essay on management software

The best document management software

Document management services come in many flavors, so there's a good chance you'll find one that matches your business type, workflow, and budget. To develop a list of the best document management services, I talked to various paperless companies about their favorite apps, getting feedback from the experts who actually use these tools every day. Then, I researched the apps myself to be sure they solved an important pain point for businesses.

With that, here are the document management systems that stood out.

Best document management software for automation and workflows

Best document management software for ease of use, best document management software for collaboration.

Best document management software for integration

Best document management software for security and compliance

Best document management software for enterprise businesses

What is document management software?

Document management software provides a central repository for storing, managing, and accessing documents electronically. With it, you can organize, retrieve, and share information without perusing a mountain of papers in a dozen nine-square-foot file cabinets. In addition to storage and sharing, document management services also provide tools for automating the entire document lifecycle to streamline internal processes and increase productivity. 

As I spoke to experts and vetted these document management services, I narrowed the recommendations based on some key criteria:

Purpose-built document management abilities: The main difference between cloud storage software and a document management service is the workflow. While cloud storage solutions mainly collect, store, and share files, document managers organize, manage, and route the documents. The apps I've included here focus squarely on document management. 

Workflow automation: Workflows include document creation, routing, updates, archiving, approvals, and any other automated processes that improve productivity. Solid DMS software should have built-in workflows and automatic rules for storing, organizing, and tagging documents.

Enhanced security: Document management services have built-in security to keep your files safe. With features like access control and audit trail, you can monitor activities on every file and decide who can access what. And since DMS software is usually cloud-based, your files are safe from physical harm and loss.

Collaboration features: Using document management software, you should be able to share and collaborate on documents in real-time, track changes, monitor workflows, and control document versions.

Data capture capabilities: DMS software uses optical character recognition (OCR) software to digitize paper documents, so you can skip the data entry aspect of document management.

Usability: A great document management system should be easy to use and adopt, even for non-tech folks. Administrators should have complete control and authorization over their documents, and files should be easy to monitor, trace, and share. 

With all that in mind, here are some of the best electronic document management systems to digitize your business. 

Automation frees up employee time, so they can focus on what matters most: serving customers and growing the business. These apps help you automate routine tasks for document management. Before you dive in, it's worth seeing if Zapier can connect the apps you already use, to help you create your own custom workflows with your existing tech stack.

Zapier is the leader in workflow automation—integrating with 6,000+ apps from partners like Google, Salesforce, and Microsoft. Use interfaces, data tables, and logic to build secure, automated systems for your business-critical workflows across your organization's technology stack. Learn more .

DocuPhase helps businesses transform their operations with automated document management and workflows. Riva Jeane May Caburog of law firm Nadrich and Cohen counts on DocuPhase's AI-powered data capture and document retrieval capabilities. DocuPhase's ability to quickly extract essential information from diverse documents and retrieve data from old files enables their team to respond promptly to their clients' needs. 

DocuPhase pricing: Custom

If you're looking for simple but intuitive document control software to keep your digital file cabinet organized, M-Files could be right for you. Josh Steppling of real estate agency Treasure Coast MLS Search likes how M-Files automatically classifies and categorizes files, contracts, and client information. That automation reduces manual entry and risk of misplacement—and it gives their agents access to important documents without doing a load of legwork first. 

M-Files pricing: Custom

Fluix is the DMS software of choice for companies with a mobile workforce. Its offline mode streamlines the document workflow as field teams can quickly capture information in remote locations and sync it to the system when they have internet access. They can also generate and access reports or customer data, ensuring maximum efficiency in the field. And its availability as an iOS app makes it extra accessible. 

Fluix pricing: Starting at $30/user/month (10 users minimum) plus optional add-ons for enhanced automation.

A user-friendly document manager saves time and increases productivity. These DMS systems are the top picks for ease of use.

LogicalDOC came up as one of the few document management solutions compatible with multiple operating systems (OS) and devices. If you're looking for a feature-rich and intuitive platform that's easy to use and accessible from anywhere, this document management system could be a good fit.

LogicalDOC pricing: Custom

Folderit is an electronic file management system widely known for its user-friendliness. Made for Windows, the platform is easy to set up and includes the standard bells and whistles expected of any DMS software. It also integrates with Docusign for electronic signatures, has multiple file-sharing options, and offers offline access. 

Folderit pricing: From $27/month with monthly billing; includes up to 5 users.

Efficient collaboration reduces bottlenecks and improves your workflow. These apps give you the resources you need to get more done in less time.

• Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft has been roots-deep into productivity for a long time, so it's no surprise that several companies I talked to mentioned SharePoint. NBA Blast 's Harry Johns White told me he appreciates SharePoint's collaboration features the most, especially the ability to set permissions on sensitive documents when working with teammates in different locations. Meanwhile, Abdul Saboor Khan from PCB Insider likes SharePoint's versioning feature because of the iterative nature of their designs and processes. 

SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, and you can get it working with thousands of other apps when you connect it with Zapier . Here are some examples to get you started.

Add Sharepoint documents to Salesforce deals

Alert a channel if there's a change in a Microsoft SharePoint list

SharePoint pricing: From $6.80/user/month (annual billing). 

Revver's document manager streamlines file organization and workflow management like all the apps on this list, but one of its standout features is enhanced collaboration. Robbie Benardout from Nature Roamer depends on Revver's robust version control system to collaborate with his team remotely and manage the documentation, itinerary, and content creation behind planning outdoor adventures. 

Revver pricing: Custom 

If you're a creative business ready to move your collaborative process to secure document storage software, Hightail could be a good fit. The platform shines for focusing on large images and video files. Plus, it offers a free account and reasonably priced plans, making it ideal for small businesses. 

If you connect Hightail to Zapier , you can automate collaboration and become even more productive. Here are some pre-made workflows to get you started.

Send channel messages in Slack for new comments in Hightail

Create Hightail spaces when new monday.com boards are created

Hightail pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $12/month.

Best document management software for integration 

The ability to work with the tools you're familiar with supports consistency and organization. These document management systems connect to other apps you use for day-to-day tasks.

If you're looking for file management software that can work within your IT ecosystem, DocuWare offers secure integration with 500+ apps across CRM, HR systems, team portals, and more. VEM Medical's Derrick Hathaway considers it the best document management tool because it streamlines their entire sales system by syncing with their CRM and accounting software. The seamless integration decreases the threat of error in their files and saves them loads of time. 

DocuWare pricing: Custom

When you switch to a digital office, workflows, collaboration, and security become critical, and Box's document management features offer it all. But where it specifically shines is in its integration with 1,500 apps. With secure integrations, Box supports organization-wide collaboration that empowers teams to do their best work. And you can connect Box to thousands of other apps through Zapier. Here are some workflow examples you can use.

