The Hidden Cost of Spreadsheets & Spreadsheet Alternatives

Posted on February 10, 2021 by smartboost

Working within a manual spreadsheet system isn’t the most efficient way to do business. It can also end up costing a company in both the short term and the long run. Imagine, for example, a company trying to come up with consistent processes to do business. When multiple people fill out spreadsheets, their tracking, data entry, and project checks may be inconsistent with the previous employee. As it’s a manual process, the organization works in isolation rather than optimizing operations across the board. And that’s just one example. The cost of doing nothing determines a company’s bottom line, as higher-ups work to identify inefficiencies in a system that needs dramatic revamping. Moving to spreadsheet alternatives is an easy way to improve workflow efficiencies on a fundamental level. Let’s take a closer look at the hidden costs of spreadsheets and how Trinity can help improve your business processes to work for you rather than against you. Missing Information Unorganized spreadsheets can leave out important information and data. With a manual spreadsheet, it’s harder to catch minor mistakes that can lead to big problems and losses down the line. Also, with multiple people adding to a spreadsheet, it becomes more challenging to catch time overlaps or scheduling conflicts. There is typically no audit trail to see errors when they happen, making it impossible to decipher when and how a mistake happened. A Better Alternative Imagine folding 15 tabs of manual spreadsheets into one streamlined system, where data is not only consolidated in one application but automated to catch errors in reporting. Automated systems with built-in processes for audit trails reduce human errors, saving a company money and time in the long run. Limits to Collaboration Manual spreadsheets promote working in isolation, making it difficult to see the big picture, errors in data entry, and even access to improvements for efficiency standards at a company. Even if you’re working within a system that allows others to participate in spreadsheet maintenance, it can be difficult to monitor changes over time. Any conflicts in the reporting have to be manually addressed, leading to more paper, emails, and an inefficient hunt for information. Additionally, spreadsheets are typically formatted to be used by one person at a time, limiting collaboration by their very design. Even when shared, spreadsheets are not scalable, which makes collaborations extremely difficult. Limits on email attachment size add to their inaccessibility. The rise in remote work and the necessity for remote access to company documents makes this issue incredibly taxing. Spreadsheets limit creativity, as well. Their formats often do not allow for add-ons, like graphics, to explain data or changes to data. Numbers and data may not always tell the full story. A Better Alternative Application platforms make it easy to do things like set up alerts for relevant stakeholders, share information across teams, and make sure data gets in front of the people who need to see it. Cloud-based systems improve collaboration on a team by giving everyone access to the systems in place, no matter where they are. In companies where remote work has become the norm, easy-to-access secure networks are critical to a business’s health. Quality Control Companies using spreadsheets to keep track of subtleties and minor changes can face issues that affect quality control on a larger scale. Being unable to resolve problems quickly can affect the customer experience. Ineffective quality control limits efficient workflow, particularly if company heads must approve spreadsheets from one iteration to the next. Customers who are not satisfied with a company’s performance may be motivated to seek a higher quality control level, leading to overall profit losses. A Better Alternative Cloud-based solutions improve accountability on a team, as all changes are automatically tracked and updated immediately. You don’t have to worry about updating and upgrading your systems, either, as that’s automatic, too. Quality control becomes more consistent with automated systems in place. Missing the Big Picture Issues with manual spreadsheets are often challenging to track, found in email chains or notes from in-person interactions. It can also be hard to see who is working on what and how long it took them to complete a task. Wasting time on administrative tasks like sending spreadsheets from one entity to another means employees aren’t spending time on a company’s long-term goals. That’s a drain on resources and company time that could be better spent elsewhere. A Better Alternative Automated systems take the time-consuming work of spreadsheet management, from collecting information to correcting misinformation, off the plates of workers who could be doing something more meaningful to the company’s bottom line. Employees can return time saved on those administrative tasks to project goals. A Lack of Digital and Mobile Access We’ve long since entered the digital age, and companies concerned by inefficient business processes will look for ways to innovate and reduce the reliance on manual tasks, like spreadsheets. With remote work here to stay for the foreseeable future, it’s also essential to consider mobile accessibility for employees. Spreadsheets should be able to be updated from wherever an employee is working. They should also be a secure method of doing business when employees are sending spreadsheets over insecure networks. Unfortunately, basic spreadsheet formats don’t always meet these standards. Instead, limitations on what employees can do based on where they’re working from costs money and time on the backend. A Better Alternative Access to mobile software allows workers to be more productive, as they have access to what they need no matter where they are. Using a cloud-based platform increases overall security, as well, as team members aren’t having to send spreadsheets back and forth or store information on personal devices. Quickbase: A Spreadsheet Alternative That Works for You For spreadsheet alternatives, companies have quite a few options. Trinity has been a Quickbase Solution Provider for over 15 years, supporting businesses in centralizing their data, improving their efficiency, and automating manual processes, like spreadsheet management. If you’re ready to take the steps in optimizing your business process and […]

