Essential business management software buying information
Business management software integrates essential applications into one suite, streamlining operations across accounting, contact management, customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, and human resources. The software allows organizations to control a full range of business applications from a centralized hub. This integration reduces the need for separate training for each application, simplifying deployment and enhancing organizational efficiency.
Business management software is primarily utilized by financial officers, operations managers, HR managers, project managers, CRM specialists, and other professionals responsible for managing business functions.
Most business management software solutions on the market are priced on a “per user per month” basis, and their entry-level pricing plans range from $5 to $70+. Enterprise-level business management systems may include extra management, control and automation features at a higher price. 1
For new buyers, selecting the right business management software is key to addressing operational challenges and optimizing processes. Evaluate integration capabilities, cost, customer support services, and more. Consider asking these kinds of questions to ensure a vendor’s software fulfills your operational demands:
How does the software integrate AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency within areas such as CRM and resource planning?
What features does the software offer to support advanced contact management, and how do these features facilitate improved customer relationship management?
Can the software provide detailed analytics on human resources management, including employee performance tracking and resource allocation efficiencies?
How well can the software handle multi-functional business processes, and can it scale to accommodate growth in various departments?
What security measures are integrated into the software to protect sensitive business information across all modules?
What are the most reviewed business management solutions?
Capterra Shortlist identifies the top business management systems based on a proprietary blend of user ratings and popularity, helping small businesses efficiently find the most effective business management solution for their needs. 2 Here are the five most-reviewed products in our Capterra Shortlist for this category:
These rankings are determined by combining verified user ratings and publicly available web search popularity data:
Ratings score: Relative score of the software based on ratings given by users on Capterra, normalized for the number and recency of reviews.
Popularity score: Relative popularity of software based on web search trends and products’ web presence.
What is business management software?
Business management software integrates key applications into one suite. The software is designed to help businesses streamline and automate operations in accounting, CRM, ERP, and HR. The software also allows organizations to control a full range of business applications from a centralized hub. This enhances productivity, facilitates team collaboration, manages projects, handles invoicing, and improves customer relationship management (CRM), boosting efficiency across different areas.
Capterra lists 923 business management products, indicating their significance with 12,203 reviews collected over the past year. 2
Business management software pricing
Most business management software solutions on the market are priced on a “per user per month” basis, and their entry-level pricing plans range from $5 to $70+. An enterprise-level event business management system that’s priced higher may include additional features such as business process management, inventory control, order management, resource management, sales management, team management, team collaboration, and workflow automation.
Entry-level business management software generally includes basic accounting tools, customer data management, simple reporting capabilities, and essential project tracking, which are crucial for businesses to streamline operations without complex integrations.
Premium or advanced plans usually provide advanced features, including AI integration for predictive analytics, enhanced workflow automation to streamline operations across departments, sophisticated project management tools, comprehensive CRM systems, and advanced analytics for deeper insights into business performance.
Additionally, 468 software vendors on Capterra offer free trials and some systems also offer free versions. Free trials can offer users full access to a software’s features for a limited period. A free version, on the other hand, provides permanent access to the software, but with limited features and functionality. These can be leveraged to help businesses evaluate the tool and decide if it fits their needs before committing any money.
Business management software features rated by users
All business management software includes essential features such as CRM, employee management, project management and financial management. Most software also features like access controls and permissions, billing and invoicing, task management and project management to name a few.
Core business management software features
Project management: This core feature can help plan and coordinate resources, costs and time needed to execute assignments, ensuring timely delivery. 83% of reviews find it critical.
CRM: CRM tools help manage customer data, support sales management, and enable effective communication, fostering improved customer relationships. 79% of reviewers find it critical.
Financial management: This feature aids in tracking financial transactions, budgeting, and financial reporting, which is essential for maintaining fiscal health. 79% of reviewers find it critical.
Employee management: This function facilitates tracking employee information, performance management, and payroll, which is crucial for optimizing human resources functions.
Common business management software features
Client management: Manage contact details and communication with clients. 91% of reviewers find it critical.
Workflow management: Streamlines processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy in task completion. 88% of reviewers find it critical.
Task management: Helps organize, prioritize, and track task progress, improving productivity. 86% of reviewers find it critical.
Access controls/permission: Controls user access to various system parts, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations. 85% of reviewers find it critical.
Calendar management: Assists in scheduling meetings and events and optimizing time management. 82% of reviewers find it critical.
Inventory management: Manages stock levels, orders, and deliveries, which is crucial for supply chain efficiency. 82% of reviewers find it critical.
