Breaking Up Ain’t Hard To Do: 7 Software Red Flags That Should Never Be Avoided

We’ve all heard the advice, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There’s a lot of wisdom in those words. But sometimes, it’s hard to tell when something is broken. All too often, we get accustomed to the workarounds and duct tape solutions, perhaps thinking this is simply the way it is, and there is nothing better out there. We fail to see that we’re being held back and close our minds to the fact that maybe there’s a better way to get things done. Don’t be that person. Here are a few common software red flags to consider:

Lackluster Functionality 

You can’t afford to come up short on the key features your business needs in order to improve productivity and grow. This is especially true during your busy months when every minute counts. Adding the latest automation features can save time, reduce human error, and free employees to do more or focus on more important activities. If you’re still using workarounds and manual processes, it may be time to start looking at some options.

A Lack Of Innovation 

This one goes hand-in-hand with the previous point. What worked well a few years ago can become obsolete faster than you can say “floppy disc.” If your software provider is slow to add new features—or is busy adding things that benefit their bottom line but not yours—that can seriously limit your ability to get things done and leave you at a disadvantage over your competitors. Continuous innovation, on the other hand, can be your secret weapon against the status quo.

Overcomplicated Interface 

The most powerful solution in the world won’t do you or your team any favors if no one knows how to use it. If you’re tired of reaching for the aspirin trying to get things to work properly, hearing your team curse out the system, or finding yourselves reverting to old-school methods rather than using the software, then Houston, you have a problem. Look, software is supposed to make things easier. So, the interface needs to be simple enough for new employees to pick up quickly.

Rigid Processes 

Everyone runs their business a little differently—some more than others. If you find yourself feeling shackled by your software and being forced into doing things a certain way, that’s another red flag. Things change constantly, and you may need to pivot at a moment’s notice in order to stay ahead of the curve or take advantage of new opportunities. Shouldn’t your software open new possibilities instead of keeping your operations on a leash?

Inadequate Support 

When you have questions, you need answers—not long wait times or extra expenses. There’s no excuse for poor support. And charging a fee to answer routine questions is the opposite of helpful. Likewise, your software provider shouldn’t just hand over the keys and wish you the best of luck. They should offer plenty of training to help your team get the most from your system.

Poor Communication 

You can’t afford to be surprised when it comes to changes that impact your business. That’s why good communication is so important. When you and your team are constantly left scrambling every time your software provider updates the system or adds a new feature, it can cause serious disruptions to your business. Similarly, a lack of responsiveness to phone calls, emails, or a sluggish reaction when issues creep up can be costly for your business.

Unfair Pricing 

Growing your business should be the top priority for your software provider. That’s a little hard to accomplish when they’re constantly nickel and diming you for every piece of the puzzle. Having to pay extra for every new feature or add-on can keep you from taking advantage and may even negate some of the benefits. If you find yourself constantly shocked at how high your bill is every month, then you may have a problem. Fees should be presented to you up-front and with no hidden surprises.

When you’ve had it up to here with outdated software, give FieldRoutes a look. We’ve helped countless field service providers modernize their operations and achieve their growth goals.