Get notified in Slack when a file is added to your Box Folder

Upload PDF to Box when PandaDoc documents are completed

Box pricing: Starts from $20/user/month (annual billing).

Security is a critical part of document management. The right DMS platform should serve as document control software, providing encryption and managing the accessibility of all files within the system. These tools provide reliable security and compliance features.

MasterControl

If you're in a regulated industry like medical, pharmaceutical, or food and beverage, MasterControl can help you stay compliant. This document management system is 21 CFR Part 11 Compliant , so all documents you collaborate on have a time-stamp audit trail, reporting, and eSignature functionality to comply with federal regulations. The document manager also includes security features, like access control and versioning, to foster collaboration and ensure the right people access and approve the correct documents.

MasterControl pricing: Custom

Due to its extra focus on security, EisenVault has a robust encryption algorithm to keep documents safe. Yogesh Choudhary of Finoit depends on EisenVault's audit trail for compliance and security purposes. At the same time, its access control enables his team to restrict access to sensitive code and control who views, edits, and approves documents.

EisenVault pricing: Custom

Best document management software for enterprises

Most of the electronic document management systems on this list are designed to scale with your business no matter the size, but here are a few solutions built primarily for enterprise organizations.

Alfresco's enterprise content management (ECM) system brings together document management, collaboration, artificial intelligence, and data capture to enable productivity in enterprise organizations. With smart folders, the tool can automatically group similar files based on content to streamline information organization and retrieval. It also packs features like built-in workflows and rich metadata to automatically move documents through pre-defined processes. 

Alfresco pricing: Custom

FileHold offers data extraction, versioning controls, administration tools, and records management to streamline document workflow automation in large enterprises. At Deep Cognition , John Pennypacker relies on its powerful search capabilities to quickly retrieve, view, and share files with clients and colleagues, especially when on the go. In addition, the platform includes features like an anonymous access portal and hotkey links, which project managers can use to customize their accounts. 

FileHold pricing: Custom 

If you prefer a custom file management system, OpenKM's open source document management software allows you to build custom features tailored to your organization's workflow and IT demands. The DMS provides an interoperable platform that supports integrations across repositories and applications enterprise-wide.

OpenKM pricing: Free plan available; the paid/professional version requires a custom quote. 

Cloud storage and office suites for document management

In my research and conversations, I found that some cloud storage solutions and office suites also serve as document managers, so I'm suggesting them here as alternatives if you need something a little more lightweight.

Dropbox Business

Even though it's not as robust as the other file management systems I listed above, Dropbox's versioning feature facilitates collaboration. At Offices.net , Teresha Aird and her hybrid team depend on Dropbox's version histories and shared folders to collaborate on projects and organize content effortlessly.  

When you pay for Dropbox as a cloud storage service, you get document management solutions like eSignature and audit logs too. And when you connect Dropbox to Zapier , you can use automation to streamline your document workflows. Learn more about how to automate Dropbox , or take a look at some of these examples.

Upload newly-signed DocuSign envelopes to Dropbox

Save new attachments in Gmail to Dropbox

Dropbox pricing:   Starts at $15/user/month (annual billing)

• Google Drive

Google Drive tries to offer everything your team needs for effective document management—minus the built-in automated workflows. Abhishek Shah from Testlify especially likes it for real-time collaboration: multiple team members can simultaneously work on a document, track changes, and leave comments, fostering a dynamic and cohesive work environment. 

Google Drive has built-in integration with other products and services in Google Workspace, but you can get it working with thousands of other third-party apps through its Zapier integration . Learn more about how to automate Google Drive , and check out these pre-made workflows to get started.

Send emails via Gmail when new files are added to Google Drive

Save new Gmail attachments to Google Drive

Google Drive pricing : Free; paid plans start at $12/user/month (annual billing).

OnlyOffice offers a document management system that supports collaboration. Keith Donovan at Startup Stumbles appreciates how it handles versioning: you can see who has made changes to a document, preview the revision, download it, or make a comment in the built-in chat window.

OnlyOffice pricing: The cloud version is available from $1/user/month (3-year plan) for at least 6 users. Enterprise plans start at $2,200 for the self-hosted version .

Stay fully paperless with an electronic document management system

If your business requires a lot of paperwork and internal collaboration, you need a document management system. Sound file management software will help organize your process, make your employees more productive, and reduce operating costs.

Choosing the right file management system comes down to your business type, workflow, and budget. Most software can serve businesses in any industry, but some are specially designed for regulated businesses, fieldwork, or enterprises. And keep in mind that DMS services can get pricey real quick, so choose a system that fits your organization's size and operations for budget purposes, too.

Related reading:

How adding document automation to your workflows helps your business

4 ways to improve document control with automation

How to automatically create documents from a template

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Juliet John

Juliet is a B2B SaaS content writer. She writes authoritative and helpful long-form content that drives revenue and ranks on search. Outside content marketing, she loves to cook and read fiction. Find her at https://writerjuliet.com/

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Essays on Management Software

5 samples on this topic

On this website, we've put together a catalog of free paper samples regarding Management Software. The intention is to provide you with a sample similar to your Management Software essay topic so that you could have a closer look at it in order to grasp a clear idea of what a top-notch academic work should look like. You are also suggested to employ the best Management Software writing practices displayed by expert authors and, eventually, craft a high-quality paper of your own.

However, if crafting Management Software papers completely by yourself is not an option at this point, WowEssays.com essay writer service might still be able to help you out. For instance, our writers can pen a unique Management Software essay sample specifically for you. This example piece on Management Software will be written from scratch and tailored to your personal requirements, reasonably priced, and sent to you within the pre-set deadline. Choose your writer and buy custom essay now!

A-Level Essay On Project Management Process: Celoxis: For Free Use

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROCESS: CELOXIS

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College Essay Tips for Software Engineering Programs

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Hale Jaeger in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

“why this . . .” essays for software engineering, writing your essay.

For many college applications, you’ll write essays in addition to the Common App personal statement . These prompts will often ask you about what you’re planning on pursuing at the college. This article will give you practical advice for explaining your interest in software engineering. 

Many supplemental essay prompts are quite common, such as “ Why this major? ” and “ Why this school? ” If you’re sure about pursuing software engineering and know which college you want to kick off your career at, you should already know the answers to these questions. 

Certain schools have strong software engineering and computer science programs. If this is the case for your chosen college, it should be easy for you to say that you can identify with their program. You can add that you’re excited to use the specific resources there and how they will help you reach your goal of becoming a software engineer.

