Still using Excel? You need a database

By Michael Baxter on 24 June 2019 with tags Bespoke

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Spreadsheets are great tools for number crunching. But if you have lots of data, for example on customers, staff or your inventory, you may benefit from a more efficient data management tool. Here's why you should consider replacing spreadsheets with databases to help your business grow.

1. Centralised systems

If your business is growing and you have staff to help you run it, keeping track of the increasing amount of data can be tricky. Good database systems can help you manage all your business-critical data centrally, safely and securely - whenever you need it - to boost your chances of success.

2. Better management of HR

Using a HR database to manage staff records can save you time and money. It can streamline most of the HR tasks, automate routine jobs and speed up the processing of data such as staff hours, leave, benefits, payroll, etc. This can leave you more time to focus on growing your business.

3. Managing customer data and relationships

If customers are the lifeblood of your business, then a good customer relationship management (CRM) database should be at the heart of your growth plans. Full-featured CRM databases are usually powerful enough to store and process everything, from customer contact details, interaction history and accounts, to new prospects, leads and business opportunities. Some CRM systems can even help you run and track marketing campaigns, such as email newsletters.

4. Efficient inventory tracking

Managing your inventory can occasionally feel like a balancing act. It's easy to have too much - sitting on a shelf risking wastage, or too little - disappointing your customers and damaging your reputation. If you're tracking your inventory manually, it's also easy to miscount, make data entry errors or misplace spreadsheets and notes.

5. Planning for growth

Most business databases have some form of reporting capabilities – from analysing input data and productivity tracking, to anticipating future trends and customers' needs. If you’re planning a strategy for growth, a robust database system can be your business' most valuable resource.

There are many examples where a cloud based database can improve your business. Contact us today to discuss how Utopia can revolutionise your old Excel spreadsheets.