Business Agility in 2021: 6 Trends to Watch

Posted on January 27, 2021 by smartboost

Business agility took on a new meaning in 2020. Companies were navigating circumstances few could have predicted. As the start of 2021 appears to present with more of the same so far, business leaders hoping that changes were temporary will be looking for more permanent solutions to remain competitive. What is Business Agility? Business agility is a company’s ability to adapt and respond to internal and external factors to thrive and compete in the marketplace. Companies with a high level of business agility recognize the need to consistently innovate, keep an eye on trends, and equip their employees to respond to challenges in a meaningful way. As a result, companies working to improve their business agility report a happier workforce, more meaningful interactions with customers, and company-wide growth. With many companies already struggling with their own level of business agility fluency, it’s essential to be ready for expected change and solidify processes where trends are already coming to fruition. Let’s look at six expected business agility trends that companies may need to build capacity to respond to in 2021. 1. Flexible, Responsive Workplaces Remote work became the norm for many businesses in 2020, with many employees not expecting to return to the office anytime soon. The coming year will find that many employees have developed a preference for working from home, and companies will likely be on board with those preferences. Companies finding that full-time remote work is not sustainable will continue looking into hybrid solutions for the coming year, with employees spending time both working from home and at the office. The burden is then on companies to develop the appropriate technologies and processes to allow for flexible workplaces to continue, perhaps indefinitely. The unique needs of remote and hybrid workplaces could lead to more flexible hiring practices, as companies seeking a more competitive business process will need to diversify their workforce’s skillsets. 2. Rapid Solutions The speed with which companies have responded to challenges during the pandemic has been critical to their success. Teams seeking ways to respond to changes in their company landscapes won’t go away. Finding dynamic solutions will remain vital to their overall prosperity. Improving responsiveness company-wide may require businesses to do a deep dive into processes that are no longer relevant or outdated in favor of solutions that will support long-term growth in the current environment. Responding to changing demands is made more efficient in a culture that keeps up with industry innovations and data-driven problem-solving. 3. Real-Time Tech Solutions & Analytics Flexibility and real-time problem solving are already expected from a company’s IT services. Alongside the increase in remote work, businesses have had to develop reasonable tech solutions to questions around business security and virtual tools for processes typically done in the office. Investments in technology are not only a trend for companies to weather the pandemic and improve remote processes, though. Tech competency is a crucial component of business agility. Improving the tech processes at a company is also about getting rid of technologies that are either redundant or outdated, with regular audits meant to increase efficiency and automate processes wherever possible. The coming year will see tech improvements that allow for a higher level of personalized customer engagement, particularly when customers may be feeling weary, and real-time data analytics to frame how businesses react to rapid changes. 4. Simplified Processes and Operations With companies looking to do more with less in the current environment, identifying inefficiencies within a business will remain an essential tool around ensuring time is spent strategically and toward stated goals. Companies will continue seeking ways to simplify existing processes and operations, finding ways to do more in-house with the right systems and supports in place. The importance of finding ways to do business more efficiently will always be on-trend. 5. Employee-Centered Approaches As companies adapted to a “new normal” over the last year, employee stress became a critical point of concern for businesses looking to maintain a high engagement and productivity level. Studies showed that companies that could offer a more human approach to employee concerns boasted a higher level of satisfaction among their employees, leading to more buy-in for employees into a company’s long-term goals. With 2021 underway and companies working through the same obstacles, maintaining a high morale level among employees will remain a vital tool in viability. Employees want to feel safe, with policies in place that not only respond to the current crisis but prioritize their health and welfare in the long-term. 6. Personalized Customer Experiences People-centered approaches will also apply to a company’s customer base in the coming year. As consumer behaviors and models for reaching customers changed in 2020, companies need to seek ways to engage with those customers in new, innovative ways. Companies will seek more permanent adjustments to services with digital solutions when in-person interactions are not possible. It’s not only employees seeking a sense of security in the coming year. Companies that ensure customers feel a sense of security in working with them, keeping on top of changing privacy and regulatory concerns where relevant, will be more successful. There are ways to meet customer expectations successfully, even in challenging environments. Take Steps to Improve Your Processes If you’re looking for support around navigating a rapidly-changing business environment and optimizing your company with business agility in mind, explore our tools in the customized software and application solutions space. For over 22 years, the experts at Trinity have worked to improve business processes in tangible ways. […]

