5 of the best app types for Optimal Data Management

Image credit: Liza Summer from Pexels

Data is everything in business, but it comes in many forms and from numerous sources. The connected and real-time nature of the modern business can be overwhelming when it is not sorted correctly or managed efficiently. General apps aim to track varying data sets and perform well with smaller projects, but specific apps collect detailed data. Additionally, you can automate repetitive tasks to streamline processes and boost productivity.

Key Performance Monitors
Key performance indicators (KPI) can mean several things depending on your business. For example, from an HR perspective, you may only be concerned with average daily attendance. But from an accountancy perspective, you might want to monitor revenue per client. The best KPI apps allow data to run through various Warehouse dashboards in one place. In addition, they provide specific and custom data sets based on the nature of your business. Some of the best KPI apps include SAMS, Grow and SiSense.

Analytics Tools
Of course, data analysis is the backbone of data management. Analytics tools allow for the cleansing and monitoring of real-time, static and historical data. They also allow you to sort precise data using specific criteria with the goals of data discovery. Finally, data discovery based on modelling facilitates decision making based on accurate data. The best-known analytics tool is Google Analytics. However, analytics tools come as standard with social media platforms. Other excellent analysis apps include ZoHo, Sprinkle and HubSpot.

Project Management Apps
For any business of any size, project management is crucial. Project managers may allocate jobs, milestones and deadlines. For most, the vast amount of planning, decision making and data would be too much for one person to remember, and for your teams, a central point of information is essential. Therefore, similar to document management,  project management apps become necessary. While you could assign data on paper, these will be lost or subject to damage. Apps like Hive, Teamweek and Podio are excellent for tracking projects, contributors and important dates.

Collaboration Suites
The large scale of most current projects and the amount of contributors means that something will potentially be lost in translation. But multi-person contributions and collaboration are necessary for most departments, especially those with numerous employees or when sourcing external contractors. Also, Covid-19 means that not everyone can be present for crucial meetings. But collaboration software can help. Microsoft Teams, Flock and Discord are among some of the best apps that allow for a real-time and static exchange of data, images and videos between everyone involved.

Process Automation Tools
Some tasks can drive you insane when you need to repeat them over and over again. And that's where process automation comes in. Automation software can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks, so you don't have to. MailChimp is an excellent example of the world's most popular email automation program. This app will automatically send emails to set subscriber lists with specific content. Other standard automation software includes marketing tools like Marketo and Templafy document automation. However, you should be aware that most automation software doesn't come cheap.