Current systems trends include - the continued growth of:

Web and intranet / internet applications such as:

• Web based Accounting, CRM, Payroll and HR systems
• e-commerce, e-procurement systems
• Application Service Providers, hosting web based systems
• Multiple ways to access web based systems eg PC, laptop, PDA’s, handhelds, mobile phones
• Shared Service Centres providing accounting, payroll and human resource services
• Real-time processing, to provide immediate information to users
• Increased automation and seamless access with open web-based systems
• Systems supporting global business expansion

Systems integration such as

• Accounting software with e-commerce, e-procurement, CRM and distribution
• Payroll system with HR systems
• CRM with ERP systems

Compliance such as

• IFRS, Sarbanes-Oxley, online tax reporting and filing, VAT e-filing

Future business impacts include:

• Improved business efficiency from changes in business processes and reduction of manual data handling
• Reduced transaction costs and paper usage
• Faster access to information
• Rapid growth of data volumes, due to additional systems, numbers of PC’s, growth in email, archiving requirements
• Increased data storage requirements combined with attempts to control data growth eg by rationalising the number of servers, email limits
• Freeing up of managers, enabling them to analyse and provide more relevant information to manage the business
• Increased information sharing within the organisation and the use of cross departmental teams
• Increased co-operation between organisations

Leading to:

• Reduced day-to-day operational costs for Finance, Payroll and HR functions
• and the HR department taking on more a strategic role

For more detailed and specific software trends, click the links above or below:

Accounting software trends / CRM software trends / HR software trends / Payroll software trends