Meet the Full Suite of Products from Trinity Integrated Solutions

Posted on January 13, 2021 by smartboost

Businesses looking to improve their efficiency, improve customer engagement, and support overall growth may be overwhelmed by the options out there promising to help a company do all of those things. As business and tech innovations improve, so do your range of options. At Trinity, the focus is on customized solutions based on a company’s unique needs and stated goals. We have the products to match those needs and to help you innovate and meet your future business needs, as well. Let’s take a look at the Quickbase products offered by Trinity Integrated Solutions that will take your business to the next level, improving productivity along the way. TrinityCalendar The TrinityCalendar is a scheduling tool that allows users to boost efficiency in the workplace with its seamless approach to managing schedules company-wide. Businesses and employees that use the tool can coordinate schedules at a glance. That means avoiding overbookings, double bookings, and time lost due to scheduling and scheduling conflicts. Features include drag and drop or click to create schedules, filters, and customizable views, all fully integrated with your Quickbase application. TrinityScan Businesses looking for a mobile inventory management tool will benefit from TrinityScan, a barcode scanning system integrated with the rest of a company’s Quickbase apps. Scannable barcode types include DataMatrix, QR codes, vehicle identification numbers, Code 39 and Code 128 barcodes, and more. TrinityMobile TrinityMobile is an important tool for businesses looking to improve productivity and access for field workers, particularly in environments where remote work is becoming the norm. The app works with Android and iOS users and allows for access to workflow processes needed by key employees. Imagine the ease of inventory management at your fingertips, for example, along with a whole host of additional applications. TrinityMobile is a major boost to workplace efficiency. TrinitySurvey The TrinitySurvey tool is useful for creating custom surveys, managing responses, and measuring results to allow for data-based decision-making. The tool is also capable of creating checklists, questionnaires, and audits as needed. Gather the quick, custom results you need with TrinitySurvey. TrinitySync Businesses struggling to integrate existing processes as they update their applications will benefit from TrinitySync. TrinitySync gives a company the ability to link Quickbase to many popular software, social media, and digital platforms, ensuring that a company is ready to innovate and prepare for the future. TrinitySync can link Quickbase to your Dropbox/digital storage tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and even your email marketing platform. If you’re looking to integrate your applications, streamline your core processes to make them as efficient as they can be, and save costs along the way as you eliminate inefficiencies, consider the possibilities with TrinitySync. TrinityMultifileUploader The TrinityMultifileUploader makes file management easy and efficient. Features include the ability to both upload and download multiple files at once, easily monitor the progress of file activity, and create a customized digital filing system. Manage files with ease and boost the user experience with this file management app. TrinitySignature The benefits of using digital signatures are numerous and include an increase in productivity and decrease in paperwork, cost-savings in terms of paper and labor supplies, and a security boost for both the company and the client. TrinitySignature makes switching to digital signatures at a company easy. It works with web-based Quickbase applications and a custom, mobile-integrated version, making it easy to access from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. TrinityMaps Companies that would benefit from mapping features that link up to existing Quickbase applications, whether that’s to improve the management of mobile workflows or create a more seamless approach to routing and scheduling of orders, will like the features on TrinityMaps. Those features include geocoding, distance calculation, routing, search capabilities, and more. Users are also able to customize the app for their purposes. Solutions Customized for Your Business Now that you have an overview of the products that Trinity has to offer you and your business, take advantage of that knowledge, and find the customized Quickbase solution for your needs. Trinity has been working with clients for over 22 years to improve their processes and prepare them for the future. […]

Our 6 Top Predictions for 2021 CRM Marketing Trends

Posted on December 30, 2020 by smartboost

Business profitability has certainly been tested in 2020, but one area will only grow in importance as companies enter the new year: quality customer relationships. A key in managing customer interactions successfully and efficiently is Customer Relationship Management, or CRM, technology. Innovations in the area only continue to grow as tools become smarter and easier to access. We’ve come up with six of our top predictions for 2021 CRM marketing trends that any business owner should be aware of. CRM as a Widespread Tool As CRM software becomes easier to access and operate, and integrations grow across digital applications and existing frameworks, businesses that use CRM will no longer be cutting edge. CRM systems will be essential to the customer experience. Automation and AI A CRM system is more than a way to track and manage customer interactions. The best systems will automate formerly time-consuming manual processes and tasks to benefit the consumer and the company’s bottom line. Artificial intelligence is one of the future CRM trends that will become an essential improvement in systems already operating in the business space, only increasing efficiency as systems start using real-time data. Think sales segments tailored to targeted customer groups, customer service available at the touch of a button rather than interactions with a sales representative, and automated processes following purchases that are fast and responsive. Making it easier for customers to have their needs met, even if it means interacting with a CRM system rather than a customer service representative, is a welcome trend. Ensuring those processes are seamless, do the work expected, and make the customer feel a sense of authentic engagement with a company, will be the challenge moving forward. Customized Customer Experiences There is a growing expectation that companies know a thing or two about their returning customers. CRM marketing trends will then always include communication catered to the customer experience, which helps businesses build long-term customer relationships. Customization also lends itself to more consistency, as customers will know what to expect in interactions with a company that appears to value previous interactions, and is a better way to measure customer intent. Purchase histories will be made easily available, in addition to additional information that may offer added insight into what a customer needs not only in the moment but in the future. Trinity develops custom CRM’s using the Quickbase platform, ensuring seamless integration and custom solutions that fit a company’s needs and their customers’ preferences. Social Media Integration Digital integration as one of the future trends in CRM includes social media as part of that landscape and using social networking to reach both regular and potential customers in a more meaningful way. As social media has become an integral part of business strategies overall, additional focus in that area could allow for businesses to address customer concerns, reactions to products, and market to potential consumers in real-time. It’s also a smart return on a company’s investment, so the focus on social media is here to stay. Advanced Analytics CRM systems continue to evolve in the kind of data made available to address, even predict, customer needs. Analytics will then become even easier to include in company-wide decisions about products, where employees’ should focus their energies to boost not only the customer experience, but sales, and how to personalize the customer experience better. Customer preference data can then be used in targeted sales and a way to ensure that companies are remaining cognizant of how customers have engaged with the company in the past. Mobile Optimization Trends toward remote work appear here to stay, which has made it even more important to ensure systems in place are accessible, no matter where an employee is working from. One trend we will see is CRM systems focusing on mobile optimization. This allows for easy access to data and increased productivity. How systems address potential risks of remote environments, namely security and tech challenges, could be the challenges innovative CRM systems look to address. Trinity Can Meet Your CRM Software Needs Trinity is focused on creating customized solutions to meet client needs, particularly as they relate to the customer experience. Explore what we’ve done in the custom CRM application space, improving data tracking for our clients and creating a program that has led to company-wide improvements. Improve your efficiency and customer communication with support from a provider of flexible, customized solutions. […]

