More and more small businesses are beginning to go for BPM (Business Performance Management) software that help them keep track of what is going on in their business through graphs and charts. You get to see what is happening in your business in real time by using the latest BPM software.

Small businesses are concerned about the price, but it has come down considerably since simpler systems were introduced. What’s more, these systems are compact, so you need not spend on complicated installation procedures.

Advantages of BPM Software:

Here are some ways BPM software can help you with your business.

1) Real Time Data: The graphics and stats that you get to see on the monitor are real time. This means that you can keep track of your business as and when changes happen.

2) Simplicity: Forget months of complicated paper work and filing. The BPM software helps you by providing instant access to crucial data. When you see the light next to a key performance indicator turn green, you know all is well. If it turns yellow - it is time to take corrective measures.

3) Analysis: Full-fledged BPM software will not just help you gather and slot data; it will also offer an analysis on the KPIs.

Choosing the Right BPM Software:

There are some points to keep in mind before you go for particular BPM software.

1) Centralized Data Hold: If you have a small business and cannot afford the space and funds needed for upgrading all the systems on your business network, you should consider installing a centralized data storage unit that makes data accessible to all the individual units.

2) Customization: Try to get flexible BPM software that allows you to modify it according to your business needs. This will justify all the expenditure on the system.

3) Easy to Use: If you install complex BPM software that needs you to become minor technology wizards in order to use them, then you will be wasting your time, especially if you run a small business, where resources and time are at a premium. Use software that has easy to understand terms, and do not require comprehensive technological expertise to operate.

4) Other Expenses: Apart from the basic price of the BPM software, how much do you need to spend on installation, license charges, customizing etc? Also, keep in the mind the fact that additional resources may be required to train employees to handle the software.

After you have gone through the above points carefully, choose a BPM system that will suit your business needs. It will make your life that much easier by removing the need for extensive paperwork, and give you a clearer picture of where your business is headed.

If you find it difficult to choose BPM software, or have trouble with its installation, contact a small business consultant.

You have started a new business, or your business has expanded. You need office space, and buying property is not an option. What do you do? Go for leased office space. Before you sign an office lease, you need to keep certain things in mind.

1) Location: The choice of the location depends on your business. Do you, for example, work in a field related to law? Then maybe you should consider being near a courthouse or a library. If you need to interact with your clients a lot in person, then you should lease office space near them.

2) Lease Term: How long do you want to lease the office for? Most office spaces need to be leased for at least three years. Before you sign the office lease, compare at least four properties.

3) Business Expansion: If your business grows, you may need extra space. Does the property have extra space? You may need to discuss this with the landlord before leasing.

4) Liability: Some landlords may need a personal guarantee from your side. If you are not comfortable with that, find a landlord who does not need it. Try to get the landlord to limit the liability to the lease rent.

5) Subletting: Can you sublet your office if your business does not work out? This will also help you avoid the lease penalty for pulling out early.

6) Rent Cap: Set a maximum value to the rent, so it cannot be increased arbitrarily.

7) Renovations: Do the property need renovations before you move in? Who will bear the expenses of the renovations? These questions must be discussed in detail, before you sign the office lease.

8) Damages: How much is your liability? If the building suffers damage during your term, how much should you have to pay?

9) Utilities: How much of the electricity bill is included in the rent? Will you be allowed to set the thermostat according to your needs? How frequent is the garbage removal service? Get answers to all these questions before signing the lease. Check all the electric appliances before you sign the lease agreement.

Renter’s Insurance: If your assets suffer damage inside the leased office, the landlord may not pay the costs. Going for a renter’s insurance is a good option. Your property will be covered under the terms of the insurance from theft, damage or natural disasters.

Real Estate Consultant: While signing an office lease agreement, it is advisable to have a real estate consultant go over the lease agreement and negotiate on your behalf.

Go through the lease agreement carefully, before you sign. Once the agreement is signed, do not look back. Consider the above points before signing. If you are not sure about the terms, consult a real estate advisor or an attorney experienced in property matters.

