What's the Best Software for Your Shed Business?

Running a shed business means you're in the thick of helping people solve real-life spatial problems. But, like any other business, it has its unique set of challenges, and that's where software can come to the rescue.

In this day and age, it's hard to think of a business that doesn't lean on software to some extent. It helps us keep track of the nitty-gritty details, like orders and inventory, and it's there for the big stuff too, like customer relationships and even shed design. 

In this guide, we'll navigate the sea of software options together and help you identify the tools that can make your shed business even more successful. So let's get started.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Shed businesses are unique, and so are their software needs. Whether you're manufacturing sheds, selling them, or both, there's a lot more to your day-to-day operations than a lot of other businesses. Let’s take a brief look at those needs.

Inventory Management

First off, there's shed inventory to manage. Keeping track of what's in stock, what's been sold, and what's on order is a juggling act on a good day. And let's not forget that each shed type, model, or custom order comes with its own set of specifications and materials.

Sales

Then there's the sales process. Customers don't always walk in knowing exactly what they want. It's your job to guide them, understand their needs, and find the perfect shed that fits their vision and budget. However, keeping track of each customer’s individual needs requires a system of organization that’s infallible and easy to use.

Manufacturing and MRP (Material Requirement Planning)

Now, if you're manufacturing sheds, there's also the whole production process to coordinate. From design to delivery, there are a lot of moving parts and people involved. It’s critical to keep track of the materials you’re using for each shed and to ensure that you’re managing your resources properly.

Delivery

Getting the shed to your customer's backyard is a big part of the job. It's about more than just dropping off a shed. You need to schedule deliveries, keep up with drivers, and make sure each shed gets set up right where the customer wants it. And when it comes to custom orders, things can get tricky with different delivery times, unique setup needs, and all sorts of places you might need to deliver to. What you need is a solid system that can keep track of all this and make sure every delivery goes smoothly. This way, your customers stay happy and you can keep things running like clockwork.

Accounting

Last but not least, let's talk numbers. Keeping track of income, expenses, and everything in between is a must for any business. You need clear financial visibility to make informed decisions.

The good news is, there's software out there designed to help with all of these aspects. In the next sections, we'll explore the different types of software you might want to consider and what to look for in each.

Individual Software to Manage Your Shed Business

Alright, now we're getting to the fun part: the different types of software that can make your shed business run smoother. It's kind of like picking out tools for a new workshop. You want to make sure you've got everything you need, but you also don't want to clutter up your workspace with stuff you'll never use.

Inventory Management Software 

This is a must-have for any shed business. It's like having a super-organized assistant who knows exactly what you have in stock, what's been sold, and what's on order. And the best part? No more weekly inventory counts or frantic calling around for that one shed model a customer wants.

Top picks:

• Fishbowl 
• Cin7
• Ordoro
• InFlow

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: 

Building relationships with your customers is key, and a good CRM system can make it a lot easier. It keeps track of customer interactions, helps manage follow-ups, and can even help predict future sales trends. It's like your own personal networking expert.

Top picks:

• HubSpot CRM
• Zoho CRM
• Salesforce
• Pipedrive

Project Management Software / ERP

If you're in the manufacturing side of things, project management software is a lifesaver. It helps you plan, organize, and track every step of the shed building process, from initial design to final delivery. It's like a blueprint for success.

Top picks:

• Asana
• Monday
• ClickUp
• NetSuite

CAD Software / 3D Configurator

Speaking of blueprints, if you're offering custom sheds, CAD software is invaluable. It allows you to design and visualize sheds before a single nail is hammered. It's like being able to show your customers their dream shed before it even exists.

Top picks:

• IdeaRoom 3D
• Sensei
• Shed Pro
• SmartBuild

Accounting Software

Finally, you can't forget about the numbers. Accounting software helps you keep track of all your financial transactions, from income to expenses. It's like having your own personal accountant, without the hourly rate.

Remember, the goal isn't to get as many tools as possible. It's to get the right ones that will really make a difference for your business. In the next section, we'll talk about what to look for in each type of software.

