How to launch your organisation to the next level

30 November 2018 by Josh Archer

What is going to take your business to the next level?

Or perhaps we should look at it the other way around. What is currently holding you back? You may need to improve day-to-day efficiency or satisfy senior management and stakeholders with meaningful, timely reporting.

You may require a specialist to develop custom software that is secure, efficient and flexible – with a simple front-end (website or internal interface) so your teams can enter data accurately, among other reasons.

If your systems are:

full of sensitive data to manage (such as CVs, financial information and passports);
complex, with many processes;
in multiple locations, making data prone to error, difficult to track and non-compliant;
reliant on one individual;
complicated and slow, acting as a bottle-neck in operations;
Overly reliant on spreadsheets

then you have come to the right place.

(If you’d like to see examples of how we have helped others with these issues, please do take a look.) Some notable cases include:

Oxford University, Department of Physics – Their new website had to appeal to all stakeholders e.g. academics, students etc., whilst providing a platform consistent with the university brand. It was integrated with backend functionality that allowed user information to be recorded directly to the server – allowing greater efficiency.
International Association of Hydrologists – Alberon designed and developed a creative website which reflected the charity’s brand. It had functionality that not only allowed smooth e-commerce but synchronised mailing with the website’s database, keeping it up to date.

In simple terms, a user-friendly system, integrated with a clear front-end platform could be the answer.

New means, better outcomes

There may be modern technology and systems advances available that can help streamline your processes and run your internal, critical operations more efficiently. Our clients often report that they have too many systems in too many locations, making them difficult to manage. Disorganisation can cause frustrations and is often the downfall to operations. Having the ability to integrate a complex system into a simple user-friendly interface is key to ensuring businesses reach their goals in the most efficient way possible.

Custom-made reporting and structures can speed up processes and operations. A more efficient system should mean fewer mistakes will be made and staff will have everything in one place. Potentially staff could access databases from phones or tablets, on the move, helping them record, update or obtain data when visiting clients.

If you think you may have some of these issues, then you should check out your options. If you need a hand, please do ask.

Connect your systems

A team of developers and designers can create something completely tailored and unique to you. For example, when building a website, WordPress might be your CMS of choice, however, it can integrate and work with your custom backend system – as well as include all the majority of the functionality that your business needs. This increase in control and the collaborative nature of an integrated systems solution can benefit your staff’s productivity and reduce errors. For example, one organisation passed paper transactions between their production systems and their contracts department. An audit discovered that they were losing $1 million per year from missing papers.

This will increase staff engagement and interaction with your business, encouraging them to take control of their work, which will also have benefits for your organisation.

If you would like any advice, Alberon are specialists in integrating systems together and are happy to help.

Plan for the future

Both a bespoke website and software solution can be built upon and supported for years to come. Any changes to your business, or additions it requires – such as GDPR compliance in recent times – can be integrated with existing systems. If both are being developed and supported in the same place, by the same people, they can be managed in unison.

This will ensure you have the best-laid foundations with the people who know your system best. Any changes in your business should be reflected effectively. Any functions that need expanding can be implemented easily.

Let’s break it down

Website

A more user-friendly, thought-provoking interface with a powerful system integrated, provides the best possible results for your business.

Your website needs to perform complex, business-critical tasks and deliver outstanding user experiences which enable you to achieve your full lead generating or sales potential. You need a development agency that collaborates well with you, has aligned values and want to build a sustainable relationship.

Software

Your website is what the world sees. However, behind the scenes, you may have several different bespoke systems, databases and applications which are beginning to creak at the seams. As mentioned, this is a good sign you need new software developing.

You want to work with a service provider who understands your needs, create your vision and can link your website to your critical, backend software. Of course, this needs to be done securely and robustly, it is best getting an expert, like Alberon, to do it!