Initial Competitor Research
- Dominic and Jack
- Oct 16, 2016
- 2 min read
Full Package Software
Intuit Quickbooks
Looking at the Intuit desktop app, they utilise good use of a simple login screen which then transfers into a screen where you can select from one of your businesses (if you have multiple businesses).
It is a simple process and the business selection screen helps to quickly identify the purpose and journey within the app.
The initial dashboard screen shows lots of important information on the first screen without having to cram unimportant information in. The side panel navigation is a good way of quickly showing the main features.
The ‘New’ button at the top with a drop down is a good way of concisely storing a navigation that could ultimately have its own page. However, the simplicity of the drop down is that it’s all on one page and is easily accessible.
Intuit offer a mobile payroll system for employees on the go. This is a really useful tool, simplifying a complex system of payroll into simple inputs for the manager on the go. However, a slightly worrying feature is the idea of basic and enhanced systems based on the price you pay. It could be seen as unfair to offer small business a poorer experience for a lower price.
Freshbooks Cloud Accounting
Freshbooks Cloud Accounting stores every bit of data about your business on their online server. Similar to Intuit, it enables management to control their business from any device at any time. Time Tracking is a clever time management feature that organises dates and tasks on timeframes, enhancing productivity.
Billable moments ensure that the manager gets paid in order to cover expenses off their business, so that they don't end up in debt. It means they can create invoices and charge clients as soon as the service or job has been complete. This is cleverly colour coded for simplicity, ensuring the manager knows exactly what kind of money they intend to receive.
A clever filing system uses a smartphones capability to capture physical receipts and great data from this. It forces the manager to be organised, whilst utilising some simple yet clever technology to make the process so easy for the user.
Xero
Xero display in their online advertisement just how flexible their full cloud based system is. A general business overview is provided on the mobile application.
There is then a very comprehensive system with much more potential available on their desktop application. We feel this is a really useful way to manage your business. A manager is willing to take time to sit down and organise their business properly. Because of this, their may have certain uses for the mobile application, and preferred tasks on the desktop version.
Xero brag an extensive list of features on their website. A payroll system and archive system ensure payments have been made on time and correctly, with mobile apps for small businesses on the go. Mobile Payments and Invoices make money management simple and stress free.
Our findings of this research are that the money and time management side of a business is well covered. However, employee well-being seems to be overlooked quite often. Their is no opportunity to manage staff other than sending their payslips to them. We see absolutely no indication of shift management or holiday/availability.
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