When talking about your major, bring up what attracts you to the field. Your eventual salary and career prospects are incentives, but you want to explain what specifically about the study of computer science and engineering makes you excited. Why do you like to learn about it? Maybe you’re fascinated by the inner workings of technology. Perhaps you’re interested in how specific tools on certain websites work. It’s also possible that you want to improve user experience and innovate existing software.

These reasons are a bit less shallow than money. They also get to the heart of why you want to pursue software engineering: you like to build things and solve problems. 

From Abstract to Specific

In general, when writing your essays, you should work on funneling these types of ideas about your major from the abstract to the specific. You can open with a particular anecdote or story to catch the reader’s attention, of course, but try to start with high-level interests. Fundamental things like identifying the inner workings of a website can lead to more niche topics.

Personal Experiences

When writing your essays, make sure you touch on any personal experiences that can help show why this subject is your passion. It can all add to the personal narrative that you’ve been building in your entire application and help make the admissions officers understand you better.

If you had an experience with technology that fascinated you, drew you into the subject, and made you want to learn more, then include that. Be sure to add the important details so the reader can get a good sense of the scene. Another way to go is if you had the opposite experience: you encountered a frustrating piece of technology and were desperate to figure out how to get it working. You realized that you wanted to go into the field to improve software and make people’s lives easier. You can try writing about your interests that way. 

Another way to write your essay is to back up an explanation of your passions with a personal story that will make your essay compelling. Try to draw on an anecdote, and if possible, explain what you’ve accomplished after your initial interest was sparked. 

How did you get involved in coding? If you found technology that was glitching all the time or something that excited you, did this inspire you to figure out how it all worked? Write about how you’ve developed your skills in coding and science and how much you’ve learned about good systems and malfunctioning systems. Then, write about what you want to accomplish and innovate in the field.

Plans for the Future

When you’ve discussed the past and present, you can begin to probe the future. For the sake of narrative, try to include how you’ve grown and what your ultimate ambitions are. If you’re not sure exactly what branch of software engineering you want to go into, that’s fine. You can name a few options, such as game design or mobile design, or you can just talk about how you want to build things and make better technology to improve people’s lives. 

When you’re talking about personal things, you should aim to be specific. Draw on stories when you can, and be honest about what interests you about this subject and what you want to do in the field. This is your chance to explore why you’re looking to go into software engineering, so you should come away from these essays feeling much more confident about your planned course of study.

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Customer Relationship Management Software Essay

Introduction.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a common buzzword in today’s business circles. Some researchers define it as an interactive tool for managing a company’s relationship with its customers, or clients, while others perceive it as a set of processes and activities for organisations to communicate with internal and external shareholders. 1 CRM strives to do three main things – create precise marketing campaigns, create a coherent view of customers, and create an effective consumer database. 2

Precision marketing predominantly focuses on creating products and services that appeal to customer needs (to increase sales). The database creation is part of wider trend created by CRM to increase investments in data warehouses.

Some researchers adopt a simplistic approach of understanding CRM by saying it stems from the appreciation of the need to treat customers well (and pay for information that would help companies to do so). 3 Others claim it is a platform for companies to integrate their business processes and add value to customers. 4

Companies adopt CRM by buying appropriate software. CRM software applies to key service areas of an organisation, such as marketing, customer service, and technical support. 5 Its functions include “providing a central database where customer related information is stored, retrieves and display that information and reporting tools to interrogate it and answer questions critical to the business.” 6

Observers say companies use CRM software to track, manage, and store information that relates to their customer relationship platforms. 7 The main goal of doing so is to enhance a company’s relationship with its customers. Through the codification of customer-business interactions, CRM software has allowed many companies to benefit from increased sales and improved customer loyalty. 8

Using key performance indicators, companies have also used the CRM software to target their customer service strategies in key performance areas. 9 Companies that have done so have decreased idle time and deleted unproductive contacts in their customer service lists. Based on the opportunities that CRM offers, this paper explores the CRM software by exploring its background, benefits, and limitations. However, before delving into this analysis, it is, first, important to understand CRM software.

What is CRM Software?

There are different types of CRM software. Sales automation software and campaign management software are the main types of software in business. 10 Both types describe the full CRM software. However, many companies have been using a pared version of the full CRM software (CM software) because it could offer the same advantages as the complete software version.

The CM software appeals to several organisations because it offers many of the advantages associated with the full CM package, without causing disruptions to an organisation’s operations.

For many customer-oriented start-ups, the CM software only helps to augment existing customer service procedures, as opposed to replacing them with alternative procedures. 11 Lastly, the typical CRM software provides a basic method of tracking and documenting customer needs. This platform simplifies the customer service process by providing personalised service to customers.

What Necessitated the Introduction of CRM Software?

Researchers have linked the rise of CRM software to decades of globalisation, which created an increased need for organisations to cope with changing customer demands and preferences. 12 The onset of mass production in the late 19 th century and early 20 th century created an increase in products and customers worldwide. Businesses had trouble keeping up with demand and ultimately lost the personal touch they had with customers because the customers became “numbers” in company systems. 13

For example, the purchasing process that allowed customers and businesses to interact changed. 14 Businesses did not interact with customers directly because agents stepped in the supply chain to offer mass products and services to customers on behalf of the manufacturers.

Consequently, many businesses lost their understanding of the individual needs of customers. However, this trend recently changed as the businesses strived to re-establish a personalised relationship with their customers. 15 Doing so has been problematic. 16 This is why many companies have decided to use technological tools to help them re-establish customer relationships. 17 Through this need, CRM was born. Based on these intrigues, software developers have based CRM software on the five building blocks outlined below

How Does the CRM Software Work?

Many people have confused CRM with relationship marketing. 18 However, the latter stems from a different philosophy of customer relationship management, which argues that most customers would be inclined to stay with an organisation if they enjoy beneficial relationships with their service providers. 19

Some researchers have simplified the concept of relationship marketing by saying that it involves attracting, maintaining, and enhancing business-customer relationships. 20 Others believe it describes the nature of relationship between businesses and their customers. For example, One Business 2014 says

“Customer Relationship Management (or CRM) is a phrase that describes how a business interacts with its customers. Most people think of CRM as a system to capture information about customers. However, that is only part of the picture. CRM involves using technology to gather the intelligence you need to provide improved support and services to your customers.” 21

The CRM concept is useful in implementing this process by providing the right tools for applying relationship-marketing concepts. 22 To realise these benefits, companies adopt CRM software differently. However, commonly, they install the software in call centres and provide customers with information regarding their questions, or direct them to the right agent where they would get help. 23

To explain this fact, some researchers say, “CRM technology applications link front office (such as sales, marketing and customer service) and back office (such as finance, operations, logistics and human resources) functions with the company’s customer touch points”. 24

What are the Benefits of CRM Software?