Top picks:

• QuickBooks
• Excel
• Sage

All-in-one Software to Manage Your Shed Company

You might have noticed a trend with all these different software tools we're talking about. Each one serves a specific function, whether that's managing inventory, nurturing customer relationships, or keeping track of finances. But wouldn't it be nice if you could handle all these tasks with a single tool?

That's where all-in-one niche software solutions come in. These are comprehensive tools designed to handle multiple aspects of your shed business within one platform. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of business software. Instead of juggling different systems for every task, you can handle most – if not all – of your operational needs using just one piece of software.

Key features of all-in-one software solutions often include:

• Inventory Management: Keeping track of your stock and orders.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Managing your interactions with current and potential customers.
• Project Management: Overseeing the progress of your shed building projects.
• E-commerce: Allowing you to sell your sheds online.
• Lead Generation: Helping you attract and convert potential customers.
• Delivery: Delivery: Scheduling, tracking, and ensuring smooth delivery of sheds, especially for custom orders.
• Reporting and Analytics: Providing insights into your business performance.

Remember, the goal here isn't to get the most feature-packed software you can find. It's about finding software that fits your needs and can help make your business operations more efficient. In the end, the best software for you is the one that makes running your shed business easier and more streamlined.

The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of All-in-One Solutions

All-in-one software solutions offer the enticing prospect of streamlining multiple aspects of your shed business operations within a single platform. While they can be convenient and efficient, it's essential to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks before opting for an all-in-one solution.

Benefits:

Centralized Operations: With an all-in-one solution, you can manage various aspects of your shed business, such as inventory management, customer relationships, project management, e-commerce, lead generation, and reporting, all from a single platform. This centralization eliminates the need for multiple systems and reduces the complexity of your operations.

Improved Efficiency: All-in-one solutions promote seamless workflow integration. Data and information can flow smoothly between different modules, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the likelihood of errors. This streamlines processes and boosts overall efficiency.

Cost Savings: Investing in multiple standalone software applications can be costly in terms of licensing fees, training, and maintenance. By opting for an all-in-one solution, you can potentially reduce costs by having a single software provider and a unified pricing structure.

Simplified User Experience: With a single interface and consistent user experience across different functionalities, all-in-one solutions can make it easier for your team to navigate and learn the software. This simplification can contribute to faster adoption and increased productivity.

Potential Drawbacks:

Limited Specialization: All-in-one solutions aim to cover multiple specific business needs. While they offer convenience and centralization, they may lack the advanced features or depth of functionality found in specialized software solutions.

Less Flexibility: All-in-one niche solutions are designed to serve a specific type of business model. As a result, the customization options and specific features tailored to the shed business may be limited compared to general individual software tools.

Vendor Dependency: When relying on an all-in-one solution, you can become heavily dependent on a single software provider for ongoing support, updates, and enhancements. If the provider experiences issues or discontinues the software, it may disrupt your operations and require a significant transition effort.

When considering an all-in-one solution for your shed business, carefully evaluate the vendor’s track record and even ask for references to make sure their existing customers are very happy with the solution. Also, it’s smart to assess the level of specialization, customization options, and long-term viability offered by the software provider. By making an informed decision, you can determine whether an all-in-one solution aligns with your business requirements and contributes to your overall success.

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Top All-in-one Shed Business Tools Available in 2023

There are several top-notch shed business tools available in the market today, each offering unique features and capabilities. We are obviously biased about being the “best” one, but that doesn’t mean Shed Suite is the best option for your business. Some of the most popular and highly-rated shed business software options include:

Shed Suite

Shed Suite is more than an online tool—it's a comprehensive business partner. It streamlines your order creation and tracking with dynamic online order forms and state-of-the-art tracking features, effectively replacing traditional paper forms and PDFs. Its real-time inventory management system is a testament to its intelligence, keeping you informed about every product detail at all times.

Shed Suite equips you with the tools to create customized, Google-optimized dealer websites, thus amplifying your online presence and supercharging lead generation. Its e-commerce capabilities are strategically designed to facilitate smooth online sales of existing inventory and secure processing of new orders.

The IdeaRoom 3D Builder is a game-changing feature that allows customers to design their own sheds or choose from pre-configured models. This not only enhances customer engagement but also serves as a potential catalyst for increasing sales conversions.

