Payroll Software

4. Making a Purchase

Ideally, you will buy one payroll system and build your business payroll on it over a long period. You should take time to consider carefully which payroll software is right for you.

4.1 Decide your business objectives.

• Assemble a team of interested parties - not forgetting the end users - to set specific, quantified objectives.
• Ask the team to identify current problems and future requirements.

4.2 Various professional organisations can provide you with lists of suppliers.

• The HM Revenue & Customs Accreditation Scheme approves software that meets its payroll standards.

4.3 Recommendations are one of the best ways to find suppliers. You can also search online, read articles and advertisements, or go to trade shows. Shortlist suppliers by asking them qualifying questions.

• How many customers use their payroll systems? A large number of users generally indicates better support.
• Do they supply businesses like yours? Ask if you can question these businesses about their experiences.
• Can the supplier give you a list of recommended 'third-party developers' who can adapt the software? A short list means you have little choice of who you work with.

4.4 Ask selected suppliers how their products can meet your needs.

• Does the system have to be modified to meet your specific needs?
• What additional features are there? Look for the specific features you need.
• Do they have other suggestions as to how their systems can benefit your company? These may indicate how well they understand your business.