Get more out of Big Software

We all know that mainstream office applications have more features than we ever use. But are there ways to extend your skill and save some time? Software company, Landmark Systems, has put together its 'top 10 tips for taking time out with software' to encourage users to look at how they are using a large-scale computer program and what else can be done with it.

Mary Collis, Director of Training and Support at Landmark Systems, suggests: “Take the opportunity to ask ‘What is my software capable of?’ and ‘How are others doing the same tasks as me?’ It benefits you to step back and it benefits the supplier creating a valuable forum for discussion. At Landmark we use the feedback from workshops to sift through for ideas on future software development and to assist the helpline support team in understanding current user issues.”

1. Know your software
Get to know all the features that are available so that they can be implemented smoothly if and when required. Employers may ask ‘can this task be achieved?’ and by trying out the features in a workshop situation users are empowered by the knowledge and can give an immediate answer.

2. Increase efficiency
Time is money. Learn to achieve a regular task quicker by using a shortcut or organising work better. Find out what others are doing with regard to repetitive tasks and whether your company is using efficient procedures elsewhere.

3. See the Wood for the Trees
See how easy it is to make a big difference in a short space of time to get some practical tips and hands-on experience on how to prepare meaningful reports.

4. Increase Profit
Learn to prepare major reports or year-end statements according to the company directors' or accountants' ‘spec’ rather than pay someone to re-work the figures. It may also be possible for the accountant to export data directly from the software into the auditing package, thus saving valuable time.

5. Put a face to a name
By getting to know the training and support team it will be much easier to follow through a ‘knotty’ problem on the telephone with the person on the other end of the line.

6. Communicate
Users shouldn’t be embarrassed by their level of knowledge. Everyone is at different stages of learning and each office /business has specific needs. By keeping in touch and attending workshops employees are doing something positive and can learn valuable skills to pass on to colleagues.

7. Discover
Picking up something new from a workshop gives user and trainer alike a ‘buzz’ which can be taken back to the office. Remember to listen out for relevant answers to specific office situations as well as to ask questions, as it is amazing how many different ways there are to approach a task.

8. Share Best Practice
All important issues like backing up, virus protection and risk assessment will often come up as part of a workshop discussion. It is very reassuring to know that others have the same anxieties and the trainers should have the latest advice at their finger tips or know where to find it.

9. Play
Busy employees often think ‘I wish I had more time to use my program without interruptions or the pressure of daily inputting’. During Landmark workshops the user has the chance to play on demo data so there is no worry about making a silly error.

10. Give Feedback
Customer or user opinions should matter to the computer company. Keep a ‘wish list’ and take it along to workshops as it’s easy to forget a point that is of interest. If there is not an immediate solution the request can be fed back to the development team for discussion on its merits for a future upgrade feature.

Associated Link: Landmark Systems

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