Losses to the company can result from fluctuations in the stock market, economic downturn, employee crime and natural disasters. It is better to be safe than sorry, as many small businesses found out too late. The first step to loss prevention is identifying areas of potential loss.

Loss prevention includes risk management, protecting the interests of the shareholders and protecting the interests of the organization. It ensures uninterrupted business productivity and the helps the business grow.

Apart from strengthening the risk management strategies of the management, you also need to look into the employee risk management strategies. Many losses to the company maybe caused because of high insurance premiums on ensuring the employees.

Cutting Down on Losses:

Here are some steps you can take to cut down on your losses

1) Effective Management. The management at all levels needs to understand the company’s goal of loss prevention, and undertake the same.

2) Employee Participation. No loss-prevention program can be effective, without the participation of employees. The employees need to be trained in loss prevention methods. You could try enrolling them in loss prevention training classes so they know what to do before, during and after a situation that can cause loss.

3) Develop a Program. The loss prevention program should have a clear roadmap. You must develop ways to evaluate losses, predict them and avoid them.

4) Collaborate with other Businesses. In order to prevent losses, you should consider collaborating with other similar small businesses. You can work with other businesses on issues like audit practices, loss evaluation and using statistical ways of tracking trends. You could also collaborate on human resources, operations, risk management and other related issues.

5) Focus on Key Areas. Loss prevention should not be a diffuse program that covers everything imaginable. Instead, you should focus on what can cause more loss to your small business. In most businesses, losses are caused more by employee claims than by natural disasters. The key is to prioritize and then allocate more resources to areas that are more problematic.

Consider Alternatives: In case the essential services and supplies are disrupted, whom can you approach for help? Keep alternatives ready, whether for electric supply, essential raw materials, distribution, transportation, promotion etc.

By considering all potential risk factors, you can prevent losses to your small business. Thinking creatively helps, since it gives you new ways to tackle old problems of losses.

If you are not sure how to tackle the problem of losses on your own, you can approach a small business consultant for help.

You have started a new business, or your business has expanded. You need office space, and buying property is not an option. What do you do? Go for leased office space. Before you sign an office lease, you need to keep certain things in mind.

1) Location: The choice of the location depends on your business. Do you, for example, work in a field related to law? Then maybe you should consider being near a courthouse or a library. If you need to interact with your clients a lot in person, then you should lease office space near them.

2) Lease Term: How long do you want to lease the office for? Most office spaces need to be leased for at least three years. Before you sign the office lease, compare at least four properties.

3) Business Expansion: If your business grows, you may need extra space. Does the property have extra space? You may need to discuss this with the landlord before leasing.

4) Liability: Some landlords may need a personal guarantee from your side. If you are not comfortable with that, find a landlord who does not need it. Try to get the landlord to limit the liability to the lease rent.

5) Subletting: Can you sublet your office if your business does not work out? This will also help you avoid the lease penalty for pulling out early.

6) Rent Cap: Set a maximum value to the rent, so it cannot be increased arbitrarily.

7) Renovations: Do the property need renovations before you move in? Who will bear the expenses of the renovations? These questions must be discussed in detail, before you sign the office lease.

8) Damages: How much is your liability? If the building suffers damage during your term, how much should you have to pay?

9) Utilities: How much of the electricity bill is included in the rent? Will you be allowed to set the thermostat according to your needs? How frequent is the garbage removal service? Get answers to all these questions before signing the lease. Check all the electric appliances before you sign the lease agreement.

Renter’s Insurance: If your assets suffer damage inside the leased office, the landlord may not pay the costs. Going for a renter’s insurance is a good option. Your property will be covered under the terms of the insurance from theft, damage or natural disasters.

Real Estate Consultant: While signing an office lease agreement, it is advisable to have a real estate consultant go over the lease agreement and negotiate on your behalf.

More and more small businesses are beginning to go for BPM (Business Performance Management) software that help them keep track of what is going on in their business through graphs and charts. You get to see what is happening in your business in real time by using the latest BPM software.

