Many business owners buy accounting software and, even if the installation goes well, eventually grow frustrated when they do not get the return on investment they had expected. There is a simple reason for this: things change.

Technological improvements are occurring at a breakneck speed. So yesterday’s cutting-edge system can quickly become today’s sluggishly performing albatross, and this is not the only reason to regularly upgrade your accounting software. Here are two more to consider.

1. Cleaning up

You have probably heard that old tech adage, “garbage in, garbage out.” The ‘garbage’ referred to is bad data. If inaccurate or garbled information goes into your system, the reports coming out of it will be flawed. This is a particular danger as software ages.

For example, you may be working off of inaccurate inventory counts or struggling with duplicate vendor entries. On a more serious level, your database may store information that reflects improperly closed quarters or unbalanced accounts because of data entry errors.

A regular implementation of upgraded software should uncover some or, one hopes, all of such problems. You can then clean up the bad data and adjust entries to tighten the accuracy of your accounting records and, thereby, improve your financial reporting.

2. Getting better

Neglecting to regularly upgrade or even replace your accounting software also can also put you at risk of missing a major business-improvement opportunity. When implementing a new system, you will have the chance to enhance your accounting procedures. You may be able to, for instance, add new code groups that allow you to manage expenses much more efficiently and closely.

Other opportunities for improvement include optimizing your chart of accounts and strengthening your internal controls. Again, to obtain these benefits, you will need to take a slow, patient approach to the software implementation and do it often enough to prevent outdated ways of doing things from getting the better of your company.,

Choosing the best

These days, most every business needs the best accounting software it can afford to buy. Our firm can help you set a budget and choose the product that best fits your current needs.