How to Optimize Your Business Process According to Your Goals

Posted on December 16, 2020 (September 19, 2024) by smartboost

When looking to optimize your business process, it helps to take a reverse planning approach. What are your goals for your business, and, more specifically, what are your goals for business process improvement? For example, strategies to increase revenue will differ from strategies to improve consistency at a company. It’s important then to consider your business goals before you focus on process improvement, whether those goals are coming from a broad perspective or improvements made to a business on a micro level. Doing so will allow for more efficiency overall, and ensure that your business isn’t wasting time on non-essential tasks and implementation of steps that won’t get you to your end goal. What is Business Process Management? Business processes are the steps a business takes in order to meet stated goals. Processes are not one-offs, but put into place to improve operating workflows. Business process management (BPM) is how potential areas for improvement at a business are identified, improved, and managed. The process is driven by an analysis of what a business needs in a given moment, and goals are set as a result. A quality business process solution provider can support you in working toward those goals and identifying strategies to address your business needs. Now, let’s look at several measurable goal areas, and how to optimize your business process based on those identified goals. Improve Productivity & Efficiency A common area for business process goals is around improving productivity and efficiency in a workplace. When working to identify process inefficiencies, consider where time is being wasted businesswide. Take a close look at current business processes, including meetings that may not be as essential as you think they are, and whether employees have consistent access to workplace data. Consider digital or automated solutions to manual processes that have become cumbersome. Business process optimization in this area will target reducing wasted time and resources, with processes that allow for a business to reach broad, stated goals. It’s about avoiding getting bogged down by details – think unnecessary paperwork, repetitive tasks, or lengthy meetings that could have been handled using more efficient methods of communication. Reduce Overall Costs An added benefit of eliminating process inefficiencies is an overall reduction in business expenses. For example, automating processes replaces time-consuming, manual tasks, freeing up employees who had been working within those areas for more meaningful work. Once more efficient methods are identified and employees are trained in new routines, certain business processes should be able to run on their own. It’s all part of the old adage of working smarter, not harder, and freeing up resources for revenue-generating areas that will lead to increased profits at a business. Increase Profitability Most businesses will have the goal of increasing profitability and growing potential revenue streams on their list of priorities. Business processes within this goal area will focus on not only identifying areas for additional revenue, but reducing overall costs as a way to increase profitability at a business. Profits must, after all, consider what businesses spend to operate. Again, it is important to note how important identifying inefficiencies is to the overall health of a business. Addressing inefficiencies at a business is a big way to not only reduce overall costs, but improve the overall customer experience, a key area when looking to increase profitability. With effective structures in place, and a customer base that is experiencing the positive results of efficient business processes, employees can then focus on sales, driving profits, and supporting businesswide goals. Improve Quality Control & Consistency Business process goals around improving the customer experience are driven by structures that work toward a high level of quality control and consistency across a business. A predictable business process with a focus on quality control allows for the same result no matter the employee behind the wheel. We’ve already touched on automation of manual processes in terms of reducing overall costs at a business. Automation software like Quickbase for businesses can also provide a boost around consistency at a business, as you will now have a straightforward process in place with less risk for human error. It’s important to invest in some guidance, however, to avoid potential business process software mistakes that come with replacing manual processes, and to ensure a good fit at your business. Streamline Processes Business processes that are easier to manage inevitably lead to fewer user errors and less need for micromanaging. With processes streamlined to operate on a high level of efficiency without unnecessary oversight, employees can feel a level of confidence over their work, as well, boosting overall morale in the workplace. Leaders can then focus on additional pathways toward meeting business goals around profitability without worrying that inefficient business processes, or a lack thereof, are hampering employees’ progress. If you’re looking for support around optimizing your business processes, or improving your methods around goal-setting for your business, contact us at Trinity. With over 22 years of experience behind us, we offer custom solutions for process improvement to help you analyze, meet and monitor your business goals. […]

