Small Business Software Management Tools

• Using software to manage your small business is essential to its success. Accounting, database and word processing software applications can document and track your financial matters and handle inventory, client lists, marketing materials and correspondence. These tools are widely used and relatively inexpensive, compared to the value they provide in managing your small business.

• Accounting Software Tools

  • Your primary software tool will be an accounting software program. Software programs such as Quick Books, Quicken, Peachtree Accounting or Moneydance can manage all of your bookkeeping needs. These applications will track your business expenses, account balances, deposits and tax information, and produce printable reports to view financial status at a glance. Premier versions of the software allow you to cut and print checks and manage payroll. Average software pricing ranges from $100 to $300.

  Database Software Tools

  • Use a database program as a tool to manage your inventory and customer lists, especially if you tend to be disorganized. Programs such as Microsoft Access, FileMaker and Database Oasis allow you to enter data into tables, where records can be categorized, queried and reported upon. This tool provides one reference area to document, track and pull your business’ core information on products, sales, costs and customers. Database software tools will run you about $150 to $500, depending on the number of features and users you will need.
  •  

  Microsoft Word

  • Microsoft Word is the most popular and recognizable word processing software program. Use Word to create and manage correspondence, invoicing, marketing materials, mailing lists, customer lists and any other documentation. Word and Microsoft Office online offer hundreds of templates to help you create professional-looking documents. Purchase Word as a stand-alone application for about $140 (as of 2010), or as part of the Microsoft Office Suite for $150 to $500, depending on your business needs.