If you run a small business, you know how beneficial it is to have reliable tools that make things easier and save you time. If you have an Android phone, there are lots of apps available in the Android Market that will help you. Here are some of the best Android apps for managing your small business.
Small Business Toolbox
This free app is an excellent resource for all small business owners. It will provide you with current information on government programs for small businesses, which are indispensible resources. You can search for loans and grants, and find out more information on awards, solicitations, resources for green businesses, and small business programs. It will also let you know where your local Small Business Administration office is located and give you links to SBA websites on licenses, permits and more. You can easily bookmark and organize all relevant links.
Expensify – Expense Reports
This is one of the best apps for keeping detailed expense reports, and it’s free. With this app you can keep track of all of your spending, especially on-the-go. You can manually enter your expenses, and you can link your bank accounts and Expensify will automatically generate receipts and track spending. It will even help you eliminate the need for paper receipts by allowing you to scan them and turn them into digital copies. As you keep track of mileage and other expenses, you can generate detailed PDF expense reports to send to anyone via email.
Balance Book – Profit Tracker
If you’re looking for a bookkeeping app, this one is an excellent choice. It costs $4.99, and it will help you track your small business’ profits with ease and reliability. It is password protected for added security, and it will allow you to keep detailed and accurate records. It has a ton of features and is fully customizable, and it works well with Dropbox, Google Docs, and email. It also includes price, loan and math calculators and works for 34 different currencies.
Inventory Tracker
This app has a ton of features to help you keep a detailed record of your inventory. It costs $4.99, and it will help you stay organized and up-to-date with your stock. It has password protection, and you can create multiple categories, companies, locations, suppliers, and clients. You can personalize it for your small business’ specific needs, and the developers of this app provide great customer service if you need assistance. It will also allow you to create inventory reports on spreadsheets instantly.
TimeClock – Time Tracker
If you need an app to help you keep track of billable hours, this app will do the trick. It costs $3.99 to download, and after a 30-day free trial it will cost $5 per month. This app allows to you keep track of hours for an unlimited number of clients. You’ll set an hourly or a fixed rate, and TimeClock will keep a record of your time, even when your phone is off. You can keep detailed notes, edit times later, and export information to a spreadsheet. This app works extremely well for your time-tracking needs.
About the Author: Lisa Sharp loves her Android and her fledgling small business. She is passionate about Lean Six Sigma.
Image: JD Hancock / Flickr