Want to Increase Your Productivity? Don’t Miss These 10 Business Podcasts

Posted on December 2, 2020 (September 19, 2024) by smartboost

If you’re looking for creative ways to improve workflow and productivity at your business, or on a more personal level as a business leader, consider looking to outside sources to give you some fresh ideas. Business podcasts have become notable tools for learning. The only problem is the number of options out there, with thousands of podcasts on the scene promising everything under the sun. The Best Business Podcasts Some business podcasts are certainly better than others. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of 10 business podcasts you won’t want to miss if your goal is to increase productivity. We know you’re all about maximizing efficiency, after all. The Tim Ferriss Show It wouldn’t be a list of best business podcasts without mentioning The Tim Ferriss Show, typically ranked at the top of most-listened-to offerings in the genre of business podcasts across platforms and a favorite resource among industry leaders. Host Tim Ferriss talks to successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and frequent celebrity guests about routines in both their personal and work lives that have led to a high level of productivity and success. Rise and Grind Host and high-profile entrepreneur Daymond John came to the world of podcasts on the heels of a prominent role on ABC’s Shark Tank and a book by the same name. With guest interviews on topics around increasing productivity and why it’s important to identify goals for our business and opportunities for success, Rise and Grind is one of the best podcasts for business owners out there, particularly those who have found themselves in a bit of a business rut. HBR IdeaCast Those looking for podcasts that are all business will enjoy HBR IdeaCast from the Harvard Business Review. Weekly installments explore productivity and business management strategies employed by successful companies around the world. Guests have included an impressive list of CEOs and political figures offering insights in a just-the-facts manner for listeners looking for actionable strategies. Masters of Scale Entrepreneurs looking to grow a startup business will want to listen to Masters of Scale. Hosted by Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, the podcast examines strategies other startups have used to not only increase revenue but create successful brands. Topics dive into all aspects of business management, from pivoting business plans in order to adapt to changing markets, a sign of business agility, to surviving times of uncertainty. Getting Things Done Popular with listeners looking to boost productivity on a personal level and at the workplace, Getting Things Done uses common barriers to efficiency to offer solutions to, put simply, get things done. Solutions offered by host David Allen, author of the book by the same name, are particularly useful after identifying inefficiencies that get in the way of a higher level of productivity in the workplace. Entrepreneurs on Fire Often listed as one of the best podcasts for business owners, Entrepreneurs on Fire is here to inspire you to come up with actionable steps to meet those business goals. Host John Lee Dumas uses interviews with successful entrepreneurs to gather insights into what it takes to be successful in the world of business today. Tips have included ways to boost your own productivity as a business leader, the importance of individualized goal-setting, and why a good team is invaluable. Back to Work If you’re looking for a business podcast that’s a bit less dry, you should try the Back to Work podcast. On top of in-depth discussions around productivity, choosing the right tools to improve efficiency in workplaces, and what’s on the horizon in the world of business software, humorous asides keep listeners interested in what hosts Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin will come up with next. The Productivityist Podcast Using interviews with business leaders and his own insights, host Mike Vardy offers up weekly tips around improving efficiency and productivity on The Productivityist Podcast. Topics include why it’s important to delegate responsibilities rather than micromanage, the power of business process improvement, and improving communication as a way to increase effectiveness. The Action Catalyst The Action Catalyst, a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, is focused on making the most of your time to reach your business goals. Episodes often include interviews with industry leaders, and topics have included overcoming obstacles to efficiency, starting small to reach your ultimate business goals and habits of successful business leaders. The podcast’s title fits its aim to act as a catalyst for you to attack any obstacles to your goals head-on. Workforce Health Engagement If you’re looking for ways to boost employee engagement, productivity, and company-wide morale, consider the Workforce Health Engagement podcast. Host Jesse Lahey talks to industry experts on topics that have included avoiding workplace burnout, boosting employee motivation, and protecting employees’ health as a way to build an environment of showing employees you care about more than their output. Channel the Inspiration from Your Favorite Business Podcast Now that you have some fresh ideas to increase productivity at your business, or at least avenues for learning how to do so, consider tackling those action items with some support from Trinity. From software solutions to increase productivity to improved business processes, we have the skills and tools you need to craft a customized approach. […]

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Posted on November 6, 2020 by smartboost

Introduction Quickbase provides a fantastic platform to build any business on, and the breadth of the applications that can be built is unlimited. At Trinity, we always say, “If you can define it, Trinity can build it.” However, there is a cost to do so, and one of the reasons that many companies do not proceed with a project is the cost. Understandably, the cost of the application development plus the cost of the Quickbase platform must be considered. But potentially more important questions should be asked. What is the cost of… – Doing nothing? – Continuing with manual-based processes? – Putting up with solutions that are not meeting the needs of your business? – Using bloated apps that you use only a portion of that meets only part of your needs and the rest is in the way? – Using apps that are incorrectly designed for your workflows? Doing Nothing Many areas of a business get affected by doing nothing. Let’s look at a few of them. – Productivity. This is one of the primary reasons that clients come to Trinity – to help them improve what they do so they can be more efficient and optimize their resources. Productivity is the cornerstone of business process improvement and has enabled many of our clients to significantly expand their businesses while keeping costs in check. Without the correct supporting processes and applications in place, operational costs can grow exponentially to handle poor processes or a lack of systems. – Service. With the pace of business continuously accelerating, providing top-notch service to your clients is a must. But, if you do not have the systems in place to track projects, task assignments, key performance indicators, and service levels, then your team reverts to the best way they know how to do so. Many times, these are spreadsheets that management has no visibility to or the use of poorly designed apps that leads to inconsistency between your team members and their delivery in service and product. – Quality. The expectation of the marketplace today is that goods and services will be delivered to an extremely high level of quality. Companies that do not have adequate systems in place to measure the quality of the output, whether services or products have no way to hold their employees accountable and provide metrics to their clients. – People. Your team knows what needs to change and how it needs to be changed. Whether it is processes or solutions, they know. And when you do nothing to make those changes, to advance the business, to invest in the future, they see that as well. Sometimes this causes unnecessary frustrations, or the team will figure out unnecessary workarounds to meet commitments, track projects, keep the boss happy, and so on. These underlying costs continue to add up without any understanding of why your costs are going up, why commitments are not being met, and why your team is frustrated. Real-Life Scenarios A home health care business was drowning in paperwork and outdated processes but wanted to double and even triple their business. They knew the time and financial commitment was significant but had confidence in how Trinity could lead the project. Working together, we completely revamped all business processes, developed a solution to support the new workflows, and then rolled it out to all employees. Overnight the business was transformed and handled a large influx of new business with a much higher employee utilization and no new support staff. Within months, their margins and profits were higher than they ever imagined. A construction company was buried under spreadsheets and a lack of consistent processes for tracking projects, tasks, time, and materials. Everyone had their own way of doing things and became comfortable with it, but no one had any visibility to what was going on. With the various components of what they imagined (workstation, mobile, integrations with some legacy solutions that would need to stay in place), the cost was going to be significant for a full solution. Stepping out of their comfort zone (aka cost) to achieve their vision, they did a complete revamp of their processes considering best practices across their organization. Teams were energized to participate and transform the business. It has paid off in improved customer engagement and service, a fully mobile workforce enabling visibility and data into every aspect of the business. How about an example that involves Trinity? After the COVID pandemic struck, we made the decision to move forward with a new digital marketing strategy. The cost was significant, and it was not an easy decision. We knew it would take time to build up our web presence and that any payoff would come down the road. Halfway into the new strategy, our digital agency recommended that we double our ad spending amount. In the middle of a pandemic? Yes. If we wanted to really find clients that could benefit from our expertise, yes. Tough decision, yes. Outcome – it has exceeded our expectations and we believe that we’ll even do better as time progresses. Investing in the foundation of your business does take some faith. Basing it on a future vision and not just dollars can pay off if it is done correctly with the proper diligence and leadership. Trinity works with many clients to help them achieve productivity, service, and quality improvements. Trinity has been a Quickbase Solution Provider (QSP) for 16+ years and has extensive expertise in developing and enhancing Quickbase applications. We understand what it takes to build great Quickbase applications to meet your exact business needs. For more information about Trinity and a demonstration of our capabilities, contact Scott Burday at sburday@trinityis.com or 214-937-4534. […]