Scheduling: Supports resource planning and allocation, enhancing operational coordination. 78% of reviewers find it critical.
Billing and invoicing: Automates billing processes and invoice creation, improving accuracy and saving time. 79% of reviewers find it critical.
Time and expense tracking: Tracks work hours and expenses, which are key for project budgeting and payroll. 70% of reviewers find it critical.
Top business management software benefits identified by users
Enhanced team collaboration: Facilitates seamless interaction across teams, providing a shared workspace that supports remote collaboration, crucial for maintaining efficiency from various locations.
"It offers us a shared workspace which makes it easy for us to collaborate on the project even when we are working from different parts of the country."
–Shannel M., climate change analyst, think tanks
Streamlined workflow management: Enhances workflow clarity by supporting paperless operations and allowing for the customization and monitoring of diverse business processes.
"This tool is extremely customizable. I have been able to make it do pretty much everything I need. It has allowed me to shape and mold it to perfectly fit our sales processes and workflow."
–Ron, COO in the US
Comprehensive project management: Offers various tools that simplify project management, improve communication, and increase operational efficiency.
"The wide range of tools and features this tool offers makes project management and communication much easier and more efficient."
–Liliana Sofia A., GED, supermarkets
Boosted productivity: Simplifies task organization and increases overall productivity through a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance team efficiency.
"This software offers a wealth of tools that can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of teams. I recommend this software to other office managers looking for a comprehensive solution."
–Eileen J., office manager, electrical/electronic manufacturing
Optimized office management: Improves office communications and streamlines back-office operations, integrating systems for better management and customer interactions.
"It's a completely joined-up system that has streamlined our back office operation. Customers love the notifications when an engineer is en route."
–Marcus I., engineer, facilities services
Common challenges of business management software identified by users
Recent feedback from business management software reviewers on Capterra indicates that performance speed, problem management, pricing complexities, and steep learning curves are prevalent issues. These challenges can hinder the effectiveness and adoption rates of business management software.
To navigate these challenges effectively, choosing software known for reliability and performance speed that can scale with your business is essential. Opt for providers that deliver strong support and efficient problem resolution. Consider the total cost of ownership, including long-term expenses such as updates and training. Utilize free trials and ensure comprehensive training resources are available to ease the learning process.
What is business management software used for?
Analysis of our extensive business management software reviews highlights the most common use cases:
Workflow automation for project and task management: This software streamlines project execution and task management through advanced automation, significantly speeding up workflows and improving accuracy.
Team collaboration: These tools can enhance team collaboration by automating communication and coordination tasks, reducing time spent on manual updates. Automated notifications, shared workspace, and real-time document editing can foster a more cohesive and productive team environment.
Office management: Workflow automation for office management can streamline office operations and automating routine administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, document management, and inventory tracking. This can improve office efficiency and reduce operational costs, while allowing staff to focus on more strategic activities.
Data management: This software enhances data management by automating data collection, processing, and analysis. It ensures data accuracy, reduces manual data entry errors, and provides real-time insights, enabling better decision-making and strategic planning.
Who uses business management software?
Business management software is essential across various industries for professionals who integrate and manage diverse business functions. This versatile tool is crucial for roles that require effective coordination across departments, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes. Typically, the software supports a wide range of roles, including:
Financial officers
Operations managers
HR managers
Project managers
CRM specialists
Marketing managers
IT managers
Common business management software integrations
We analyzed our extensive reviews database and based on that, we determined the three categories that most often integrate with business management software are project management, accounting and CRM.
Our analysis of more than 100 software buyer reviews reveals that buyers appreciate software that easily integrates with existing systems, indicating that integration challenges are less daunting than anticipated.
CRM tools can integrate with business management software to centralize customer data and automate sales processes, enhancing customer service and marketing efforts.
A business management software solution that supports integration with accounting software can help streamline financial operations and provide real-time financial insights, improving cash flow management and enabling better financial planning.
The integration of business management software with project management tools can optimize resource allocation, enhance team collaboration, and provide comprehensive project tracking to help teams complete projects on time and within budget.
Recent trends in business management software
Adoption of nearshoring strategies: With 74% of SMBs planning to nearshore suppliers to North America, business management software must evolve to support this shift. 5 Nearshoring helps businesses shorten supply chains, reduce transit times, and enhance responsiveness. Enhanced tools for evaluating, integrating, and managing new suppliers are becoming crucial, ensuring consistent product quality and improved communication.
Learn more about how business management software can help your business
Curious about how business management software can transform your operations? Delve into these essential resources to expand your knowledge and guide your decision-making process:
