Best Business Apps for 2017

May 15, 2017 by Ed Becker

We live in a digital era that keeps us constantly connected. It’s the same way in our business lives, as it is in our personal lives, and maybe even more so. Your business no longer clocks in and out from 9-5, and neither do you. But you also don’t want to be tied to the office 18 hours a day. This is where our ‘constantly being connected’ can be a negative. Your smartphone has the power to keep you working no matter where you are or what time it is anywhere in the world.

This is where apps are a lifesaver. Without apps, we would all be lost half the time anyway. Having the best, efficient and easy-to-use apps to help run your business is the recipe for success. Here is a look at some of the best business apps for this year.

ACCOUNTING AND EXPENSES

NetSuite OneWorld

An ERP system that allows you to manage expense reports, purchase orders, business dashboards, and security records. See more at NetSuite OneWorld.

Expensify

Expense reporting software with the best reviews at accurately processing scanned data. Visit expensify.com for all the details.

Gusto

Previously called ZenPayroll, Gusto, takes you from employee on boarding to payroll and taxes, and is scaleable as you grow.

Wave

This is a free app for small businesses with up to 9 employees. You can track sales, expenses, invoices, payroll, scan receipts and create accounting reports.  See Wave for more information.

COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

ClickMeeting

Advanced video conferencing options and functionality make this a great app for remote meetings.  Check ClickMeeting for details.

Citrix ShareFile Business

Citrix ShareFile Business offers the ability to share large files securely and offers compatibility with all mobile operating systems.

HappyFox

This customer service/help desk app allows your reps to handle customer requests anywhere.  See HappyFox for more details.

Zoho Docs Standard

Create, share, send and collaborate on documents across IOS, Android, and desktop seamlessly.  Check Zoho Docs Standard for more information.

ANALYTICS AND DATA MANAGEMENT

Salesforce Sales Cloud Professional

Salesforce Sales Cloud Professional is the highest ranked CRM software across all devices.

Zoho CRM

Offers functionality similar to Salesforce, but integrates with the rest of Zoho software very nicely.

Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a social media management and analytics from your mobile devices!

HootSuite

Social media management with comprehensive monitoring, influencer identification, and publishing tools.  See HootSuite for details.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Fairsail HRMS

Fairsail HRMS is fully configurable and multinational, add-ons and integration with payroll and outside vendors.

Deputy

When you don’t need a full HR suite, but you could use scheduling and shift planning, group announcements and integration with QB and ADP this is it.  For more information, please check out Deputy.

SAP Success Factors

Performance management at its best – SAP Success Factors.

Zoho Recruit

Offers the highest ranked applicant tracking system; create job posts, search & communicate with recruits, recruiters and colleagues.  Check out Zoho Recruit.

TIME MANAGEMENT

RescueTime

RescueTime tracks your activities, reports in detail a picture of your day. Also offers alerts, blocks distracting sites and has more detailed filters for reports.

My Minutes

My Minutes is about goal setting to keep you on track for tasks, and to stop wasting time on unimportant things.

TripIt

Creates master itinerary of all your travel plans. Also has delay notices, directions and weather reports.  See TripIt for details.

PAYMENT

Expensify

Expensify keeps track of business trip expenses easily and painlessly.

PayPal

Allows you to accept payments with any credit card, whether or not they have an account. You can create invoices, setup monthly recurring payments, and create detailed reports.  PayPal also offers a mobile card reader for on the go payments.

Square

Mobile credit card payment app with card reader. Great for retail, beauty salons and food trucks.  See Square for more details.