Recently in our Software Development team, we’ve been working hard on a new integration between MYOB Advanced and Zapier, a web based automation workflow tool.
Zapier is a tool that allows you to connect over 1000 different applications via their APIs
The integration we’ve built allows data to be exported (Triggered) from Advanced to many other systems, from Email Marketing Tools, CRM, Survey Tools etc… the list is almost endless. Coming soon will be the ability to import data (Actions) into MYOB Advanced.
If you would like to find out more about this or any other integrations we have built, please get in contact with us.
Selecting the right ERP system for your business does not have to be a complicated process, but you should consider the pros and cons of each option for your business – onsite or cloud-based? There is rarely only one solution for every business, and it does help to discuss the specifics of your situation and your goals with a professional ERP specialist (for current clients, or if you’re a new customer email sales@horizonbiz.com.au).
A cloud-based ERP system can only be accessed online, and requires little maintenance – which is usually included in your monthly cost but its efficiency is dependant on the speed and costs of your company’s internet provider. An onsite ERP is one that your business hosts on a server on the premises, and maintenance is up to you and your IT team.
When you’re choosing between an onsite ERP or a cloud-based one, there are several factors you’ll need to keep in mind. Remember that the right system for you will work with your business as it grows.
Generally, for an onsite ERP, you’ll have a high investment cost in addition to maintenance and upgrade costs, while a cloud based ERP requires a monthly subscription based on a package that you choose. However, you will need be dependant on factors such as internet speed for repetitive processes. For example, inputting invoices.
With an onsite ERP, you are responsible for the cost of the server and hardware, maintenance, the software, IT personnel to maintain both hardware and software, and more. However, this investment does become more cost effective in time with most large systems paying for themselves within a two to three year period. Also, the speed of your server will, for the foreseeable future, outpace your internet processing speed. This is particularly important if the majority of your business accounting activities take place onsite. You will also need to consider what other software applications you use in your day-to-day business. It is easier to ‘bolt on’ products to an onsite ERP system plus if you use other industry specific software (for example CAD) that needs a server anyway, the costs of maintaining a server will still exist.
If you choose a cloud based ERP, your regular ongoing costs may be higher, but the monthly subscription rate will include the cost of maintenance, hardware, software, and whatever the plan you choose includes. One of the major benefits of Cloud is the access to information from anywhere – great for your on the road Sales Team, work from home staff or Directors.
When you host an onsite ERP, you are responsible for your own maintenance, including having an IT team to update software, install new hardware, and ensure that the settings are appropriate for your business. Both onsite and Cloud systems will need access to a dedicated team that understands how to configure the system to your needs.
As part of your monthly subscription for a cloud based ERP, upgrades and software updates should be taken care of for you. Your service provider should ensure that your business always has the newest version, and that the settings are customised to your business needs.
New versions for onsite ERP systems may require assistance by Support or a consultant – which is great if you have access to a local team.
All updates (think of Apple!) tend to come with fixes and potentially their own issues. This is less of an issue when an onsite ERP where versions can be ‘tweaked’ without having to wait for an online fix/update.
As part of their service, cloud based ERP systems are usually as fast as your plan provides, and they are made available at all possible times. Generally, this should include a backup plan included for natural disasters, updates and upgrades, and any downtown will be scheduled at a natural low traffic time.
Maintaining your own onsite ERP system means that your own IT personnel will manage speed and availability of your system. In order to fully protect against natural disasters, you will likely need two separate servers with matching data in two different locations. As your hardware gets older, upgrades will be necessary to maintain the speed you want.
Whether you choose to host your own ERP or use a cloud based one may depend on the system you are already using. For example, if you don’t have a server, or a place to house one, a cloud based ERP might be more feasible. Do you have the IT team to maintain an onsite ERP? Choosing a cloud based one may make their jobs unnecessary.
Consider each of the items in this list based on the current size of your business, and the rate at which you’re growing. The investment required to house your own ERP system may or may not be worth it, depending on your business.
As we begin a new year, it’s time for cleaning out the old, making new resolutions, and getting organised. It’s the middle of the fiscal year, and you have six months until finances need to be in order for tax time and EOFY goals need to be met – so now is the perfect time to make sure that you are on track.
PERFORM A MID-YEAR SALES & FINANCE CHECK-UP
When it comes to mid-year check-ups, your accounting and business software (like the MYOB Exo Enterprise Accounting Software) can give you a snapshot of your current situation, help you evaluate where you stand and make a plan for the second half of the year in preparation to meet your EOFY targets.
Review your actual sales figures over the last six months and compare these to the forecasts you made at the beginning of the year. Are you on-target? Do you need to take action to boost sales over the coming months to meet your EOFY goals? This task can help you figure out your priorities for the coming months and even help you to make decisions about marketing strategies and budgets for the rest of the financial year to boost sales.
Your accounting software can also help you in tracking deductions, allowing you to take action to adjust your deductions and ensure your business is on track with your financial plan.
REVIEW YOUR ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENTS
It is so important for small businesses to make sure that they are paying estimated taxes correctly. Underpayment can lead to direct penalties, but overpayment can hurt your business financially by shrinking your cash flow during the year, leaving you less to work with.
Estimated taxes are only estimations, usually based on your tax payments from the previous year. However, mid-year is a great time to recalculate your taxes, especially when you have exact numbers for half of the year already. Your estimated tax payments for the second half of the fiscal year can be more accurate with a re-evaluation of your estimated payment amounts.
REVIEW YOUR FILING AND DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM
Keeping your business records and important documents organised can make a huge difference when tax time does roll around. One of the most stressful parts of filing taxes can be going through receipts, documents and expenses, so make sure that the filing system you currently use has been working for the first six months of the fiscal year. Consider making a backup copy of your records thus far, and check in with employees to ensure that they are keeping accurate and organised records.
This way, when the fiscal year ends, you will be able to understand and evaluate your financial year, file your taxes accurately, and avoid an audit!
Talk to us today to find out how a MYOB Exo solution can help your business to improve systems and meet targets. Call us on (08) 9328 1678 or fill out an online enquiry form and we’ll get in touch!
Horizon Business Systems is a business accounting software solution provider, based in Perth Western Australia, dealing exclusively with the MYOB EXO Business and MYOB Advanced ERP systems.
As a MYOB Enterprise Platinum Partner, winner of the MYOB Excellence in Marketing award for 2012 and achieving the title of “MYOB Enterprise Partner of the Year (Australia/New Zealand)” in 2010, 2008 and 2007, we have a proven track record of success in effectively managing the complex, and often daunting, process of system implementation.
Horizon Business Systems understands that every business is unique. As experts in financial management software, change management and business process design, we provide a flexible approach to system implementation ensuring a smooth transition to your new software solution. Meet our team and read more about us here.
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