As highlighted in this paper, the CRM software helps organisations to maintain and utilise a comprehensive database for customer relationship management. Such databases could add value to an organisation in different ways. However, generally, they are instrumental in improving business-business relationships and business-customer relationships.

Business-Customer Relationships (B2C)

Customers have often grappled with the problem of poor customer service, even with organisations that have well established customer service centres. 25 The CRM software helps customers to realise improved service quality by building a consistent experience with service providers. 26 For example, since CRM allows employees to see a customer’s service history, customers are bound to enjoy the benefit of interacting with a well-informed employee.

Having access to a customer’s service history also allows a company to suggest suitable products that would suit the needs of a customer. Similarly, armed with adequate information about a customer, a technical support employee could help customers solve their concerns at an appropriate level of support. 27 By regularising business-customer relations, the CRM software could also allow customer service employees to hone their skills by optimising their customer service techniques.

This could happen by enabling service providers to offer targeted solutions to customer needs. 28 This way, customers could avoid getting irrelevant information from companies. Poor customer service is a common problem that highlights this challenge because customer service employees often suffer from fatigue and repetitively answering customer questions. 29

The CRM software helps to solve this problem by “gamifying” customer service environments by tapping into their needs for achievement and status in the customer service environment. Therefore, through their visceral need for achievement, customer service employees improve their services through a structured competitive environment. 30

Business-Business Relationships (B2B)

Despite the common understanding that CRM software works to improve business-customer relationships (only), evidence shows that CRM software could also improve B2B relationships. 31 The benefits that most businesses enjoy from adopting the CRM software emanate from improved information transfers and improvements in organisational efficiencies. 32 These benefits emerge in different ways.

For example, increased collaboration in the workplace, through CRM software applications, improves cohesion among employees and, by extension, productivity in the organisation. 33 This benefit is useful to organisations that have different employees working on a single account.

For example, Prof Company is a human resource company that used information integration capabilities of the CRM software successfully to improve its customer service relationships. The software allowed employees to know their customers and understand the types of products and services they were interested in. 34 However, the company’s management said the greatest problem they encountered when using the software was its inability to track changes in customer preferences. 35

For example, although the software allowed them to know who was buying from them, they could not ascertain why the customers kept coming back to them. Nonetheless, referring to the advantages of the CRM software, some researchers reveal, “The CRM software provides tools to organise multi‐step interactions, helps to organise and prioritise sales leads, answer customer service requests, and other common workflows.” 36

Although B2B advantages of CRM complement B2C relationships, both types of relationships have different characteristics (business-to-business relationships have a longer maturity time than business-to-customer relationships). 37

Therefore, the best software for B2B relationships should have a “personalised feel” which meets the business needs of the different businesses. Modern business practices require businesses to coordinate with one another to create operational efficiencies in the market. 38 Given most of these interactions are virtual, businesses find it easy to interact in real-time through CRM software.

Advantages to Individual Companies

Besides improving B2B and B2C relationships, the CRM software also offers individual benefits to companies. For example, businesses could benefit from improved branding if they offer a consistent high quality customer service to their customers. 39 Studies have also shown that the adoption of the CRM software could also improve a company’s revenue by 41%. 40

The same studies have also shown that customer retention could increase by 27%. 41 In line with these benefits, companies that adopt the CRM software could achieve a lead conversion rate of up to 300%. 42 Researchers have also reported improvements in information continuity among companies that adopt the CRM software. 43

Although such software appeal to large organisations, small or medium-sized organisations that adopt CRM early are likely to experience exponential growth as well. This advantage is especially important for service-oriented companies because creating an excellent customer service reputation, while growing, is important for their success. 44 For example, Goods Company is a global consumer company that successfully used the CRM software to improve customer information availability and customer relationship management. 45

The company used the software to improve its call centre services in America and Europe. It found the software useful because it added value to its customer relationship management process by creating a problem resolution database. The biggest problem with adopting the software was the unavailability of customer information. This problem emerged from its distribution system, which mainly centred on distributing the company’s products via its distributors. 46

Therefore, it was difficult to know the end users. Consequently, the CRM software only captured information about customers who responded to the company’s advertisements. Usually, these customers called the company through the number advertised on billboards. They mainly wanted to know where the nearest stock list would be. 47 The only other way that the company obtained information from their customers was through clients who registered their products with the company.

Through this method, they could get information about the customers when they made follow-ups about the products. Comprehensively, Goods Company had very little information about their customers. However, by using the CRM software, they could improve their relationship management process using the little information they had about them.

Lastly, CRM could help an organisation to handle many employees without affecting other aspects of its performance. Particularly, such companies could manage many employees without affecting their core strategy. 48

Furthermore, if these companies adopt the CRM strategy early in their life cycles, they are less likely to experience operational disruptions from its adoption. 49 Particularly, small companies could learn from the implementation and cost strategies associated with CRM by adopting the software early in their life cycles. This way, it would be easy to maintain quality customer service as they grow. 50

Limitations of the CRM Software

CRM software is easy to use and offer immense advantages as highlighted in this report. However, some companies have had a problem with its implementation because of its limitations. To understand the effects of these limitations, researchers say many CRM systems use the standard software. 51 Flexibility issues, high cost, and limited functionalities are only some problems associated with the average CRM software. 52 Limited control and increased competitiveness are also other limitations associated with the CRM software.

Based on these limitations, the greatest weakness of the typical CRM software is the assumption that all organisations have the same customer management relationships. 53 However, this is not the case. For example, some businesses have a direct contact with their customers, while others do not enjoy this benefit. Illustratively, this paper has already shown that Prof Company and Goods Company do not enjoy the advantage of directly contacting their customers. Instead, they use agents to do so.

This is why they experienced some difficulty using the CRM software to improve their customer service processes. In detail, Goods Company had trouble understanding the characteristics of their customers. Similarly, Prof Company had trouble monitoring the levels of service offered to their customers using the CRM software. This way, they could not report on the level of service offered by the company to existing and potential customers.

On an unrelated analytic sphere, other companies have had trouble with the CRM software because of its functionality problems. 54 Mainly, this problem stemmed from the inability of the software to hold data about specific customer groups. For example, researchers say the CRM software is unable to accept configurations that would allow it to hold data about individual customer sales volumes. 55 This is an interesting finding because most CRM vendors sell the software as an “all-fit” technological tool.

Why Do Some Companies get it wrong?

