As we draw closer to the end of 2017, hopefully your business has made financial gains and seen significant success. If you’re looking for ways to improve productivity and profitability before the New Year, reflect on the ways you might refine your internal processes. With constant technology advancements, there’s a never-ending stream of important tools that can transform your output and profitability. Consider integrating these tech tools into your business.

1.           Internal Communication Software

Social media saturates our everyday lives, and your business likely uses multiple platforms to enhance your marketing campaigns, but have you incorporated social media use within your company? Enterprise social media networking provides modern employees with a host of benefits. The right internal communication tools can help connect departments that otherwise have no interaction. Enterprise social media can also serve as a fantastic resource; employees can ask questions and find answers from senior employees in the company through internal message boards. Improving internal communication can do wonderful things for your business, so consider incorporating some type of enterprise social media software, like Atlassian HipChat. With group chat, file sharing, screen sharing and video chat, this tool provides immediate benefits.

2.           Payment Processing Software

If you sell products and services online, payment processing infrastructure is crucial. One of the most popular payment processing software options is Stripe; its single API system makes it easy for your business to take in and process multiple payments. Stripe can record and store customer credit card information, transmit card info into a simplified code for quicker payment processes, and help you process new and existing subscriptions.

3.           Virtual Desktop Software

If you and your team are constantly traveling, or you’ve got a team of remote workers, it’s important to invest in virtual desktop capabilities. Businesses in all industries have made the switch to more globalized workforces, and it’s important that your employees have the tools they need to work anywhere at any time. Virtual desktop managers like VirtuaWin helps users organize applications over multiple workspaces. Best part of this program? It’s freely distributed, so you can take advantage of its features at no added cost.

4.           ALM Software

If you’re in the business of creating software, the benefits of ALM software can’t be overstated. ALM software helps your team manage the lifecycle of your development. If you outsource IT work or development, ALM software can help you track progress, providing live updating, bug tracking features for quality assurance, and task lists that can help you keep tabs on your remote employees.

5.           Accounting Software

Small and medium sized businesses can’t forgo accounting software. The right programs automatically handle bookkeeping tasks, freeing up your time for more important responsibilities. Choose a cloud-based professional tax preparation software like ProConnect; as the business world is increasingly globalized, being able to access your accounting and tax prep services from anywhere at any time is vital. With data importing, advanced organization features, tax return prep, and filing services all in one place, business taxes just got a whole lot easier.

6.           Payroll Service Process

As a business owner, you have a million and one things on your plate—don’t add bookkeeping and payroll to the list. Outsourcing your payroll to a dedicated finance company is an easy way to reduce stress and ensure your business stays on the right side of the IRA. Check out full service payroll processing from Community Tax and take this stressful task off your plate.

 Consider

If you want to finish out this business year strong, it’s important to consider the ways these tools can put you a step ahead of the competition. Invest in these software and application options and reap the rewards of improved productivity and increased profitability.