4 apps to skyrocket your business productivity

With the recent introduction of Making Tax Digital, you might feel like there’s some kind of digital revolution at hand. As a business-owner, that can be daunting to think about. You may think this means you need to start considering the time and costs for training your staff on new software or programs.

However, digital applications aren't designed to make your life harder - they're there to help boost your productivity and ultimately streamline your workflow.

There are over 200 apps available to use alongside your cloud accounting software, with most requiring minimal training and a number designed specifically for certain industries. You’re more than likely to find one or two that help improve organisation and efficiency, whether it’s keeping track of expenses or controlling stock levels.

Here are some of the apps we'd recommend...

Receiptbank

Receiptbank allows receipts and invoices to be scanned and input directly to Xero. This allows large volumes of invoices to be processed automatically.

The app has over 2500 suppliers on their database, meaning you’re instantly able to fetch your bills as well as being able to on-board clients via SMS text message. It really has become that easy to manage the process.

Spotlight Reporting

Spotlight Reporting is an integrated reporting and forecasting app that allows users to create insights to inform better business outcomes.

Among all their features, their dashboard allows you to see a quick snapshot of your business performance, so you know which key areas to focus on for growth.

Futrli

Ditch the spreadsheets and switch to Futrli for an easier way to track all of your business financial activities. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to see the information you need when you need it, and it has features such as future dashboard and smart forecasting. You can even collaborate with your team and create business plans that keep everyone notified.

Futrli is a useful, integrated forecasting app that ultimately helps business owners keep control of their cashflow.

Unleashed

If you struggle with stock and inventory control, Unleashed might be a good choice for you. Unleashed simply helps to create more efficient stock control by breaking down your purchases, inventory, production, and sales into smaller manageable blocks of information.

This app is primarily focused on manufacturing, wholesaling and distribution companies.

Why you should be using apps for your business

Apps can be used from different devices, whether that’s your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. It’s a convenient option for business owners who are constantly on the go or away from traditional desktop computers for large parts of the day.

Taking the time to search for the right apps can be more than just helpful, it can give you peace of mind when it comes to your company's organisation especially during busier periods of growth. For example, think about the networking events you go to, and the business cards you obtain - imagine if you could simply snap a picture and that person's contact information is input straight into your phone. Well, as the saying goes: 'There's an app for that'.

At the end of the day, such technology can help keep you on track, stay ahead of the competition and make your life as a business owner a whole lot easier. With over 200 apps designed to help businesses, can you really afford to ignore the digital revolution any longer?

Haines Watts business advice

At Haines Watts we pride ourselves on helping businesses realise their vision and mission. Our highly qualified team is available to ensure you’re making the most of every opportunity available to you. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your business excel.