12 tools that every business support team should know

In modern business, technology is a major competitive differentiator. It boosts efficiency, productivity and performance, and helps support teams juggle a much wider range of tasks. Given the potential gains, it seriously pays to be across the latest tech tools and software trends to ensure your team performs at its best. 

But with so many software options out there, how do you know which ones are right for your organisation? To help you get started, we've put together a list that every business support team should be familiar with. 

Top technology tools for business support teams 

CRM software 

Customer relationship management (CRM) software is designed to help businesses manage customer interactions, from first contact through to the purchasing and beyond. A good CRM tool can help teams build better relationships with customers, streamline communications and provide a 360-degree view of customer interactions. 

We recommend: 

• Salesforce: This comprehensive CRM tool is popular among medium to large enterprises because it offers powerful analytics capabilities that provide deeper insights into customer behaviour, helping improve customer retention and satisfaction. 
  
• Hubspot: Known for its ease of use, HubSpot is a great platform for growing businesses. It includes automation features to streamline sales processes and customer engagement without the need for a complex setup. 

Accounting and finance software 

Accounting software is essential for managing a company’s financial health. From tracking revenue and expenses to managing payroll and inventory, the right accounting tool ensures that a business’s financial data is accurate and accessible. 

We recommend: 

• Xero: Xero is a popular choice for accounting and bookkeeping. It offers simple automation features and provides detailed insights into a business’s financial performance, making it both powerful and easy to use. 
  
• MYOB: MYOB simplifies the sales process, including creating quotes and managing invoices. It also tracks expenses and automates payment notifications, making it easier to manage cash flow. 

Project management software 

With many business support teams managing multiple projects at the same time, project management tools are key to success. These systems help teams stay organised and on track, simplifying collaboration and the managing of complex tasks. 

We recommend: 

• ClickUp: This all-in-one project management tool offers a customisable experience, allowing teams to tailor it to their specific needs. It features Gantt charts, sprint planning and resource management, making it a favourite for anyone who needs a wide range of project management features. 
• Asana: Asana is known for its user-friendly interface and is ideal for collaborating on tasks or managing workflows. Smaller teams often prefer it as a straightforward tool for task management. 

Team communication software 

In a hybrid work environment, communication tools are vital for business support teams. These apps allow people to communicate in real-time, share files and collaborate on projects, regardless of their location. 

We recommend: 

• Slack: Slack is a popular communication platform that allows teams to create channels for specific topics, set notifications and search conversations easily. It’s great for groups that want something very flexible. 
  
• Microsoft Teams: In addition to chat and messaging features, Microsoft Teams also hosts video conferences and shared documents. It’s a great choice for organisations that are already using Microsoft 365. 

Human resources software 

Human resources management (HRM) software streamlines employee-related tasks such as payroll, benefits and performance management. These tools make it easier for business support people providing HR support to manage data and improve employee experiences. 

We recommend: 

• Zoho People: Zoho People is a cloud-based HRM that manages employee records, performance reviews and payroll. It’s highly customisable and focuses on the employee experience. 
  
• BambooHR: Known for its comprehensive but simple feature set, BambooHR provides tools for managing employee data - including payroll, time tracking and benefits management. 

Business intelligence (BI) software 

Business intelligence (BI) software is all about driving valuable data insights, helping businesses make better decisions. BI tools are essential for business support teams that rely on data to optimise their processes, understand customer behaviour and improve business outcomes. 

We recommend: 

• Tableau: Tableau is a powerful tool known for its data visualisations. It can create insightful dashboards with minimal effort, helping teams analyse complex data. 
• SAP BusinessObjects: SAP BusinessObjects is designed for large-scale enterprises and offers a comprehensive suite of analytics tools on a highly scalable platform. 

What to look for when choosing business support software 

When looking at the different business support tools available, here are a few factors to consider: 

Ease of use 

Make sure the software is user-friendly – the easier it is to use, the quicker your team can get on board and start seeing results. 

Integration 

Look for software that integrates seamlessly with your other tools. For example, if you have a specific accounting platform, check that it integrates with your CRM or project management software to enable better data sharing and increased efficiency. 



Customisation 

Finding customisable software means you can tailor it to your needs. Look for tools that offer the flexibility to change features, add or remove modules, customise dashboards and implement custom workflows. 

Support and training 

Customer support, onboarding and training resources help to maximise the value of your software investment by ensuring no feature is left untouched due to uncertainty or confusion. But, keep an eye on pricing – customer support is often tied to product tiers. 

When your support people need support, we’re here to help 

Here at WOW, we understand how important business support technology is to the modern workplace – and the skills and experience it takes to succeed in a modern, digital environment. 

If you need help supporting your support people, we’re here for you. Give us a call and let’s talk about your business.