Lead management with Shed Suite is like having a command center at your fingertips. It allows comprehensive tracking of lead status, note addition, quote sending, and follow-up emails, all from a centralized Admin Dashboard. Furthermore, Shed Suite is capable of generating detailed invoices for each order and crafting tailored Rent-To-Own (RTO) contracts for customers.

Shed Suite's advanced reporting capabilities offer more than just numbers—they provide actionable insights. With in-depth reports on sales, shop builds, and deliveries, and performance analytics for each dealer website via Google Analytics, Shed Suite becomes an essential tool for business growth and optimization.

Shed Suite also introduces unique dashboards tailored for different roles such as office managers or drivers, thus enabling every team member to excel in their tasks. Looking ahead, Shed Suite is developing a Material Resource Planning (MRP) feature, designed to dynamically track the production process and material needs, further enhancing its functionality and your business efficiency. Shed Suite is more than just a tool—it's the key to mastering the shed business.

ShedVerse

ShedVerse is a business management software specifically designed for portable building companies. The primary purpose of ShedVerse is to enhance productivity by eliminating redundant tasks and encouraging cross-departmental communication for effective problem-solving and reduction of miscommunication.

ShedVerse is fairly customizable, allowing users to select only the features that align with their business needs. From day one, even the most basic package of ShedVerse provides a fully operational Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The software is built to manage various aspects of shed businesses, with the goal of leading to more comprehensive reporting. The base platform of ShedVerse is built on the Jarvis CRM platform. To help teams effectively use its tools, ShedVerse also provides in-depth training sessions.

Sheds Software

Sheds Software, first developed in 2014, is a specialized software solution designed specifically for the Portable Building Industry. It was initially created for Advantage Portable Buildings based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Recognizing a gap in the market for industry-specific software, two versions were developed: Sheds Retail and the Manufacturer Module.

Sheds Retail is a more cost-effective solution created for small manufacturers with a single sales location. It provides a variety of tools to manage business operations, including displaying material, labor, and overhead costs for standard buildings, along with profit margins. Additionally, it generates estimates, invoices, shop production orders, and maintains sales history. With the addition of the Finance feature, it can generate rent-to-own and traditional finance contracts.

The Manufacturer Module builds upon the functionalities of Sheds Retail, catering to larger manufacturing plants with multiple sales lots. It includes all features of Sheds Retail and adds the ability to calculate labor costs for all personnel involved in the build process, driver pay, sales commissions, overhead, and material costs. This module gives users insight into the profit margin of every building. Moreover, it projects raw materials inventory levels based on current and planned production, adjusting automatically as construction finishes and new materials arrive. Other features include scheduling production, planning and scheduling delivery loads, managing sales lot inventory, and more.

Sheds Software also saves time by reducing redundant data entry and can import orders from RTO National’s Dealer Management System, and configurators like IdeaRoom, ShedPro, and (soon) 3D Structure App. It also has the ability to export invoices to QuickBooks.

Unlike the other apps in this list, Sheds Software is not an online, browser-based application, but mimics that functionality through a remote desktop setup. It can also be installed and run on a local computer for a completely offline experience.

The Shed App 

The Shed App provides a comprehensive onlineplatform to manage shed businesses from start to finish​. The application includes a 3D design tool that enables customers to visualize their shed designs before purchase​​. It also assists in enhancing sales by providing an intuitive interface and robust reporting capabilities to help sales teams finalize deals more swiftly​.

In addition, The Shed App offers features to help manage operations by enabling users to create and track orders and manage production and fulfillment resources, along with generating analysis reports​​. The app also includes an inventory management system that allows users to monitor their lot inventory, track shed availability, and adjust inventory locations as needed​​.

Lastly, The Shed App allows for the tracking and management of shed deliveries, including features like geo-coordinate verification and the ability to attach photos and videos. The Shed App also contains tools for advertising.

Key Features to Look for in Each Software

So, we've talked about the types of software that can help your shed business. But how do you pick the right ones? Just like you wouldn't buy a power drill without checking its specs, you shouldn't choose software without knowing what to look for. Here are some key features to keep an eye out for:

Ease of Use: Whether it's for you or your team, the software should be intuitive and easy to use. You don't want to spend all day wrestling with a confusing interface.

