of an innovative, AI-powered, and HMRC-recognised tax return software, have commented on these changes, considering the contributing factors towards this changing tax environment and what this means for the future of Self-Assessment taxation.  

 

What do the changes entail? 

From the 2023/24 tax year onwards, the Self Assessment threshold for individuals taxed only through PAYE will rise to £150,000. So, earning between £100k – 150k from employment will no longer create an automatic requirement to complete a tax return. HMRC will issue a Self Assessment exit letter to affected taxpayers before tax returns for 2023-24 are due.  

This change was first announced in the Agent Update in May 2023. To be clear, this does not impact the 22/23 year, so the tax returns being completed right now are not affected. 

Also, in future, taxpayers will no longer be required to register for Self Assessment solely to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which affects parents that earn over £50,000. This change was announced on 18 July 2023 in a Written Ministerial Statement, with further details to follow.    

To get certainty, taxpayers can utilise HMRC’s online tool for determining whether they are required to submit a tax return once it is updated for 2023-24. 

 

What are the main reasons behind the latest changes in Self Assessment taxation? 

As stated in a recent consultation on simplifying and modernising income tax services: “The work around the annual filing date is HMRC’s single biggest business event of the year. Any issues that cause taxpayers to contact us require significant HMRC resources…” 

There are various societal factors that have pushed more and more individuals to go self-employed, such as the 866,000 people who became self-employed in 2021-22, after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has meant that more individuals across the UK are now required to complete Self Assessment returns.  

In addition to this, there have also been freezes in the tax thresholds, which means that as people’s income has been going up, more people are being moved into higher tax brackets and therefore seeing more opportunities to find tax efficiencies and use Self Assessment to claim tax reliefs. 

Finally, with high inflation leading to interest rate rises and higher cash returns on investments, more individuals than ever will be dragged into Self Assessment to declare this information.  

With this increase of individuals in the system, HMRC has accelerated its efforts to remove some from the Self Assessment system as mitigation of their increasing workload. 

The continuing pressure on HMRC’s resources 

On May 12th, Jim Harra, the Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary of HMRC, communicated straightforwardly with the Public Accounts Committee, stating that its current resource levels are insufficient to cope with the projected surge in demand for its phone and post services, which is expected to escalate substantially. 

“It’s well document that HMRC struggles to cope with the high volume of contact and enquiries it gets,” began Anish Mehta, Chief Product Officer at APARI Pro. 

“Given the fact that over half a million tax returns were submitted by accountants on the deadline day, taking people out of the system is, understandably, in HMRC’s best interests – 12m individuals do tax returns today, but trends are dragging more people in.” 

But Self Assessment remains the most straightforward way of claiming higher rate relief on pension contributions or charitable donations, especially for accountants and bookkeepers acting for their clients.  

“As an individual that has already been doing their own tax return for many years, you may want to stay in control of your financial affairs so you can avoid the loss of personal allowance and valuable benefits such as Tax Free Childcare.” explained Anish. 

“As an accountant, if you’ve got clients already in Self Assessment and HMRC says to take them out and handle all their taxes correctly through their tax code and Personal Tax Account, we already know this is prone to failure. Many want to keep their clients in Self Assessment for good reasons.” 

There will still be a need to have ongoing information about factors such as pension contributions throughout the year, so that you can advise your clients about how to be as tax efficient as possible. 

“Legitimately, there are still advantages to using Self Assessment software, such as telling you where you are financially and giving you real-time oversight on your tax liability” expressed Sudesh Sud, co-founder and CEO of APARI Pro. 

The role of software innovation in the evolving world of Self-Assessment taxation 

Innovation in the software market has meant that there are dedicated tools for individual taxpayers.  A lot of technology previously has been about businesses, but now, technology is available for low-fee clients to have smart and informed conversations with their advisor that didn’t exist a few years ago. 

“Whilst these announcements are trying to change the mechanism by which people submit information to HMRC, the real value accountants add is by helping people to be tax efficient – this doesn’t really change,” began Anish. 

“This is where technology and software can help you to have intelligent conversations with your clients throughout the year to ensure they’re in the best tax efficient position.” 

 

As a revolutionary software capable of simplifying Income Tax Self Assessment, APARI Pro uses automated data capture to remove manual processes and paperwork for accountants, bookkeepers and their high volume clients, such as sole traders, landlords, CIS workers and employees. 

 

To find out more about APARI Pro, visit the website today at https://www.apari.pro/  

News, Software, Tech

PaperCut ranked number 1 for third-year running in Worldwide and U.S. Device and Print Management 2022 market shares

For the third year running, IDC has ranked PaperCut Software at number 1 for Worldwide and U.S. Device and Print Management market share in its recently published, IDC Worldwide and U.S. Device and Print Management Market Shares, 2022 (doc #US49326323, June 2023) report. While navigating the hybrid working era and the uptake of cloud solutions, PaperCut gained share in the device and print management software market in 2022, retaining the number 1 position as top vendor in the market for the third year in a row.

