Xero goes from strength to strength

As a Xero platinum partner covering Cumbria, Yorkshire, Northumbria and Dumfriesshire, we are moving more and more clients on to Xero with incredibly postitive feedback. However, some of our clients have held off due to some features that Xero did not offer. I'm now pleased to say that these barriers have now been removed.

One of the benefits of cloud software is the sheer pace of development at Xerocon. Last month it was mentioned that Xero had released over 400 updates in the last year - compare that to how often a desktop software product would be updated! So when a new feature is released, everyone benefits straight away, not when you have paid for the upgrade.

I've taken the opportunity to review some of these recent updates to Xero and thought I'd share the great news - they are awesome!

Online Quotes

In 2014, Xero launched the quote functionality which allows users to create quotes and send them to customers as PDF's. As of this week, the amazing new feature of online quotes to has been launched. This allows users to email links to the quote to customers who can now accept them online and when work is carried out, the quote can be turned into an invoice.

These quotes can be raised on the go from laptop/tablets allowing for improved cash flow as prospects can be converted into customers a lot quicker and disputes over invoices will be reduced, leading to faster payments.

Inventory

This week sees the addition of a simple but effective inventory system, allowing real time tracking of stock numbers. This feature suits small businesses with finished goods as stock items that are bought in for resale.

This feature allows for greater profit margin information across stock linkes and because it creates an ongoing stock valuation, the overall profit and loss informaiton is more meaningful.

There are some great add on partners such as Unleashed, if your business needs a more complex inventory system, such as the requirement for multi warehouse, composite stock etc. We are alos a partner with Unleashed so please do get in touch if you require more information about them.

Payroll

This April sees payroll in Xero go live for the 2015/2016 taxt year. The feature allows for up to 100 employees (pricing increments charged) to be processed. Xero have pushed the features beyond normal payroll software expectations and have gone with their usual creativity and an added feature which allows employees to request holidays, view holiday entitlement as well as viewing their pay history.

As you would expect from a payroll software, it is RTI compliant and from the summer, it will allow for CIS deductions.

If you would like to see how Xero can benefit your business then please do get in touch for a free demonstration.

Grant Smith, Partner