At BPIT, Inc, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, please give us a call.
How can Information Technology save me time and money? There are many business tasks that require many man-hours of tedious manual work. Many of these can be automated using Information Technology, which once automated can now get done in a fraction of the time it took to perform manually. And once automated, a significant reduction of errors is realized.
What systems are typically the first to get automated? Typically, the first systems automated are the ones that will be closest to your revenue stream, such as a sales or order entry system. But the second most important would be your accounting system. If you can integrate your sales and order entry processes with your accounting processes, you are essentially “killing two birds with one stone”. You are also eliminating a process that was duplicating previous efforts and also dictated implementing a reconciliation procedure that requires even more time and effort.
Do I require a full-time Information Technology (IT) resource? This depends on the size of the company, however, for most if not all small businesses, a full-time programmer is not necessary. It should be the job of the IT resource to develop or support the software tools that enable the business owner and users to do their work without IT collaboration.
If I use an accounting system, do I still need my accountant? Yes, most definitely, however, you will eliminate many hours each month it would normally take your accountant to perform bookkeeping chores. Now, your accountant can focus on analyzing your company’s financial data instead of preparing your company’s financial data.
How much should I budget for IT? As with any business expenditure, you should look at IT costs as investments and determine what you get in return for your IT investment. However, as a guideline, you shouldn’t be spending more than 10% of revenue on IT.
I don’t like working on computers. Why should I automate? Because when done properly, an IT solution will save you time, money and effort and enable you to do things you either wouldn’t do or couldn’t do without it. Software solutions are no different than using a hammer to drive a nail into a piece of wood. They are tools that allow you to get work done in an efficient manner. Our job is to make this transition easier and also make it a reality.