Small businesses are concerned about the price, but it has come down considerably since simpler systems were introduced. What’s more, these systems are compact, so you need not spend on complicated installation procedures.

Advantages of BPM Software:

Here are some ways BPM software can help you with your business.

1) Real Time Data: The graphics and stats that you get to see on the monitor are real time. This means that you can keep track of your business as and when changes happen.

2) Simplicity: Forget months of complicated paper work and filing. The BPM software helps you by providing instant access to crucial data. When you see the light next to a key performance indicator turn green, you know all is well. If it turns yellow - it is time to take corrective measures.

3) Analysis: Full-fledged BPM software will not just help you gather and slot data; it will also offer an analysis on the KPIs.

Choosing the Right BPM Software:

There are some points to keep in mind before you go for particular BPM software.

1) Centralized Data Hold: If you have a small business and cannot afford the space and funds needed for upgrading all the systems on your business network, you should consider installing a centralized data storage unit that makes data accessible to all the individual units.

2) Customization: Try to get flexible BPM software that allows you to modify it according to your business needs. This will justify all the expenditure on the system.

3) Easy to Use: If you install complex BPM software that needs you to become minor technology wizards in order to use them, then you will be wasting your time, especially if you run a small business, where resources and time are at a premium. Use software that has easy to understand terms, and do not require comprehensive technological expertise to operate.

4) Other Expenses: Apart from the basic price of the BPM software, how much do you need to spend on installation, license charges, customizing etc? Also, keep in the mind the fact that additional resources may be required to train employees to handle the software.

After you have gone through the above points carefully, choose a BPM system that will suit your business needs. It will make your life that much easier by removing the need for extensive paperwork, and give you a clearer picture of where your business is headed.

Your business is your baby. Any aspiring entrepreneur while starting a new business would like to be whole-heartedly involved in all aspects; let that be designing the upcoming advertisement campaign or starting a new office. The office invariably plays a very crucial role in determining the overall flow of activities. Office environment can act as an impetus and fuel the overall pace and alternatively if not paid adequate attention can slow down the activity. It is therefore essential to pay close attention to every related aspect including the office furniture. You might think that there are other important concerns that demand immediate attention and therefore this aspect can be ignored, but beware as negligent buying of office furniture can not only render a bad impression in front of your customers but can also act as a de-motivating tool for the employees.

Buying Office Furniture: Things to Consider Various important factors must be kept in mind before buying the furniture for your office, especially while operating a small business. Small businesses must keep a close watch on the overall expenses. The tight budget restriction demands close attention on the home work entailed before buying. This is comparatively a large expense and therefore has a larger associated replacement cost.

Another important consideration to be addressed before starting the research is to list down the exact requirements. Do not over do it! That is purchase only what is sought. Buying in excess would not help. Rather bulk purchase would end up unnecessarily eating up the available space thus making the office look smaller.

Where to Buy From? Office furniture can be bought from various websites or directly from stores. Additionally there are professional firms who specialize in designing the perfect furniture setup for your office. Various websites showcase their latest offerings along with the corresponding sizes and available colors to choose from. This is certainly a time saving way to purchase, but make sure to check the consignment thoroughly for the desired specifications before making the payments.

In case ready finance acts as an impeding factor, leasing out the office furniture is an interesting alternative. Various firms provide office furniture on lease basis for a pre-defined duration. This alternative not only allows a larger variety to choose from but also gives a scope to change more often than otherwise possible.

Help Furniture Increase Your Office Space – Chose Modular Furniture Modular furniture is an easy way to make your office look bigger and spacious. This compact furniture can be customized as per your office’s requirements with ease. Modular office is a perfect option, especially, if you plan to start office from home. Modular office furniture allows you to be your own designer. Select the desired firm that offers such exquisite deals and they will assist you throughout. The expansions and changes are much easier with modular office. They are easy to transport as well. The range of structure and colors offered are a perfect answer to all your office furniture queries.