6 Tips for Improving Company Workflow Efficiency

Posted on November 4, 2020 (September 19, 2024) by smartboost

Remote work is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. That means companies must find ways to keep employees motivated and efficient, even when they’re unable to come into the office. While some studies show that remote workers are even more productive than their in-office counterparts, there are still a number of ways to make the work environment an efficient, more productive place to be. How to Improve Workflow Efficiency: 6 Strategies Let’s take a look at strategies to improve workflow efficiency, whether that’s at the office or for the remote worker at home. 1. Identify Priorities Anyone can get bogged down in the details when bigger picture projects aren’t identified or prioritized. Every company should then have both short-term and long-term goal-planning in mind. Priorities set from there should keep a few things in mind: What should employees be working on in this moment in order to meet those short- and long-term goals? Do employees need some support around breaking down tasks in order to achieve those goals more efficiently? Is there company-wide access to tools that would make it more likely for employees to meet those goals in an efficient way? 2. Analyze What’s Working and What Isn’t You likely know your employees pretty well, but maybe you don’t know where workflow efficiency could be improved. How are the various roles at the company working together to efficiently handle tasks? Are your company’s tools and processes promoting workflow efficiency, or could improvements be made to boost productivity? Where is the most time being wasted? Solving productivity issues may mean reaching out to your employees to determine what’s working and what isn’t, even if you need to gather that data anonymously. If your company is drowning in paper, for example, perhaps it’s time to consider going paperless. It’s a strategy that isn’t just great for the environment, but proven to improve efficiency in the workplace, too. Just consider how much time employees spend on administrative tasks that involve paper. That could be time better spent elsewhere, like focusing on those identified long-term goals. 3. Create Efficient Processes Sometimes, your employees’ workflow efficiency is only as good as the processes in place to optimize productivity and workflow. You may not even realize that there are things in the way of employees’ being at their most productive that are beyond their control. If your employees are stymied by data reporting, you may need to investigate systems that will simplify those processes for your employees. Our solution for our Quickbase users is Trinity Dashboards, an application that allows you and your employees to adjust data filtering and reporting based on what you need at that moment. Identify what your company needs to become more efficient, and find the tools to meet those needs. 4. Train Employees in Those New Processes Investments you’ve made to improve business workflow at your company are only good if your employees know how to use them. Training employees in new processes is the first step in better productivity. Perhaps you could even identify employee leaders to become trained in these new practices. These captains would then bring that knowledge back to the rest of the employee base as necessary. Either way, it’s important your workforce knows how to use the tools they’re given, to maximize the benefits of those tools. 5. Establish Methods for Easy Communication Whether employees are meeting on virtual conference calls or back to in-person meetings, it’s important to identify ways for employees to communicate with ease. Finding the time to meet, though, even virtually, can be one tricky area. Trinity’s Quickbase Calendar is a way to make that process less of a hassle and more of a support system for your company, as this scheduling solution takes the guesswork out of determining the availability of employees company-wide. 6. Access Tools to Make Efficiency Easier Your processes are in place, and your employees are trained. What do you do next to allow for seamless monitoring of employee efficiency? How can you make workflow efficiency easier to maintain? There are a number of tools to help you do that, whether you’re looking to automate certain processes or make existing processes easier to manage. Trinity has a number of those solutions to help get you started and to identify the business process solutions for you. Remember: You shouldn’t just adopt every proven solution under the sun because you’ve heard they’ve worked for other companies. It’s important to consider what will work for your business’s unique needs. Let’s explore two options: Quickbase: Trinity promotes the Quickbase platform as a way to streamline your business through a customized response. The focus is on your company’s flexibility, efficiency, and communication, all areas that promote overall workflow efficiency. Custom Solutions: For businesses that need a more customized approach, Trinity offers custom software solutions for even the more complex problems around running a business. Help us help you with solution-based processes to promote growth at your business. These are just a few strategies for how to improve workflow efficiency at your business, particularly as companies continue adapting in this unprecedented moment. With the right tools, your company can ramp up its efficiency in no time, even if your workers are remote. […]

