David Beahan Computer Services

For some time now I have been on the lookout for a good, cheap help editor.  I think I have found it. HelpNDoc.com provide an excellent little help authoring package for about $100.  I've already created a basic help doc for my DanksLink interface and a few for individual clients on how to perform certain functions on their PCs or in Sybiz Vision.   The beauty of a good help document is that you can index the subjects and/or use a search function.  The layout of most help documents is also fairly standard so most users are comfortable using the help and finding their own answers.   For the Sybiz Vision product we have created a help doc that adds to what Sybiz already provide.  Their help tells you how to use the software but not specifically how to handle certain live business cases. For Example: How can I process 'Gift Cards' in Vision.  The Sybiz help will tell you how to create the inventory item but you need to know, for this particular problem, what type of product group, what posting accounts to use in the GL, how to manage GST etc....

My experience tells me there's a good chance of MORE CONFUSION, not less, following your first few software demonstrations…

Look, you MAY find that your search and choice of new business software was smooth, clinical and painless. But it's seldom that way.

More likely, it's hard, irritating, long and sometimes it falls into the never-ending "analysis paralysis".  I know this to be the case, because our customers share their previous experiences in finding new business solutions with me... and it's a bit hair raising, to be honest!

Why is this this case?

It's fairly simple really. You're talking two different languages…

If you're not clear on your core needs for your new software solution, it's pretty likely that the person conducting your software demonstration will show you much of what you don't need to see.