Palantir
Posted: 23 December, 2008 |
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If you are shopping for farm management software produced by a vendor in another country, there are several things you must consider. Beyond the requirements of your unique business and the type of crops or animals you raise, maintain or sell; you must also consider the technical and country-specific issues that may arise if you purchase an international product.
Firstly, you should look at the technical environment for which the software product was manufactured. From one country to another, the technical specifications and standards may vary. You may not easily be able to run and access a product that is created in a different country to which you do business. You should also consider the technical security issues and ensure that your data and proprietary information will be safely maintained and managed by the product you wish to buy.
The larger business consideration for international farm management software is business standards and governmental regulations. Whether you are doing business in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or France, each country has very specific standards and regulations related to raising, maintaining and selling crops and animals. These standards are especially unique when it comes to foodstuffs. If you sell dairy products, pigs or cows for slaughter, fruits or vegetables for sale at market or manufactured and packaged food products for grocery store shelves, you know the regulations that apply. In addition, farmers are required to keep certain information about the health of their stock or crops, and what medications or repellants were used in the management of the stock or agricultural products. Breeding records, birth records and many other details may be required to comply with laws and regulations in your country.
As a result, most local software products- particularly in farm managment- are unique to the country in which the software vendor does business. Some global businesses may manufacture software products to meet the various requirements of each country, or these vendors may have purchased smaller, localized products for sale in various countries. In any case, it is important to understand the features, reporting and compliance functionality of the software you are considering before you make a purchase. While it may be less expensive to buy the product online from an international vendor, your business may suffer if you are not keeping the information you need to keep to satisfy tax requirements, government regulation and other business reporting requirements in the country in which you are doing business.
If you are shipping stock or products overseas, look for an Enterprise Resource Planning or Supply Chain product that allows you to manage and report on tariffs, taxes and international shipping and health regulations. Todays farming businesses are subject to many local, state and federal government regulations and market compliance guidelines. It is crucial that you understand these requirements and purchase farm management software that will help you keep your business in line with these regulations and guidelines.
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Palantir, author alias for Susan Obijiski, is a technology professional, consultant, business coach and writer. Her experience includes management consulting, and she has published research for Gartner Group. Susan is a frequent speaker and presenter on a variety of topics including software and technology, business strategy, process improvement and organizational culture change.
mailto: susanobijiski@aol.com
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