When a scrap metal recycling company invests in a shredder, truck or container, it can look at physical equipment to compare the features of different products. An investment in software is equally important, but it can seem like a bigger challenge to compare software products. Below is a summary of features recycling companies should look for when comparing scrap metal recycling software.
Scrap Metal Recycling Software Should Include the Following:
1. Offer features to run your entire operation end to end
Scrap metal recyclers should have a software system that will seamlessly run your entire operation end to end. From the buying process through inventory management, shipment and sales, the software should allow staff to enter data one time while it is tracked throughout your operation. A purchase quote should be able to be converted to a contract, while the inventory is tracked possibly across multiple yards and to its destination after sale. Eliminate paper, spreadsheets, file cabinets and clerical errors with “first time final” capture of your data, meaning it is entered only one time by your staff.
Software must provide modules that can manage these areas of your business:
Purchases, Quotes & Contracts, Sales, Inventory, Truck Dispatch, Container Tracking, Ledger Interface, and Reports. It must also include software modules and interface with hardware to assist with compliance with all laws and regulations.
2. Give you a bird’s eye view of your business with critical reports
Having software manage your business end to end is a step in the right direction, but it also must produce reports to help you see what’s going on. Good scrap metal recycling software should provide a suite of reporting features that deliver real-time insights to give you the at-a-glance data you need for smart decision making. With these reports on hand, you can transform raw data into actionable intelligence.
3. Provide cutting edge improvements with free ongoing updates
Software is dynamic and is always being improved. A good scrap metal recycling software should include routine updates to add the latest innovations all free of charge. ScrapWare software, a leading product in the scrap metal recycling industry, is constantly collaborating with its industry clients to add new features and abilities to its software. Once ScrapWare makes such improvements, it makes these features available to all its clients free of charge during routine updates, giving them access to the latest software innovations.
4. Allow smart customization, if needed
Scrap metal recycling software should allow for customization to meet the changing needs of your business. ScrapWare software is built for customization. It can be adjusted to meet a recycler’s unique needs. At the same time, each modification is carefully evaluated to make sure it will not impact a customer’s ability to upgrade their product in the future.
5. Provide promised features that are well tested in a timely manner
To serve your recycling company, a software provider must follow through by delivering the features it has promised its customers. Sometimes a promised feature gets snagged in development and takes months or years to be completed or is delivered prematurely with technical glitches. ScrapWare does not provide customers with new features until they are rigorously tested.
6. Offer ample live free support across time zones, on demand
Some recycling software providers underestimate the importance of support by being available only during business hours or relying on automated systems. Your staff must be able to resolve issues with the software anytime, as they arise. ScrapWare is backed with responsive, reliable support. All day, every day, it will quickly resolve any issue by phone, text, or email.
7. Avoid hidden fees
Things like version updates, user improvements, license fees or routine support should not require additional or annual fees. Once your system is up and running, a monthly pre-determined predictable maintenance fee is all you should pay.
8. Be easy to use and allow for flexible training
Recycling software cannot produce a solid return on investment if it is too hard for your staff to use. ScrapWare software is designed to be user friendly, and its training is too. ScrapWare software uses an intuitive color-coded fill in the blank format and recognizable icons, so it is easy and fun to use. ScrapWare makes the learning process easy, convenient, and accessible. You and your staff can train at your own pace, anytime, from anywhere.
9. Allow you to make electronic payments to your vendors
In changing times flexibility is key to competitiveness. Given the expense and risk of cash and check, many businesses and consumers prefer electronic payments. ScrapWare software users have the option of paying some or all their vendors with pre-paid debit cards. ScrapWare has joined forces with Paysign ®, a leader in the electronic payment industry, to give this option to all its customers.
In addition to these key features, below is a list of other factors to consider when evaluating scrap metal recycling software.
- Remember your software is an investment – Good software will improve your company’s profitability and return-on-investment (ROI). Therefore, it is important not to choose software based solely on price. That choice may not be the best fit for your company, and upgrading to better software in the future is expensive.
- Evaluate the database – It is critical to have an underlying database supported by a major technology company like Oracle or Microsoft, guaranteed to be supported through many years of regular updates.
- Learn about Hardware – Make sure you can buy hardware on the open market if you prefer. Your options are limited if you are required to purchase hardware through your software company, which should support name brand hardware.
- Know Where your Cloud Data Center is located – If you are purchasing cloud-based software, know the details of the data center hosting the software. It is critical to have your software hosted in a reputable data center where your data is protected with strong tech expertise.
- Choose industry-specific software – It is beneficial to use software developed specifically for the scrap metal recycling industry, designed by those with a keen understanding of scrap metal recycling businesses.
- Talk to References – It is important to talk to other users of the software. Speak with a reference that is similar to your company.
Get the most out of your recycling software investment
ScrapWare Corp. has been in business for more than 35 years providing software to the scrap metal recycling industry exclusively. Working hand-in-glove with our customers, we have developed a software product that is built around the needs of the scrap metal recycling industry. ScrapWare is always being enhanced with cutting-edge improvements made with input from our customers.
This card is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard, and is serviced by Paysign, Inc.
About ScrapWare Corporation: Since 1989, Rockville, Maryland-based ScrapWare Corporation has been the software of choice for the recycling industry. Its ease of installation and simplicity saves users time and money while helping them achieve compliance and maintain accurate business insights. With state-of-the-art functionality tailored to each organization’s unique requirements, ScrapWare is an advanced dynamic software solution that alleviates the most pressing recycling industry worries. For more information, please call (301) 517-8500 or visit https://www.scrapware.com/.