Customer relationship management is part of a wider trend in the business environment that strives to adopt innovative technological methods to provide business solutions to contemporary business problems. However, as some scholars observe, many businesses devour the potential of these IT-based solutions by giving little thought to best practices in CRM adoption. 56 Instead, many business managers continue to subscribe to a philosophy where technology is part of an enchanting and liberal financial system. 57

However, the magic bullet theory of IT presumes that when managers change this thinking, they are likely to benefit from improved business performance. 58 One problem associated with IT-based business solutions, such as the CRM software, is the emphasis on success as opposed to the implementation of the technology. 59

The French Socrate Railway System emphasises this challenge because it shows how employees could sabotage a system by placing too much emphasis on the success of the software as opposed to what they could do to implement it appropriately. 60 To emphasise this fact, some scholars remind us that history has many examples where companies leaped into adopting new technologies without evaluating how such technologies could suit their business needs. 61

This challenge has characterised the adoption of CRM software. 62 Moreover, researchers have also observed it during the adoption of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). 63 Relative to this discussion, some researchers believe that many organisations fail to learn from the mistakes created by other organisations. 64

Many literatures that focus on CRM software fail to provide an accurate picture of its adoption because they mainly depend on vendor rhetoric and information developed to suit managers. 65

Researchers have also highlighted the technical knowledge of operating CRM software as another impediment of its adoption. For example, Eng. Company (a globally recognised engineering firm that offers technical solutions to different telecommunication firms) recently adopted the CRM software to improve the effectiveness of its customer service department. 66 Although the company intended to use the software to increase its efficiency, it derailed its progress.

One problem was the technical expertise needed to administer the CRM software (Light 2001). Most of the customer service employees were used to using paper-based customer service methods to undertake their duties. When the company introduced the CRM software, they took a lot of time understanding how the system works as opposed to focusing on their main duty – serving customers. 67 Therefore, their efficiency declined in this regard.

Lastly, another reason why companies fail to realise the benefits of CRM software is the poor designs of some of these technological tools. Of importance is the limited application of CRM software for small organisations. Stated differently, most software developers design the tool for use in large organisations. 68

This action exists despite the immense growth of CRM adoption in small businesses, relative to large businesses. 69 In fact, some researchers reveal that, today, small organisations adopt CRM three times faster than large organisations do. 70

Conclusion (Future of CRM Software)

Many authors highlighted in this paper agree that the CRM software strives to improve relationship marketing. 71 They have also revealed that the software is incongruent with the relationship management goals of most organisations. 72 These goals aim to improve customer service delivery. However, researchers warn that focusing on customer issues without understanding problematic issues that could emerge from functional silos could possibly impede the future success of CRM software. 73

The common experience of most companies with CRM is that they implement CRM in unique functional areas (only), such as marketing or call centre services, without focusing on how they would integrate with other departments. 74 For example, this paper showed that Goods Company implemented the CRM software in its call centre department and overlooked how this department would improve the functionality of other sectors of the organisation.

They needed an IT-based support mechanism to synchronise call-centre functions with other organisational functions. This step shows that it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach to CRM adoption. 75 Other companies similarly highlighted the need to adopt a holistic approach to CRM adoption. For example, Eng Company failed to realise the comprehensive benefits of CRM software by failing to adopt a comprehensive view of its adoption (they used the software to improve operational efficiency).

Mainly, they used the CRP software to improve business-business relationships (linking the business with retailers) without considering how the same system would improve business-customer relationships. A different company, Man Company, implemented the CRM system in its sales department, but quickly realised the need to include other departments in the system to realise the wholesome benefits of CRM. 76

Based on the need for a comprehensive approach to CRM adoption, the organisation included other departments and partners in procuring and adopting CRM software. Based on this understanding, observers reveal that using the CRM software in a localised manner would not provide the desired payoff. 77 Indeed, most organisations rush to figure out how the system would create operational benefits without understanding how it would create an organisational fit.

For example, the CRM software needs to offer back office integration capabilities that allow customers to link different interactive platforms (such as phone, web, and email).

Comprehensively, to improve the usability of the CRM software, there is a strong need for software developers to design new CRM software, which contain the core elements of traditional customer relationship tools and avoid the complexity of traditional software. For example, they should eliminate features that increase costs and instead provide software, which simplify implementation.

Ang, L & Buttle, F 2006, ‘CRM software applications and business performance’, Journal of Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management , vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 4 – 16.

Baumeister, H 2002, Customer Relationship Management For SME’s. Web.

Chen, I & Popovich, K 2003, ‘Understanding customer relationship management (CRM). People, process and technology’, Business Process Management Journal , vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 672-688.

Freeman, P & Seddon, P 2004, Factors Affecting the Realisation of Benefits from CRM Packaged Software-based Work Systems. Web.

Governor Technology 2008, An Introduction to Customer Relationship Management Software . Web.

LAS 2015, Customer management software: an alternative to CRM for small businesses . Web.

Light, B 2001, A Review of the Issues Associated with Customer Relationship Management Systems . Web.

McNally, R 2007, ‘An exploration of call centre agents CRM software use, customer orientation and job performance in the customer relationship maintenance phase’, Journal of Financial Services Marketing , vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 169–184.

One Business 2014, Customer Relationship Management . Web.

Parvatiyar, A & Sheth, J 2001, ‘Customer Relationship Management: Emerging Practice, Process, and Discipline’, Journal of Economic and Social Research , vol. 3, no. 2, 1-34.

Ragins, E & Greco, A 2003, Customer relationship Management and E-Business: More than a Software Solution . Web.

Rigby, D & Ledingham, D 2004, CRM Done Right. Web.

Bibliography

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Freeman, P & Seddon, P 2004, Factors Affecting the Realisation of Benefits from CRM Packaged Software-based Work Systems.

Governor Technology 2008, An Introduction to Customer Relationship Management Software .

LAS 2015, Customer management software: an alternative to CRM for small businesses .

Light, B 2001, A Review of the Issues Associated with Customer Relationship Management Systems .

Mack, O, Mayo, M & Khare, A 2005, A Strategic Approach for Successful CRM: A European Perspective.

One Business 2014, Customer Relationship Management .

Ragins, E & Greco, A 2003, Customer relationship Management and E-Business: More than a Software Solution

Rigby, D & Ledingham, D 2004, CRM Done Right

Rigby, D, Reichheld, F & Dawson, C 2003, Winning customer loyalty is the key to a winning CRM strategy

Rigby, D, Reichheld, F & Schefter, P 2006, Avoid the Four Perils of CRM

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• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2022, December 3). Customer Relationship Management Software. https://ivypanda.com/essays/customer-relationship-management-software/

"Customer Relationship Management Software." IvyPanda , 3 Dec. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/customer-relationship-management-software/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Customer Relationship Management Software'. 3 December.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Customer Relationship Management Software." December 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/customer-relationship-management-software/.

1. IvyPanda . "Customer Relationship Management Software." December 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/customer-relationship-management-software/.

