Help & How-To

Technology
What basic forecast software would you recommend for my company?
Forecast today is done in Excel but I cannot input seasonality, impact on new products etc. I want to enter certain variables that can affect my forecast with better accuracy than Excel. What software would you recommend for me?

Asked by josetou
Posted: Wednesday, September 12, 2007  |  Found in Technology


More answers by Ramon Ray
Answer by Ramon Ray
There are many options available to you and it really depends on your specific needs and budget. Basic accounting software such as Quickbooks, Peachtree and Microsoft accounting have basic sales and/or forecasting tools.

Of course Salesforce.com and Saleslogix - two well known sales tools - are built and made in particular for sales.

All of these tools will only work as well as the data input into them so keep this in mind as well.

ACT! and Goldmine Software are contact management software leaders with sales components.
Ramon Ray is editor of SmallBizTechnology.com and author of Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses.


Recent Articles & Resources
We've gathered content from some of the best resources on the web. Find tips to help you run a successful business with this collection of videos, articles, expert blogs, and more.
Pitch: Texas Driving Experience
Watch Dawn Stokes pitch her company while Donna Fenn, a contributing editor at Inc. magazine, offers feedback and insight.

Word-of-mouth feeds organic growth
It’s the product itself that’s going to lure the customers. Dany Levy of DailyCandy saved money by avoiding billboards and relying on a grassroots

Help & How-To series: Business Plans
American Express OPEN SM brings you the best in business advice from today’s most sought-after experts in this promotion of Entrepreneur’s popular

Developing newsletter content is not hard
By focusing newsletter content on your customers and not on you or your business, people will clamor for your next issue. Don't get bogged down in

New Gold Banner for HP
New Gold Banner for HP
Have a burning question? Ask now!