Spreadsheets are a popular method for most small businesses to start maintaining computerized business records, but, as the business grows and the scope of its operations increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to continue working with the clutter of various spreadsheets.

In this blog, we will attempt to discuss, why you probably need freedom from the clutter of spreadsheets, and look at more efficient alternatives such as software to maintain your business processes:

Software better designed for business than spreadsheets

Most book-keeping softwares have been developed by those who understand the various facets of business – accounting, inventory and compliance, and thus are ready to use products. For e.g. an accounting software does not really require any accounting know-how nor any additional formulas or programming; an inventory software has in built stock classification features. With spreadsheets however, you have to design your own process, which may or may not be optimal. While the basic usage of spreadsheets is prevalent, advanced features require time for proper learning and experience. Not to forget the hassle of tedious manual entry, managing multiple worksheets and feeding in complex formulas.

Software provides automated reports quicker than spreadsheets

Business management softwares can quickly generate helpful, high-level financial reports, the reason being – financial transactions are consolidated and managed from one central location, eliminating the need to maintain data in different spaces. Most importantly, financial accounting software provides access to real-time data, which gives you an insight into the financial health of your business. With spreadsheets, compiling such financial reports is a challenge, as data with regards to a transaction is spread across separate worksheets. Thus, the financial reports that you need can be compiled only via careful manual calculation, which is a time consuming process.

Software manages data more accurately than spreadsheets

One of the biggest advantages of small business book-keeping software is that the mathematical back-end is completely managed – including automated postings to ledgers and journals – allowing for accurate business data. Checks and measures can be built into the system to streamline date entry and reduce potential errors. When you use spreadsheets, there is always a possibility to make errors in entering data, or in the formula being used or due to accidental changes or deletions.

Software integrates business operations better than spreadsheets

Mostly, you will come across small business accounting software with inventory handling capabilities. For instance, in a typical trading firm, the accounting package doubles up as an inventory management software as well as an inventory control software and an inventory tracking software. Thus, while you record an accounting transaction, you can also easily send electronic invoices to clients, track payments, manage budgets, reconcile banking records etc. However if you use spreadsheets, separate sheets or systems will need to be maintained for other business operations such as sending, receiving, and resolving payments.

Software manages compliance better than spreadsheets

While some small businesses in India do have internal accountants, some also do outsource accounting to book keepers. In addition, when it comes to compliance, most businesses take the services of auditors with whom the business data is shared for GST return filing. In such scenarios, the external accountant or auditor can work more efficiently, if the data is maintained in conventional business softwares, rather than customised spreadsheets, which makes life easier for the business as well.

While the spreadsheets vs. software debate may rage on and find its natural conclusion, it is important for businesses to understand the difference between “computerized business” and “business on computers”. The need for the hour is not just to understand the advantages of computerized system over manual system and therefore, do the activity of managing business on the computer, but also to use a system that follows the business owner’s train of thought. Given the demands of stringent compliance norms in the GST regime, more businesses across the country will be seen discontinuing their usage of spreadsheets, appreciating the benefits of software and adopting the right technology for their business.

Speed & Accuracy – Freedom from time wastage of manual business processes

One of the key differences between manual business processes and automated systems is speed. Business process automation not only helps to process business data faster, but also allows faster data entry and reporting. Add to that the boon of accuracy and you have a strong case for digitalization of business. Traditional manual accounting is a tedious process requiring accountants to spend copious amounts of time mathematically checking numbers in the company’s accounting information. Simple mistakes such as transposing numbers or entering information into the incorrect column could create significant errors – which can be eliminated via automation.

Because of its efficiency and ease of use, computerized systems also allow you to improve inventory control and payment collection, saving time and improving cash flow. As a business owner, one can potentially spend less time looking for errors and more time analysing information for decision purposes. The plethora of reports a business owner has access to while using automated systems – stock valuation, profit and loss, receivables and payables, return on investment – is surely a game changer for any business.

Integration – Freedom from confusion of manual business process management

Another key aspect, which most business owners will need to appreciate, is the importance of integration. Accounting, inventory, compliance are not isolated activities, but are inter-linked with each other, having implications across the businesses. For instance, while accounting, a single transaction is bound to affect your financial records, your stock, as well as your taxes. This indeed becomes a challenge in manual business processes wherein, the same transaction may need to be recorded at multiple places to ensure that all relevant ledgers are affected, whereas in computerized systems, the same can be achieved by the click of a button.

Compliance & Security – Freedom from problems of manual processes

Last but not the least, compliance under GST is something, which can be best handled by automating your systems. Early prevention, quick detection and hassle-free correction of errors, is why digitizing business will surely score over manual business processes any day, especially in the era of GST, which demands a fair level of compliance supported by the right technology. Equally important are the ever-growing concerns surrounding data security and data storage – and it goes without saying that a business using manual systems will obviously find it very difficult to maintain historical business data over the years in bulky books, and also to recover data in case of any mishap or breach of trust within the organisation.

Thus, it is safe to conclude that the preferred step for businesses at this point – is to move on from the age-old system of maintaining manual books, and embrace automation across all aspects of business – accounting, inventory, compliance, banking and much more. Most importantly, moving on from manual systems will guarantee freedom from stagnation, freeing up time for a business to focus on growth, efficiencies and velocity of commerce.