IvyPanda . "Customer Relationship Management Software." December 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/customer-relationship-management-software/.

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Essay Management Software and On-demand Essay Coaching for Growth-oriented IECs

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Supply Chain Management Software

This paper delves into the concept of supply chain management and the use of software in the sector. The effective management of the supply chain, from the production of raw materials to the consumption of finished goods by the end-user, gives the company a competitive advantage. Understanding the supply chain helps the company better manage its inventory, leading to lower operating costs and better customer services.

However, its complex nature leads to the emergence of problems, such as bullwhip effect, coordination breakdown, and stockpiling, among others. To mitigate these problems, the adoption of supply chain management software is necessary. The software helps to coordinate events in the supply chain and allows for the seamless flow of information. This paper explores the various forms of the supply chain, its significance, and the associated problems. It also explains how supply chain management software can be adopted to help solve pertinent problems, such as information delay and the bullwhip effect.

Introduction

The supply chain constitutes the processes, which goods or services go through to reach the end-user, including the design, manufacture, and delivery stages. 1 Out of this description, we can develop a simple supply chain that is composed of the company, its suppliers, and its customers. I have illustrated this in figure 1 below:

As we can see from figure 1 above, a company has the upstream, internal, and downstream parts of the supply chain. It receives supplies of raw materials from the upstream and channels it finished products to the downstream. In between the downstream, there exists an internal supply chain. We can agree that it is easier to control the internal supply chain than it is for the upstream and downstream points. Internal supply chains normally include aspects, such as receiving raw materials, inventory, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing, among other activities.

In real life, I don’t think such simple supply chains exist. There are many players in the chain, and the company may be in more than one chain. Businesses and companies are part of one or more supply chains and depend on them to thrive. 2 In my opinion, understanding all supply chains is not possible due to the complex processes some raw materials undergo before the final delivery to the company. Therefore, I feel that the main objective of the company should be to evaluate and participate in the most profitable chains so as to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors.

In this regard, supply chain management (SCM) is the actions that a company does to influence the way its supply chain is operated to maximize profits and cut costs, among other desirable effects. From the definition of SCM, I think that the larger the part of the supply chain the company is able to influence, the higher the chances of maximising its margins.

Supply chain management not only takes into consideration traditional logistics, but also incorporates customer service, marketing, finance, and product development into the supply chain. 3 I think the shift from logistics to supply chain management has been influenced by global competition and the need for organizations to remain competitive through pricing.

Components of the Supply Chain

The five major components of the supply chain are production, inventory, location, transportation, and communication. 4 Production should be concerned with manufacturing the products whose demand is high, ascertaining the amount that should be produced, and matching the quantity needed by consumers. Although I think accurate matching of the quantity needed by consumers is difficult, with experience, an organization should be able to realize it.

The inventory is concerned with all the stock related issues along the supply chain 5 . In my opinion, inventory control should ensure the least amount of inventory to minimise the related costs. I think the challenge for most organizations is maintaining the least inventory while meeting customers’ needs and taking care of uncertainties of the supply chain. It is at this point that I think the software for supply chain management should play the biggest role. The software should be programmed in such a way that it ensures the uncertainties along the supply chain are well taken care of, and no excessive stock is piled.

The location is concerned with where the facilities of production or storage are situated. 5 I think organizations that deal with bulky and perishable raw materials should prioritize location to minimize logistical costs. In doing this, the organization should, however, not forget to ensure the location selected offers room for improvement, expansion, or construction of new facilities to cater for an unexpected rise in demand. It is after the locations have been determined that I think the company should then determine the most cost-effective routes for the products to flow through in the supply chain, from the company to the end customer.

The transportation component is concerned with how inventory and goods move from one location to another within the supply chain. 6 From my own observations, most companies consider this to be the most important part of the supply chain. Although I also think transportation is an important aspect of the supply chain due to the amount of time and money it consumes, it should be the main focus. Unfortunately, many managers still think of the supply chain as one and the same thing as logistics. The choice of the mode of transport depends on the nature of goods, urgency, a distance of travel, and cost, among others.

In my opinion, the information part of the supply chain is the most important aspect. It is concerned with the amount of data that is available, collected, or shared across the supply chain. I can argue that the incorrect and unreliable flow of information in a supply chain can be the most harmful issue to the company. I think the main reason companies are adopting supply chain management software is to streamline the flow of information along the supply chain.

All these decisions reflect the effectiveness and capability of the supply chain. From the details, we can conclude that the competitive advantage of a company is greatly reliant on the effectiveness of the supply chain. Therefore, I feel that the most successful company in this century will be the one that is able to best understand and improve its supply chain.

Significance of Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management (SCM) is an important aspect of any organization, as it improves the efficiency of its operations, which leads to customer satisfaction and financial success. 7 Customer satisfaction, in my opinion, should be the main goal of improving supply chain management. A satisfied customer is the one who keeps the supply chain in operation. I don’t think a supply chain can even exist without the end-user customer.

Most scholars can agree with me that an effective supply chain management is one that furnishes the business with valuable information that can help it diagnose any problems and provide relevant solutions to maintain customer satisfaction. It can be argued that the main aim of SCM is to give the business a competitive advantage over its competitors by streamlining the supply chain, which leads to reduced costs and prices. 8

SCM versus Logistics

Logistics involve the management of material and information flow in the supply chain. 9 According to my observations, most managers consider logistics as the main part of the supply chain and neglect other components. Logistics are just a part of the supply chain management strategy, and involve planning, implementing, and ensuring the efficient and effective flow and storage of goods and services, as well as pertinent information along the supply chain, from the point of production to the point of consumption in the best way that meets the customers’ demands. 10

The consumer is the most important part of the supply chain; therefore, I am of the opinion that most companies should try to build a close relationship with their clients when considering improving their supply chain. I also think managing the entire supply chain is important and can lead to greater gains.

Types of Supply Chains

Supply chains are dependent on the nature of the company. 11 . Although companies should strive to minimize inventory costs, I don’t think it is practically possible to cut these overheads in totality without risking customer dissatisfaction. Cutting these costs lead to the scarcity of the stock needed to cater for uncertainty in customer demands, which I think can be more costly in the long run. Examples of supply chains include: integrated make to stock, continuous replenishment, build to order, and channel assembly. 12

Integrated Make to Stock Chain

The integrated make to stock supply chain model is concerned with actively tracking customers’ demands to ensure the production process, efficiently replenishes the inventory to match the demand for finished goods. 13 To achieve this, I think the organization must invest in the information system to ensure efficient flow of information. In my opinion, the use of modern information technology and supply management software is vital in these types of supply chains.

