There's no hiding the fact that choosing to invest in B2B software is a move that will significantly shape your business's future. It demands careful consideration and meticulous planning. This holds true for investing in Customer Communications Management (CCM) software.
Choosing a B2B software vendor sets the direction for future investments, affecting both business users dependent on the processes and services built on the software, and IT teams who must familiarize and adapt to the vendor's tools and technology. Given the cost and change management efforts involved, it is vital to 'do your homework' carefully and make a deliberate choice to partner with a vendor that is the right strategic fit for sustainable success.
When it's time to select a new software vendor, it is crucial not only to evaluate the current state of the product, including its features and capabilities, but also to consider the prospective evolution of their technology (for example, developments in AI or cloud) as a signal of the future reliability of the provider. Check if the provider fulfills current needs, evaluate their technology roadmap, and determine if they will continue to adapt and develop their solution in the years to come.
With this in mind, when considering a CCM investment, cloud software and especially Software as a Service (SaaS) technology offers several advantages for long-term investment:
- Cost-efficiency: SaaS solutions offer the advantage of reduced initial set-up costs, eliminating the need for substantial upfront investments in hardware, infrastructure, and software licenses. This makes it more cost-effective to implement and maintain over the long term. It also reduces the financial burden on internal IT teams as SaaS providers handle the maintenance, security, and infrastructure aspects of the software.
- Flexibility to scale: SaaS solutions are designed to scale ensuring that the software can grow alongside the organization, making it a sustainable long-term investment. In CCM, a typical scenario is the end-of-month batch production, which often results in a surge in resource usage. This spike often leads to higher costs, despite the fact that these resources see lesser use throughout the rest of the month. SaaS solutions offer greater flexibility allowing businesses to easily adjust their usage based on changing needs. Another example of SaaS scalability is the adoption of the solution within a limited scope before expanding it more widely (either across different teams or internationally - see more below on international reach).
- Automatic updates: Reap the advantages of continuous improvement that arrives to your users automatically. SaaS providers regularly update their software to enhance features, security, and performance. Users automatically receive these updates without additional costs or disruptions, ensuring that the software remains current and competitive over the long term. As an example, Quadient's Inspire Evolve SaaS solution upgrades every two months providing new capabilities and features.
- Accessibility and collaboration: SaaS applications are typically accessible through web browsers, enabling users to access the software from anywhere with an internet connection. This fosters collaboration and allows teams to work together seamlessly, which is crucial for long-term business success. Inspire Evolve offers collaborative features that enable different teams to work together.
- Focus on strategic tasks: IT resources are increasingly expensive and stretched. Reducing the burden on IT teams to operate third-party technology allows them to focus on more strategic tasks rather than routine maintenance.
- Subscription model: Most SaaS vendors operate on a subscription-based model, providing predictable and manageable costs. This predictability aids in budgeting and financial planning over the long term, making it easier for businesses to allocate resources. As an example, Inspire Evolve offers a subscription model based on production volume making it predictable, affordable, and flexible.
- Security: SaaS providers invest in robust security measures to protect their platforms and users' data. This can often be more comprehensive than what individual organizations can afford, ensuring a secure long-term solution.
- Faster deployment: SaaS solutions generally have faster deployment times compared to traditional on-premise software. This enables organizations to start benefiting from the software quickly, accelerating the return on investment. SaaS solutions typically come with online training, videos, tutorials, and user interfaces designed to minimize the learning curve.
- International reach: SaaS solutions can be accessed globally, facilitating expansion into new markets without the need for significant IT infrastructure adjustments. This international accessibility is beneficial for businesses with long-term global growth plans.
- Vendor support: SaaS vendors typically provide dedicated customer support. This ensures that users can get assistance when needed, reducing downtime and contributing to the long-term reliability of the software.
In summary, SaaS offers a compelling value proposition for long-term software investment by providing cost savings, scalability, continuous improvements, accessibility, and robust security measures. The advantages of a subscription model, reduced IT burden, and global accessibility contribute to making SaaS a compelling strategic choice for businesses looking for a sustainable CCM software solution.
Quadient, is the world's leading SaaS software solution provider for customer communication management. Speak to one of our experts today to discuss solutions tailored for your CCM needs and pave the way for unparalleled success.
