Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Financial Software
A lot of nonprofits start out using off-the-shelf commercial software for their accounting needs. It’s fast, affordable, and easy to set up – but as your nonprofit grows and gains multiple funding sources that generic software isn’t able to meet your special tracking and reporting needs.
Many of our current customers moved over from financial …
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Why User Acceptance Testing Matters
The old proverb, “measure twice, cut once” is particularly relevant in carpentry; cut a piece of wood the wrong size and it’s unusable.
In software development, it’s equally important. It means all the things that could go wrong have been thought of … before launch.
As part of every release, Abila’s Research and Development team follows rigorous …
Use Technology to Enable and Enhance Member Learning
From new technology to generational shifts and competing resources, as the association landscape continues to transform, more and more associations are thinking strategically about their learning and professional education programs. A successful program not only provides a steady non-dues revenue stream, but stands to deepen member loyalty, as education opportunities are a key member benefit. …
Does Your Nonprofit Finance System Resemble a Cluttered Attic?
Software applications dedicated to financial management for nonprofit organizations have been around since the early 1980s. These nonprofit financial applications and their underlying technology have undergone significant changes in the past 30-plus years. Nonprofits themselves, and the reporting requirements they must adhere to, have evolved as well. Combine these system and organizational changes with the …
The Challenges of Combining Computer Network Security Systems
A computer network is secured by using a combination of policies and best practices designed to thwart the evil intentions of those who would steal your valuable information. Those entitled to access your information would generally have unique credentials allowing them to pass through the computer network security and use the computer’s programs required to …
How to Improve the User Experience
User experience (UX) includes everything from a user’s interaction with your nonprofit’s or association’s products or website to their communication with support associates. At the highest level, it’s how a user interacts with your organization in total. Because of that, improving the user experience can be done through numerous different approaches, such as better project …
2017 Tech Trends: Pulse Check
Each year, I look forward to hundreds of journalists’ predictions for the upcoming year’s hottest technology trends. Though they always sound promising, it’s important to keep a pulse on how they’re faring as the year progresses – especially in relation to your nonprofit or association.
Here are some 2017 tech predictions from Forbes, and how some …
Determining the Best Way to Merge Computer Networks
Constant change in the business landscape dictates a need to merge disparate business networks into a single functioning computerized system. Cost and personal preferences aside, there’s a methodology that can be used to more efficiently combine separate computer networks.
Think of system integration as the process of combining different systems, and sub-systems, into a single functioning …
Social Media 101: The Three Cs
Depending on who you speak with, social media can be anything from a huge asset to a major headache. I’ve connected with organizations across the country, and there’s one misconception many folks have in common regarding this technology – social media doesn’t require strategizing and planning. Wrong.
In fact, I’ve seen organizations go from ground zero …
Five Tips for Staying Current with Your Technology
There is a wise old saying by Heraclitus, “Change is the only constant in life.” This is especially true in technology, which is so much a part of our daily lives – personally and professionally. It’s important for your organization to stay current, stay supported, and take advantage of new features, recommendations, security, and maintenance …