For instance, Starbucks Coffee uses Oracle’s automated information system for the management of its supply chain to coordinate the suppliers of coffee beans according to the demand for the beverage. 14 I think the major success of Starbucks Coffee can be attributed to some extent to its use of the SCM software in managing supplies in all its outlets. The main aim for Starbucks Coffee incorporating the use of the software is probably to help it in realizing a well-timed and appropriate flow of information in relation to goods, customer demand, store capacity, and logistical issues, among others.

Continuous Replenishment Model

This model is adopted to ensure that there is a constant replenishment of the inventory by ensuring a close working relationship among suppliers and intermediate partners. 15 Although constant replenishment, in my opinion, cannot be guaranteed in normal business situations, this model is aimed at minimising extreme fluctuations in the inventory level.

We can, however, argue that supply chain of this nature can be disrupted if the logistics involved are complex and costly. One would probably agree with me that, supply chain of this nature can be difficult to coordinate where there is no information flow between the production and service points. In my opinion, this type of supply chain can best operate in fields such as the supply of medicine, where there the demand pattern is a little constant and predictable.

Build to Order Supply Chain Model

In the build to order model, company produces a good when an order is placed, rather than for purposes of storing it in the form of inventory. In my opinion, this type of a model can best work when supported with smooth and efficient flow of information along the supply chain. I think a breakdown in communication in this type of a chain can be detrimental to the company than in the chains discussed earlier.

In my opinion, Dell Computer Company is able to utilize this model due to its experience in the field of computer technology and the varied demands on specifications by its customer. Assembling a computer before an order has been registered can lead to higher costs in labor and inventory for dell. I am inclined to think that this type of a model will also demand keen management and monitoring of raw materials and the efficient and timely delivery of the required materials along the supply chain.

Channel Assembly

This type of supply chain is a slight modification of the build to order model. 16 I think this type of model is effective in the manufacturer of complex products, which require other components to function. I can give an example a car which several companies may produce different parts, which are then channelled to an assembler; the assembler may then deliver the car to a painter. I can argue that in this type of supply chain, proper coordination between parties involved is essential and as a result, constant communication must be maintained along the chain.

Global Supply Chains

Global supply chains involve partners from different countries in a single supply chain. 17 In my opinion, global supply chains are becoming more of the same to local supply chains due to the advancement in technology. I think companies are engaging in international supply chain to increase their customers, cut costs, expand technology know-how and enhance brand awareness. The global supply chains are complex and longer than domestic ones, and have a lot of uncertainty and problems, though I feel that these problems and uncertainties are on the decline due to the improvement in cargo handling and information technology.

You will agree with me that pirates in international waters offer a significant risk, obstacles and uncertainty in the logistics of the global supply chains. I think language barrier is declining in significance as an obstacle to global supply chains. Fitting trading software with language translation capability is a novel idea that is breaking this barrier. You may differ with me, but I feel the main challenge is political uncertainty that surrounds the global supply chains that poses the greatest threat.

Supply Chain Problems

Long and complex supply chains are likely to develop problems that can lead to the collapse of the company. One feels that collapse of the supply chains can be attributed to the failure of most companies. Forecasted demand can be altered by several external factors, such as competition, weather conditions, technological changes, and customer confidence levels. 18 Hold-ups also transpire owing to equipment breakdown and traffic hitches. I am of the opinion that these internal holdups are the major causes of delays in the supply chain. As I pointed out earlier communication and flow of information is vital in a supply chain as the breakdown can lead to failure of many companies. In my opinion, this can result from miscommunication, delay in communication or both. I think an efficient supply chain should enable quick inventory turnover.

The Bullwhip Effect

The bullwhip effect occurs when customers demand more goods than they need or can handle. 19 I agree with argument that this is the most significant problem in the supply chain. This occurs when there are promotions and can lead to stockpiling, leading to high inventory costs. Sharing of information is one of the measures companies use in dealing with the bullwhip effect. 20 Use of EDI, extranets, and software for supply management can also help in the sharing of information to mitigate the negative impacts of the bullwhip effect. Therefore, one can argue that poor communication can lead to adverse bullwhip effect which can lead to failure of many companies.

Supply chain management software is used by companies to track and monitor the flow of goods and services in their supply chain. 21 The development of SCM software, according to me, is a major breakthrough to proper management of supply chains. Software dealers and developers, including i2, Oracle, and SAP, have already come up with intricate software for purposes of SCP. Despite these developments, I feel that companies should invest in developing their own software that is customised to meet their demands and operation procedures. It can be argued that most companies are adopting supply chain software so as to induce synergies, improvements, and savings.

Types of Supply Chain Management Software

There are many types of event management software in the market that are designed to capture data to produce information in the forms of reports, which are used in the evaluation of the company’s supply chain. 22 In my opinion, despite the presence of much software, companies should hire experts to develop supply chain software that are customized to their operations for the best results. This software should have optical character recognition features to read the serial numbers of products.

Inventory tracking by the software involves reading the barcodes at the various points of the supply chain. I feel that inventory tracking is the most crucial part of the supply chain that the software can simplify. At various delivery points, merchandise is scanned using barcode readers, as well as wand detectors, after which it is stockpiled. 23 Barcodes readers, which can read a variety of formats, such as code 39, UPC, interleaved 2 of 5, and code 128, are available in the market. 24 Barcode readers can be seen in use in many stores and supermarket and I can’t help to wonder how the attendants would handle customers without the technology.

Some supply chain management software come with Radio frequency identification (RFID) features fitted to them to enhance their performance and capabilities. The advantage of RFID is that information can be obtained from long distances and stored or transferred in a dynamic format. However, RFID devices have incompatibility issues with the current supply chain management software. 25 I would advise that it is important to insist on the supply chain software fitted with RFID features and to enquire on the compatibility with your computer system before buying the software.

Significances of Supply Chain Management Software

Supply chain management software is developed to assist managers in managing and cutting production overheads, reducing lead time, decreasing shortfalls and preventing excessive inventory, and cutting down transport costs. 26 For me, the best software should be tailor made for the business to exploit the full benefits of automation. The advancement in technology is changing how supply management is conducted at a rapid pace.

The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) and other technologies, such as XML/EDI, have simplified supply chain management 27 . As opposed to enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, which is limited to inbound oriented operations and functions, supply chain management software incorporates both the intra and inter-organizational processes. I would advise that the software a firm buys should be able to connect with the internet, Bluetooth, and other connectivity technologies to enhance its capability.

The success of an organization is influenced by the efficiency with which raw materials, finished goods, information, and money flow into, within, and out of the organization. This flow of material and information is known as supply chain. In my opinion, the supply chain forms the backbone of a company’s success. A simple supply chain has a few players, including the company, its suppliers, and its customers.