5 Industries That Benefit From Having Geocode Apps

Posted on October 21, 2020 (September 19, 2024) by smartboost

Every single point on earth can be described with longitude and latitude. Google and Apple maps and many more platforms depend on this Geographic Information System (GIS) data to get consumers from place to place. Businesses, too, can create geographic information system based apps to streamline processes, reduce costs, refine marketing initiatives, and more. Street addresses have limits, after all. Pinpointing a customer or employee through their smartphone signal makes for more accurate interaction. For instance, a GIS-based app can help a pizza delivery person reach them at a park or beach. An ambulance trying to reach an injured hiker can’t depend on a street address. Finally, in developing countries, many homes don’t even have street addresses, yet businesses need to reach them. Leveraging Geocode Applications for Businesses Smartphones can help in providing information about latitude and longitude with great precision—up to 15 feet with the help of GIS technology. Web browsers and applications by higher-end service providers are aimed at supporting geolocation features designed to provide geographic coordinates even in the absence of a smartphone. These applications are capable of linking geographic coordinates to the respective street addresses as well. This process is referred to as reverse geocoding. The mechanism aims at taking an address and converting it into the respective geographic coordinates. In such instances, a reference dataset is required to relate the respective geo-coordinates to a given set of street addresses. Industries That Benefit From Geocode and GIS Solutions Here are some of the leading industries that have significantly benefited from the introduction of geocoding apps into their day-to-day operations. Gaming Just when we thought video-gaming couldn’t get more complex and involved, companies launched GIS-based gaming. Games like SimCity and World of Warcraft that are set in fantasy worlds don’t involve GIS. It’s the high-end games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty that depict real-life places and cities in places like California, Iraq, and others. Game developers work with GIS to keep cities, battlefields, and other locations accurate. This precision allows the players to fully immerse themselves in the given scenarios, lending the realism they’ve come to expect. Marketing Digital advertising tactics like sentiment analysis, coupon distribution, and more depend on location-based data to win the best return and response. GIS-based or geocode-enabled apps for location analytics create accurate, cost-effective marketing initiatives that reduce uncertainties, drive profitability, and maximize performance. Security & Defense Civil administrators must monitor and analyze population, traffic patterns, and crimes to keep society running smoothly. GIS-enabled utilities help in identifying specific hotspot areas while facilitating insights that can improve civil administration oversight. Travel & Transport GIS apps are critical for urban planning as well as trucking and transportation companies. If a city’s transportation department is planning to introduce a new railway or park, they turn to GIS data for the numbers to select the routes. Trucking companies rely on GIS apps to keep track of dispatched truck locations and destination arrival times. GIS is also helpful in monitoring road conditions and rail systems for improved performance. Natural Resource Management GIS-based applications for environmental management, agriculture, mining, oceans, conservation, and forestry collect the data to make critical decisions about resource distribution, staffing, and more. TrinityMaps: Delivering Geocode Applications for Improved Operations TrinityMaps showcases Trinity’s ability to provide clients with advanced geocode applications that unlock a myriad of feature-rich mapping functionalities. Utilizing the Quickbase platform and mobile applications allow users access to multiple mapping functionalities, including geocoding, distance calculation, routing and scheduling, GIS or data overlays, routing, search capabilities, and mobile workflows. Trinity provides numerous custom business software solutions and Quickbase solutions for the business user. Quickbase is a low code, low-cost business solution and application development and online database platform that specializes in aiding business flexibility, efficiency, and communication. It is easily scalable, making it perfect for businesses of most sizes and across most industries. […]

Is Your Company’s Business Process Attracting Top Talent?

Posted on October 7, 2020 by smartboost

Top talent makes a huge difference in a company’s success. Given that the Covid19 pandemic is fast-tracking remote and online work, teams all over the world are refashioning their hiring process. Due to increasing competition, most companies out there know that they need to position themselves as the ideal employer for on-site, remote, local, and overseas talent. Such things as showing current employees you care about their job satisfaction and aspirations have become key components in acquisition and retention strategies. With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, organizations are now looking at new ways of working. These strategies include cultivating effective remote management protocols and encouraging new remote workers to maintain a work-life balance. Prospecting Strategies and Tools Appeal to today’s top talent with the following tactics. Employ Strategic Planning Always remain proactive rather than reactive when it comes to talent acquisition. This starts by acknowledging the specific roles of the HR department. Always work collaboratively across departments to develop a comprehensive strategy for talent acquisition. Ensure that key employees in different divisions share the organization’s goals and vision. Focus on Competencies Limited time, funds, or a lack of clarity in the overall requirements can lead managers to hire based on gut instinct rather than proven skills. Underqualified candidates are a drag on the organization. According to a recent study, talent mismatches are a growing concern for businesses. Companies with sound recruitment strategies optimize the hiring process. Developing the right competency frameworks also set the employee up to know the role’s expectations. Strategies that are based on the competency factor turn out to be far more sustainable than just recruiting for the sake of filling the respective vacancies at the lowest price and in the shortest time frame possible. Develop a People-Oriented Culture The acquisition of diverse talent is not an easy task. For this, employers need to accommodate both the monetary as well as non-monetary expectations of their prospective employees. This can be done by renovating existing reward and compensation strategies, learning and development opportunities, workplace culture, and other factors. The organization’s culture should aim at focusing on people while rewarding performances and encouraging a good work-life balance. Always cultivate a brand that includes diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Moreover, a culture of transparency and open communication go hand-in-hand with success in this type of targeting. Make sure to create and maintain your company’s brand to attract employees who resonate with it. Measure & Analyze Data Continuously monitor the results of the talent acquisition process. Knowing outcomes helps develop the best hiring process. Document the specific metrics of talent acquisition—time to hire, yield ratio, the acceptance rate of offers, etc. This data provides insights into how specific talent groups respond, improving the overall recruitment process. Get Leaders Out in the Public When company leaders speak in the community they clarify aspects of their organization’s mission, objectives, and corporate culture, thereby enhancing the company’s image in the eyes of potential employees. Prioritize Employee Recognition Employees thrive when they know their work matters. Study after study reveals that employees are interested in much more than their paychecks. They aren’t just interested in making a good living. They want to make a difference in their department, the organization, and even society. Putting it all Together Talking to your business process solutions provider is a great first step in getting a handle on the best tools and strategies you’ll need to optimize your organization’s process for attracting top talent. For over 20 years, Trinity has been partnering with clients to deliver superior business software solutions and process improvements. Trinity helps organizations get the most out of talent acquisition and management processes, and provides a wide range of custom business solutions, including Quickbase solutions to improve your business processes. Reach out today to learn more about our solutions to all your business process needs. […]