Whereas 2021 experienced a decline in industry revenues, 2022 was marked by a slight modest recovery. With COVID-19 as a global health crisis coming to an end, businesses worldwide started returning to the office. As a result, most vendors experienced growth in 2022. This delivered a 3.1% increase from 2021 in worldwide device and print management document solution software market sales. PaperCut remained in the top spot with $83.9 million at 12.9% market share.

IDC’s report states that PaperCut is driving the move to the cloud with public or private cloud suitable solutions. Its built-for-cloud products, PaperCut Hive and PaperCut Pocket, launched in 2021, continue to deliver on customers’ needs to save costs, simplify print enablement, and reduce waste.

Commenting on the report, Steve Holmes, Head of Global Sales & Channels, PaperCut, stated: “In the middle of traversing the daily-evolving new normal, PaperCut is grateful to retain the position as the world’s number one print management solution by market share for the third year in a row. This consistency reflects that our customers and our channel share our passion for sustainability, and it reflects the strength of our product portfolio in the face of a high demand for mobile, secure, and cloud-ready print management solutions.”

He added: “PaperCut’s success is our channel partners’ success. Our Authorised Solution Centers, OEM partnerships, and Reseller network are in tune with customer needs and the state of printing in the world today. Their dedication, discipline, and expertise is a vital component of PaperCut being ranked the market share leader by IDC three years running. We look forward to the year to come, and maintain belief that PaperCut and our channel partners will keep thriving by continuing to put customers first.”

Read more on the PaperCut website.

Digital Transformation, Low Code, News, Software, Tech, Technology

Neptune Software and Proceed Group Join Forces to Modernise Legacy Data Management and Reporting Capabilities

Neptune Software, a leading provider of No-Code/Low-Code application development solutions and Proceed Group, SAP data and document management specialists and creators of the pioneering legacy data management tool, Proceed Cella are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration enhances this existing comprehensive solution for handling legacy data, empowering organisations with self-service reporting capabilities, eliminating the need for IT involvement. It ensures secure storage, robust auditing, substantial cost savings, and a reduced carbon footprint.

In the digital transformation era organisations are focused on delivering solutions that address their latest business challenges and with this the accumulation of legacy systems is growing. Despite their operational redundancy, these systems cannot be simply shut down as they house critical data needed for regulatory and audit compliance. Legacy systems not only hinder digital transformation efforts and integration with modern cloud-based technologies but also require extensive resources for management and maintenance. The reliance on often outdated and unsupported hardware and software results in high maintenance costs, resource-intensive management, and increased risks. Additionally, the higher power consumption of older systems poses obstacles to an organisation’s sustainability objectives.

The partnership between Neptune Software and Proceed Group presents a practical solution to this challenge. Neptune Software’s advanced No-Code/Low-Code application development platform, Neptune DXP, seamlessly integrates with Proceed Group’s legacy data management product, Proceed Cella, to deliver enhanced capabilities. With this collaboration, businesses gain the advantage of rapid self-serve reporting functionalities, complementing Proceed Cella’s legacy data management features and enabling businesses to effortlessly transition their data from legacy systems to a modern platform offering rich, flexible, and easy to use reporting capabilities.

Proceed Cella, developed by Proceed Group, empowers companies to safely retire legacy systems while retaining access to their important data. The solution includes secure data extraction and storage, offering a choice between cloud or on-premise storage options. With rigorous reporting and auditing capabilities, Proceed Cella enables organisations to meet compliance requirements and achieve full visibility into their legacy data assets. By leveraging Proceed Cella, businesses can confidently retire outdated systems, expedite digital transformation projects such as transitioning to S/4HANA and the cloud, and realise substantial cost savings while minimising their carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the use of Neptune DXP allows organisations to unlock the potential of their legacy data by rapidly creating custom self-serve reporting solutions. This empowers business users to gain actionable insights and make data-driven decisions without relying on IT resources or complex coding. The intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality of Neptune DXP provides a user-friendly experience, enabling quick and efficient reporting on legacy data.

Vince Kruse, UK Managing Director of Neptune Software, said: “We are delighted to partner with Proceed Group to offer a comprehensive solution that addresses both data decommissioning and self-serve reporting. By combining our expertise in No-Code, Low-Code and Pro-Code application development with Proceed’s state-of-the-art legacy data management product, Proceed Cella, we are empowering organisations to not only retire legacy systems but also unlock the value of their legacy data. This partnership aligns with our commitment to driving digital transformation and sustainability in the enterprise space and at the same time makes work life easier.”