However, in the real situation, I don’t expect simple supply chains to exist; most of them involve complex logistics among numerous stakeholders. The existence of many partners in a supply chain leads to a multifaceted relationship that requires careful management for the company to be successful. Complex supply chains have many related problems, such as the bullwhip effect and coordination problems between the different partners.

The breakdown of the supply chain of a company can lead to delays and customer dissatisfaction. To improve the capability of the software, I agree to the opinion of some other researchers that it should be integrated with emails and the internet to allow for the sharing of information to resolve the main problems encountered in the supply chain.

Buxmann, P, Ahsen, A, Diaz, L & Wolf, K 2004, ‘Usage and evaluation of supply chain management software: results of an empirical study in the European automotive industry’, Info Systems Journal, vol. 14, no.7, pp. 295–309.

Datta, S, Granger, C, Graham, D, Sagar, N, Doody, P, Slone, R & Hilmola, O 2008, ‘Forecasting and risk analysis in supply chain management’, Working Paper, Engineering Systems Division, Forum for Supply Chain Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, pp.13 -25.

Du, S, Lu, T, Zhao, L, Xu, B, Guo, X & Yang, H 2012, ‘Towards an analysis of software supply chain risk management’, Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, vol. I, San Francisco, CA, pp. 211-235.

Ertek, G & Eryılmaz, E 2008, ‘The bullwhip effect in supply chain: reflections after a decade’ , CELS 2008, Sabancı University, Jonkoping, Sweden. (Presented by Emre Eryılmaz).

Gelderman, J & Weele, A 2005, ‘Purchasing portfolio models: a critique and update’, The Journal of Supply Chain Management , vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 19-28.

Young, B, Das, B, Case, K, Rahimifard, S, Anumba, C & Bouchlaghem, D 2007, ‘A Review of Approaches to Supply Chain Communications: From Manufacturing to Construction’, Journal of Information Technology in Construction, vol. 12, no. 3, pp.73- 102.

Information Technology One-Stop Portal . 2012, Starbucks Coffee and Information Technology, Web.

• P Buxmann, A Ahsen, L Diaz & K Wolf 2004, ‘Usage and evaluation of supply chain management software: results of an empirical study in the European automotive industry’, Info Systems Journal, vol. 14, no.7, p. 295.
• S Datta, C Granger, D Graham, N Sagar, P Doody, R Slone & O Hilmola 2008, ‘Forecasting and risk analysis in supply chain management’, Working Paper, Engineering Systems Division, Forum for Supply Chain Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, p.14.
• Buxmann et al., p. 296.
• Du et al., p. 213.
• Datta et al., p. 17.
• Gelderman, J & Weele, A 2005, ‘Purchasing portfolio models: a critique and update’, The Journal of Supply Chain Management , vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 19-20.
• Datta et al., p. 19.
• Du et al., p. 227.
• Gelderman & Weele, pp. 19-20.
• Young et al., p. 78.
• Buxmann et al., p. 297.
• Information Technology One-Stop Portal, 2012, Starbucks Coffee and Information Technology, Web.
• Gelderman & Weele., p. 27.
• Gelderman & Weele., p. 23.
• Du et al., p. 230.
• Ertek & Eryilmaz., p. 2-4.
• Buxmann et al., p. 298.
• Datta et al., p. 24.
• Du et al., p. 223.
• Young et al., p. 99-101.
• Buxmann et al., p. 304.

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Home — Essay Samples — Business — Time Management — Time Management: Benefits, Strategies, and Implementation

Time Management: Benefits, Strategies, and Implementation

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Table of contents

Understanding time management, identifying time wasters, creating a time management plan, implementing your time management plan, managing time in specific situations.

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Cisco Security Advisory

Cisco adaptive security appliance and firepower threat defense software web services denial of service vulnerability.

FTD Software Vulnerable Configuration

In the following table, the left column lists Cisco FTD Software features that are potentially vulnerable. The right column indicates the basic configuration for the feature from the show running-config CLI command, if it can be determined. These features could cause the SSL listen sockets to be enabled.

Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable

Only products and services listed in the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.

Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect Cisco FMC Software.

Workarounds

There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.

Fixed Software

Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers with service contracts that entitle them to regular software updates should obtain security fixes through their usual update channels.

Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html

Additionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.

The Cisco Support and Downloads page on Cisco.com provides information about licensing and downloads. This page can also display customer device support coverage for customers who use the My Devices tool.

When considering software upgrades , customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories page , to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.

In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.

Customers Without Service Contracts

Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html

Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.

Cisco ASA, FMC, and FTD Software

To help customers determine their exposure to vulnerabilities in Cisco ASA, FMC, and FTD Software, Cisco provides the Cisco Software Checker . This tool identifies any Cisco security advisories that impact a specific software release and the earliest release that fixes the vulnerabilities that are described in each advisory (“First Fixed”). If applicable, the tool also returns the earliest release that fixes all the vulnerabilities that are described in all the advisories that the Software Checker identifies (“Combined First Fixed”).

To use the tool, go to the Cisco Software Checker page and follow the instructions. Alternatively, use the following form to search for vulnerabilities that affect a specific software release. To use the form, follow these steps:

• Choose which advisories the tool will search-all advisories, only advisories with a Critical or High Security Impact Rating (SIR) , or only this advisory.
• Choose the appropriate software.
• Choose the appropriate platform.
• Enter a release number-for example, 9.16.2.11 for Cisco ASA Software or 6.6.7 for Cisco FTD Software.
• Click Check .

For instructions on upgrading an FTD device, see Cisco Firepower Management Center Upgrade Guide .

Additional Resources

For help determining the best Cisco ASA, FMC, or FTD Software release, see the following Recommended Releases documents. If a security advisory recommends a later release, Cisco recommends following the advisory guidance.

Cisco ASA Compatibility Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Upgrade Guide Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Compatibility Guide

Exploitation and Public Announcements

Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability has been exploited. Cisco strongly recommends that customers upgrade to fixed software to resolve this vulnerability. Customers are also strongly encouraged to monitor system logs for indicators of undocumented configuration changes, unscheduled reboots, and any anomalous credential activity.

Cisco would like to thank the following organizations for supporting this investigation:

• Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre
• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, a part of the Communications Security Establishment
• The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
• U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy

To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy . This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.

Subscribe to Cisco Security Notifications

Related to this advisory.

• Cisco Event Response: Attacks Against Cisco Firewall Platforms
• https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-asaftd-websrvs-dos-X8gNucD2

Revision History

Legal disclaimer.

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.

A standalone copy or paraphrase of the text of this document that omits the distribution URL is an uncontrolled copy and may lack important information or contain factual errors. The information in this document is intended for end users of Cisco products.

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