WHAT MAKES BUDGETING SOFTWARE "USER-FRIENDLY"?

Often we see “user-friendly” as a key criterion in the evaluation of budgeting software products or hear, “we have implemented a new budgeting software, but it is not user-friendly.” A system's user interface determines how users interact with the system; therefore, it is a very important aspect of the total user experience with the system. But is it all about the interface, or is there more to consider? What makes a system user-friendly: is it a visually appealing interface design, a familiar Excel-like interface, or maybe something else?

After seeing a lot of hype and confusion caused by software vendors positioning their products as the most user-friendly based on some sort of feature: familiar excel interface, web-based or cloud-based (and therefore, somehow by default, user-friendly), Neubrain experts decided to shed some light on the topic and share key considerations in selecting and implementing a user-friendly budgeting system.

What does user-friendly mean? In simple terms, it means “easy to understand and use.” The ease of use comes from learnability and memorability, which means the system is easy to learn initially and that users can retain the knowledge on how to continue using it without having to consult manuals and documentation or attend training classes constantly.

The ease of use is also driven by the design of the application. For example, an application that is easy to navigate requires the minimum amount of data input necessary, has all relevant data present on one screen, and presents relevant data only while eliminating “noise” or clutter, it would be much easier to use than one that does not follow these principles. Ease of use means knowing where you are in a process, where the presented numbers come from, what they indicate, and what your available data entry choices and options are. The more “clicking around,” referencing other screens, extracting content to verify something, or consulting external data the user is required to do, the less efficient the task is.

The more robust and flexible a budget system can control the above-mentioned aspects, the greater the chances it will be user-friendly. Additionally, the more complex your organization’s requirements and processes are the more options and control you will need over the usability aspects.

It is a common misconception that an "out-of-the-box" budgeting system will have usability aspects pre-defined and configured to your needs. In some instances, this is true because many basic software products, especially cloud-based ones, will have a set of built-in functionality around screen navigation options and workflow components that manage data consolidation according to the pre-established approval path, save, submit, approve or reject tasks. However, this built-in functionality is more difficult or impossible to change in this case.

More robust or advanced budgeting software products will allow much more flexibility and control in configuring almost every aspect of the system; however, this requires additional time. The software selection choice is yours; therefore, investing time in understanding your organization’s requirements is very important before selecting a product.

Another essential factor of “user-friendly” has to do with the implementation of a software product rather than the product itself. You can start with a robust product as a foundation of your system, but due to poor execution, you end up with sub-par results. How can this happen? Can you blame the software, especially if it is successfully working for other customers similar to the size and profile of your organization? Most likely not; the issue probably lies in the execution of the implementation. This speaks to how vital an experienced software im­plementation partner is to the success of a project, as good consultants can recommend the most effective implementation strategy and architecture options, advise you on how to best leverage the software to meet your re­quirements, and configure the software faster by leverag­ing work from previous implementations and knowledge of best practices. This can really help improve your chances of not only implementing a user-friendly system but also implementing it faster and with less risk.

When designing your system, a skilled implementation partner will help analyze user groups and their unique needs, design the optimal information architecture and global navigation, and consider the many layers of user experience: functionality and usefulness, detailed interactions, user interface patterns, content, terminology, and finally visual design.