Robert Reuben, Managing Director of Proceed Group, said: “Together with Neptune Software, we are transforming the way businesses manage their system decommissioning efforts. The combination of Cella’s secure and auditable storage capabilities with Neptune Software’s easy self-serve reporting solutions provides a powerful tool for companies seeking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance their environmental sustainability. We are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on our clients and the industry as a whole.”

About Proceed Group 

Proceed Group is a leading specialist in SAP data and document management, with a proven track record of successfully serving over 750 customers worldwide to reduce costs, improve IT performance and agility all while ensuring regulatory compliance. Our team of consultants provide expertise in SAP data rightsizing and archiving, system decommissioning, content management, and data protection, while our software products, such as Proceed Rightsizer and Proceed Cella enhance overall project efficiencies allowing businesses to further reduce cost and save time. For more information, please visit www.proceedgroup.com

About Neptune Software

Neptune Software is a rapid application development platform vendor with more than 730 enterprise customers and over 4 million licensed end users globally. Their mission: empower IT departments to drive business results. Neptune Software’s leading low-code, SAP-centric, enterprise app development platform – Neptune DXP – digitizes and optimizes business processes and user interfaces – at scale and with ease. The platform gives IT professionals the right tools to build the apps they need. Neptune DXP provides a fast, cost-effective, and future-proof way to industrialize the development of custom applications, turning your IT organisation into an app factory, saving time and money on development, integration, and operations. For more information, please visit www.neptune-software.com

Accountancy & Accounts, FInance, News, Software, Tech

Taking Back January – How New Tech is Set to Revolutionise The Accountancy Sector

NEW TECH which allows accountants to “take back their January” is set to help drive up efficiency levels for those working in the sector. 

APARI Pro, is a HMRC-recognised, AI-powered platform that simplifies and automates Income Tax Self Assessment, is making its mark on the accountancy sector.

It uses automated data capture to remove spreadsheets, paperwork and email attachments from the process, which in turn helps accountants to save up to 70% of their workload for sole trader and landlord clients.

Commenting on the role Apari Pro can play in the industry, Sudesh Sud, co-founder and CEO of the  business, said: “Last year, over 4 million Self Assessment tax returns were for sole traders or landlords with turnover below £50,000 per year. When you add in company directors and employees in Self Assessment, it’s clear that existing tax software isn’t suited to most clients.  APARI Pro was developed as a future-proof, long-term solution to simplify the process, while still providing an advice-led service to your clients.”

“Accountants spend their January processing tax returns for high-volume, low-margin clients, often sifting through badly organised paperwork or battling with over-engineered software to do tasks that should be simple. We wanted to find a solution that has been purpose built to tackle these issues effectively,” he said.

With years of experience in accountancy, tax, banking, business relationships, digitalisation and more, the individuals behind APARI Pro say they combined expertise into the development of the platform can address these pain points, and also provide added value.

“As well as focusing on the functionality of the platform, we created avenues within APARI Pro that can be exploited to provide added value that goes beyond its main purpose.”

“Utilising APARI Pro’s platform results in less hours of staff time and a smoother workload throughout the year, which translates to increased efficiency. What’s more, the use of direct client data sources limits human input error, significantly increasing accuracy – we believe these factors are of vital importance to accountants in practice.”

Crucially, APARI Pro helps to future-proof accounting firms, as it has been approved for MTD for Income Tax since 2018 and increasingly harnesses the power of AI and automation in the service.

“The delayed rollout of Making Tax Digital shouldn’t influence the decisions that accountancy practices make regarding digitalisation. There are benefits for accountants and clients today, and it is a journey that should be embraced, not driven by HMRC policy.” added Anish Mehta, Chief Product Officer at APARI Pro and formerly of HMRC’s MTD Programme.

APARI Pro offers the power and control that comes from having access to real-time data, enabling easier and quicker access to information. Ultimately, APARI Pro is able to remove admin time currently required by accountants so that they can focus on the advice they can offer to their tax affairs.

Sudesh continued: “The difference between APARI Pro and our competitors is that we are a dedicated Self Assessment product that applies cutting-edge technology to the needs of the high volume, low-fee clients that are ignored by the traditional software market.”

“APARI Pro is a unique platform in the market. It has been proven to reduce costs and increase profitability for accountants, but also reduce the stress of meeting last-minute deadlines. It’s simply the most viable Self Assessment tax solution in the market.”

“As we start to play a more active role with our partners like the Institute of Financial Accountants, we are incredibly excited to share our expertise with the industry.  APARI Pro has been widely embraced by the industry already and we look forward to helping more accountants to “Take back their January” whilst returning margin and advice to their Self Assessment service.

To learn more about APARI Pro and its benefits to accountants, please visit: www.apari.pro/accountants