Interview with Intact Sales Director, Mark McArdle

Mark McArdle, Sales Director of Intact Software, answers a few questions on current business, future software trends and what Intact has over it's competitors.

1. How was business for you in 2008? Were companies maintaining their software spend or did the slowdown make them rein back?

Turnover was slightly up on the previous year and we are expecting a similar increase in 2009.  During tough times, smart companies take a good look at their systems and processes and look at ways to drive their business forward.  In particular, they look at ways to deliver more efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  Investing in software makes good business sense even in a slow economy and we found Intact’s customers felt this made for a sound business strategy for them during 2008.

2. What do you think are the prospects for software spend in 2009?

Smart businesses will tend to invest in technology during hard times to foster growth.   The current economic climate should not be a barrier to new technology investment.  Companies need to invest in the right tools/software during these times providing the product can be shown to offer a viable return on investment. 

3. What do you think will be the drivers behind software investment in 2009?

One of the main drivers behind software investment in 2009 will be investing in an automated credit control system.  Pursing debtors will be high on the priority list of any small to medium size enterprise over the next few months.  An effective and well managed cash flow system will be vital to the success of any business in 2009.  Automated credit control systems can free up time and staff.  If it is efficient and effective then it will show immediate returns.  By freeing up accounting and administrative staff, more emphasis can be placed on core business, business development and customers.  Customer Relations Management (CRM) will therefore be another driver behind software investment in 2009.  One of CRM's greatest strengths is that it collects and organizes information about your customers and lets you analyze the data for future opportunities.   In a recession, you need to work smarter, not just harder. With CRM, your business can become more strategic — and more profitable — by applying its resources more efficiently to serving and developing customers.

4. In your market segment, what edge do your company’s products have on the competition? Related to this, what benefits does your software offer to users?

We have the ability to tailor our software to suit the unique requirements of key sectors in wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, service and retail, as our strapline suggests: “Tailored Software for Smart Business”.   It is also delivered locally by a network of fully trained, accredited Channel Partners spread across Ireland, the UK and the Middle East. We work closely with our clients to get the best out of the software based on their needs now and in the future. We are also in a position to be able to offer a more human, even local & personal approach where other competitors simply can’t.  One of our main benefits is the cost of ownership of our software which is better than any of our competitors.  We have found over the years that when many businesses assess their current systems they realise the cost outweighed the return on their investment.  For this reason, many businesses go in search of a more cost effective system.

5. Are there any particular business sectors where your products have been performing particularly well?

Traditionally, the building and supply chain e.g. in electrical, tiles and hardware, were our main business sectors.  However, in recent times we have been concentrating on strong performing markets such as office supplies, small manufacturing and job costing.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to add as to why people should investigate your company’s product offering?

Investing money in software may be hard for small/medium businesses to understand during the current credit crunch but to foster growth and drive their business forward, investing in software will be their means to combat recession.  Intact Software will help SME’s define their current needs, assess current processes and implement a solution to make them a smart business.  Intact’s credit control manager will help any business effectively manage their cash flow.  A key factor which can be addressed is the overall value of their debt and average collections days.  Also, companies managing their relationship with their customers and suppliers through Intact’s totally integrated CRM/SRM will help them get more out of their established customers, identify and concentrate on their best customers, target customer development efforts, keep existing customers loyal and more importantly work smarter. Intact can help any business increase efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately increase profit potential.

Intact Software provides tailored software for smart business and if you would like to find out more about what we can do for you please feel free to browse our website.  To truly evaluate if Intact will work for your company, we strongly recommend you arrange a meeting with one of our Software Sales Professionals to give you an in-dept commitment free demonstration.  Request a demo here.