Integration Capabilities: The software should offer basic API and webhook support so you can update other systems with the data that is created, and stored, in the software.

Customization Options: No two shed businesses are exactly the same. The software you choose should be flexible enough to fit your specific needs and processes by letting you adjust functionality with simple settings.

Mobile Ready: Let's face it, you're not always going to be at your desk. Look for software that gives you the freedom to access your data and manage your business on the go. The UI HAS to be mobile friendly.

Robust Reporting Features: Good software doesn't just store data—it helps you make sense of it. Look for tools that can generate insightful reports, so you can make informed decisions and spot trends.

Remember, the best software for you is the one that meets your business's unique needs and makes your life easier. It's not about having the most bells and whistles—it's about finding the right fit.

If you’re looking for a tool that’s the best of all these worlds, we would love to give you a tour of Shed Suite. Intuitive, highly integrative, flexible, mobile-friendly, and armed with robust reporting capabilities, Shed Suite was designed to meet the unique business needs of shed companies just like yours.

Reviewing and Comparing Software Options: A Step-By-Step Approach

Making an informed decision about the right software for your shed business involves several steps:

Step 1: Read User Reviews

Start by exploring user reviews and testimonials. Look for detailed feedback about the software's performance, usability, and reliability, rather than focusing solely on the overall ratings.

Step 2: Consider the Price

While the price is an essential factor, remember to think in terms of return on investment (ROI). Evaluate if the software's features and capabilities justify its cost, and whether it can help improve efficiency and drive sales growth.

Step 3: Evaluate Customer Support

Ensure the software provider offers robust and responsive customer support. Look for multiple channels of support, including email, chat, and phone, to help you navigate any issues that may arise.

Step 4: Assess Scalability

Does the software align with your business's growth plans? It's crucial that your chosen software can handle increased volume as your business expands and allows for the addition or upgrade of features as needed.

By following these steps, you're more likely to find a software solution that is the perfect fit for your shed business, catering to both your current and future needs.

Getting the Ball Rolling: Software Implementation and Training

So, you've finally found the perfect software for your shed business—congrats! But before you break out the confetti, there are a couple more important steps to tackle: implementation and training.

Think of implementation like setting up a brand-new workspace. You want everything right where you need it, right? It's the same with software. Now's the time to get everything configured, get those integrations humming, and plug in your data. Keep an eye out for any bumps in the road, so you can smooth them out for a comfy ride down the line.

Next up is staff training. It's like learning to drive a new car—the vehicle may be top of the line, but it won't get you far if you can't open the door. Make sure your team knows the ins and outs of the software, from the basics to the fancy stuff. Handy tip: be sure your team attends regular webinars and online training offered (usually for free) by your software providers.

Keep in mind that mastering new software isn't an overnight thing. Be patient, offer continuous support, and keep those communication lines open. Regular check-ins can help catch any software snags early and get them sorted out in no time.

Also, remember your software provider isn't just there to make a sale—they're your ally for the long haul. From resolving future glitches to rolling out updates that keep your software fresh and relevant, they're part of your extended team.

In a nutshell, the right software—when set up properly, understood by your team, and backed by solid support—can be the star player in your shed business's success story. Now, you can break out that confetti!

Elevate your shed business with Shed Suite and experience exceptional support every step of the way. Our team ensures a seamless implementation process, tailoring the setup to your specific needs. Plus, our ongoing support means you'll have expert assistance whenever you need it. Don't miss out—join ShedSuite today for unparalleled software support!

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Embrace the power of the perfect software solution and watch your shed business grow. By carefully selecting software that aligns with your needs, streamlines processes, and delivers a solid return on investment, you lay a sturdy foundation for success. Through seamless implementation, thorough staff training, and unwavering support, you position each piece into place, ensuring that every aspect of your business operates seamlessly, like the walls and roof of a finely crafted shed. With the right software as your guiding blueprint, your shed business will rise to new heights, reaching its full potential and standing tall among the competition. Grab your tools and seize the opportunity to construct a flourishing future for your shed business!