Where’s Hans?
By: Erin Mahan
We all have someone in our life that we depend on. In a personal sense, that usually means a spouse, family member, or friend. Generally it’s the one or two people in your life that you just could not get along without. We all depend on someone in the business realm as well. Whether you are CEO, a salesman, or a lowly intern, there are certain people you depend on to assist you, advise you, or simply encourage you. But what happens if the person you depend on leaves?
Meet Hans
Let’s say, for example, that you are the owner of a paper converting company. You have had a spectacular year. Revenues are up and productivity is at an all-time high. There are competent, knowledgeable people in every department making sure operations run smoothly. Your computer programmer, Hans, is one of your most valuable employees. Not only is he a computer whiz, but he has also designed a computer program exclusively for your company. Therefore, he knows the system inside and out so if there is ever a problem, Hans knows what to do. His knowledge of the inner workings of the company’s computer system makes him irreplaceable and someone you depend on more than anyone else. What would ever you do without him?
The Call
You’re sitting in your office one Tuesday morning and you get a call. It’s Hans on the phone, and he is calling to let you know that he received a job offer from ABC paper converting. He tells you it is in his best interest to take the job, as it affords him a better opportunity to advance, and simply put, make more money. His decision is final. You are left high and dry. What now?
The Problem
This is a scary scenario, but it has happened. Paper converting companies often design their own software programs, making themselves dependent on the designers. The software is company-specific, and so those outside of the company are not familiar with the software. Therefore, if the computer programmer leaves, the company is left with no one who knows how to make the necessary changes, or upgrades. And when problems arise, there is no one available to help solve them. The company has no other option but to start all over again with a new software program.
Starting over the right way
Starting all over with brand new software can be a daunting task. That is why it is imperative to implement software custom written for the paper converting industry. Generic software, such as an Excel spreadsheet, lacks the capability that paper converters need. Paper converting demands software that is fully integrated, and able to perpetually track orders and inventory.
Not only should the software be specifically tailored to the paper converting industry, but most important, it should come with a monthly maintenance agreement. A monthly maintenance agreement takes away the risk associated with buying new software. It ensures that the software is implemented well, is effective, and is a good fit for your company. With a monthly maintenance agreement, programmers are paid to know the software, and to help you with any problems you might have. Your company will never be left stranded because you have professionals readily available who will do all they can to make sure the software works well and is always fully updated. A maintenance agreement takes the gamble out of buying software because it guarantees that “Hans” will always be there no matter what.
About PaperSoft
PaperSoft Inc. is a global provider of ERP software applications developed exclusively for the converting industry. PaperSoft helps converting companies reduce waste, labor costs, downtime, and allows revenue growth without adding personnel. These improvements are achieved through integrating functions into one system that are typically maintained in multiple systems, i.e., Microsoft Excel and other third party generic accounting packages.