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For sign, graphics and printing companies, estimating/business
management can prove to be a major factor in the success
or failure of their business.
When
a customer requests a bid on a job, they need a fast turnaround,
and the best price. For a graphic printer, there are two
important issues; first of course is the price and second
the profit. If they price a job too high they might miss
out on getting the job, and if they price it too low, this
starts cutting into their potential profits.
Estimating
software is a tool that helps eliminate this margin for
error and make every job easier. This ease is why estimating
software is becoming an integral part for many companies
in the printing and graphics industry. But what type of
estimating software should you look for? With so many different
companies selling estimating software it can become difficult
to find a solution that is the right one. For this reason
Cyrious Software has taken on the role of focusing on being
software consultants rather then selling. When looking for
a business management and estimating solution, the ability
of a company to consult and guide you to the correct solution,
be it theirs or someone else’s, should be a major deciding
factor. If a software company isn’t willing to work
to find a solution that specifically fits their business,
it might be wise to find a different company to do business
with. Estimating software can range from a simple estimating
calculator package, to a complete powerful, integrated estimating,
job tracking & business management system, like Cyrious.
The difficulty is figuring out which system is right for
your business.
How
Much & For What
Companies
should look at the money spent on estimating/business management
software, as an investment and not an expense. Most complete
software systems range from about $2,000 all the way up
to $14,000 depending on the number of licenses, modules
and different customizations. This somewhat large investment
makes it vital for companies to find a system that they
can not only use to increase profits and save time, but
also one they have the ability to continue and accelerate
grow with.
Many
printers are looking for a system that not only has the
ability to estimate, job track, and do invoicing but also
has the ability to export to accounting packages, create
reports, manage their customer base, and expand their business
through target marketing. Not all estimating software packages
have this complete business management functionality, and
because of this businesses need to do research and make
sure the estimating software they choose has the functionality
they need (i.e. Customer Management Tools, Marketing Tools,
Shipping & Credit Card Integration) The very last thing
a company who purchases estimating/business management software
wants to happen is to have to buy additional software after
the initial investment. Another aspect to consider when
searching for a software package is the accuracy it provides.
Accuracy is one of the most important features to look for
in estimating software. The price of using inaccurate information
can add up and become extremely detrimental to a business.
Accuracy in estimating software depends on the ability to
customize the software to fit the your pricing. With Cyrious
Software, your pricing & cost structure is customized
and built into the software making it virtually impossible
to have inaccurate estimates.
Integration
Is Key
Another
factor to consider is how easily estimating software will
let one go from estimate, to order, to invoice, and "beyond".
Without estimating/business management software, you spend
a lot time re-entering/re-writing customer or product information.
Even with estimating software if you don’t have the
right system you could be left re-keying a lot of important
information. This can be a major waste of time. That is
why Cyrious Software has created their application to encompass
this integration. This means the first time you enter company
or order information you never have to enter it in again,
unless it's to make an update or edit.
"Beyond"
is where Cyrious Software distinguishes itself from many
of its competitors. Imagine having the power of an entire
marketing research firm at your fingertips. Cyrious gives
you that power. Once you have company information and order
history in the Cyrious Software system, you can create queries
that will allow you to separate customers into different
segments, and provide you with an easy method to begin to
target different markets. Once these segments are grouped,
you can automatically e-mail, fax or print marketing materials
to them. Whether it is a follow up letter, thank you note,
or special offer, businesses can use the software to help
strengthen relationships with current/new customers and/or
develop a stronger marketing strategy.
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