For a growing business, where agility and innovation are king, business leaders are constantly seeking solutions to stay ahead, and one strategy that’s redefining that landscape is SaaS – Software as a Service.
For many organisations, embracing SaaS is a watershed decision that helps them handle organisational complexities so they can focus on their strategic goals.
WorkSmarter stands at the forefront, offering a transformative People Management experience that levels the playing field for the UK's ambitious SMEs.
SaaS Explained
Software as a Service is where a 3rd-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the internet anywhere, anytime – made possible by recent advances in cloud computing.
Integration with other platforms becomes easier and this means that a vast range of on-demand computing services can be delivered and scaled to businesses without the need to invest in specialist staff, hardware, infrastructure and maintenance.
Cloud computing allows the software to be dropped in and accessed via a web browser, without having to be installed directly on office computers. From household names like
Google Workspace and
Zoom to intuitive platforms that help you
organise your annual leave like WorkSmarter, SaaS is the new partner for modern SMEs.
Most SaaS products are created for business use, where they replace conventionally installed software packages and traditional software options that businesses install on site.
The SaaS provider delivers multiple versions of the same software, which they are responsible for maintaining centrally. Each user or business has their own version, with associated data, controls, and customisations in a convenient form that they simply tap into.
Digital Revolution
The digital revolution has brought SaaS to the limelight, integrating cutting-edge technology effortlessly into everyday business.
UK business is a major investor in SaaS solutions, coming in second behind the US for global IT spend per business headcount.
It’s not surprising that SaaS is the new normal for astute businesses that prioritise growth and resilience.
What’s in it for SMEs
- Cost – a huge factor because there’s no big, upfront hit to the business. SMEs simply buy in the services per user and don’t have to worry about anything else. Payment is usually by monthly or annual subscription, which allows you to budget, scale up when needed, and spread the costs.
- Simplicity – the tricky stuff is taken care of for you, so no technical headaches and no extra cost. You don’t have to host, implement, maintain or upgrade the software. The provider is responsible for this and for making sure the system is secure, reliable, regularly updated, and fit for purpose.
- Expert Technical Support – reputable providers will offer support when you need it and some providers like WorkSmarter will offer help with setting up, as well as ongoing support and guidance.
- Access to Enterprise Level Capabilities – allows smaller businesses to compete on a level playing field with their larger counterparts. Being able to add capability or increase capacity in this way helps you evolve and grow at the time that’s right for you, so there’s less risk.
- Future Proof Technology – always stay ahead of the curve with current and next generation technology, without the significant investment this would otherwise require. Like WorkSmarter, the best providers will constantly improve and innovate their software, system and services. The software is updated centrally so your daily business isn’t interrupted.
- Portability – buying in software services is highly suited to remote and hybrid working. Staff can still collaborate, using authorised devices on desktop and mobile if offered, despite not being in the same workspace. With WorkSmarter, for example, it becomes much easier to accurately track and record hours worked.
- Improved Workflows – the best suppliers ensure that your workflows are optimally designed so that processes can be smoothly and easily navigated, including across departments, enabling better collaboration between team members.
- Data Security and Compliance – SMEs get a high level of data security and data protection, with the reassurance of knowing that data is, for example, encrypted, backed up and secure.
- Reduces the Burden on Your Specialist Staff – technology, legislation and compliance are all areas that develop at an accelerated pace, and HR software makes it easy to keep up with complex and fast-moving changes in areas like employment law. People Management tasks such as Expense Management become quicker and simpler to perform.
- Scalable – the beauty of buying in specific services is that you can add extra levels and only pay for what you want and need at any given time. This scalability is perfect for smaller SMEs, allowing them to adapt as the business grows and their requirements increase. It’s a model that offers freedom, flexibility and choice.
WorkSmarter Tips
✅ Do your research thoroughly. Not all SaaS providers are the same and one size doesn’t fit all. Spend time looking at what options are available, with careful and considered evaluation when you compare different providers.
✅ Once you’ve made a shortlist, speak to them about what your company wants and how this can be provided. Pick their brains, ask them as many questions as you can think of. Discuss how they can manage your unique business needs. This should give you a good idea of the support and partnership that they’re able or willing to give. Expect to have several conversations and don’t feel rushed or pressured into making any quick decisions.
✅ Make sure that the system you’re considering is reliable and has good technical support and training – not just at set up, but ongoing. It needs to comply with data protection laws and the provider should be able to give you clear information and guidance on all aspects of data compliance, data storage, security, back-ups and encryption. You’ll need to know if there’s any areas that your business is still responsible for.
✅ Before you agree to go ahead, make sure you fully understand the provider’s policies and subscription model.
✅ Get a free demo of the system, spending enough time to get a clear understanding of how this can work for your business. Evaluate the service before committing. Accessibility, connectivity and ease of use is important, as your employees will be spending a good amount of their time on the system. Check what devices can be used to access the software and whether it allows for both desktop and mobile use.
✅ Take advantage of any free trials or offers so you can test everything out thoroughly without time constraints, to see if it’s a good fit for your business.
Transformational Software From WorkSmarter
Created and run by experienced business owners and experts in their fields, WorkSmarter offers growing businesses an easy and affordable way to manage daily people tasks and connect their teams.
Test out our tips above and talk to us today.
Book a demo with one of our helpful and friendly experts.
