Owners of businesses with a high percentage of Spanish speaking employees often find that computer software isn't very useful if their employees can't understand it. Computer systems are difficult enough to learn without also requiring your employees to learn another language!

Almost all of the business software that is used today is written only in English. However, there are a few reliable systems out there that operate in Spanish as well as English. They are typically PC network-based systems. Here are some of the key issues to address when selecting the software that will overcome this barrier.

Functional Areas

PC network-based software is usually sold in modules, or by functional area. That way, a company engaged in distribution does not have to purchase manufacturing functionality they don't need. In the same way, Spanish language capability is generally sold as an enhancement to the base software, at an additional cost.

Modules that are in Spanish will generally be functional in English as well. Your software choice should allow you to pick and choose which modules you really need to have in Spanish, so that you don't have to pay for software you really don't need.

Ideally the software that you choose is a "good fit" for your business here in the United States, and because it has a Spanish version, it is also perfect for your plant in Tijuana. This makes standardization possible, and allows for easier consolidated reporting. But there are some accounting issues to consider.

Documentation and "Help"

Good software always has good documentation. Your Spanish software is no exception to this rule, and the documentation needs to be in Spanish.

The best documentation to have is online documentation. The software should recognize where you are in the program, and which function you are trying to accomplish. Asking for "help" should open the on-line manual to that very page, and it should be in Spanish. Your order entry personnel, located two stories down or three buildings over, are not going to have access to the manual set that resides neatly on the book shelf in the controller's office.

Training and Support

Training on use of the software should be provided in Spanish as appropriate. Software programs are usually pretty complex, so it is important to offer training to your employees in their native language (or their only language!) to maximize the learning experience.

On site training is usually a requirement for training operations personnel. Be sure that your software reseller can provide on-site training. You may need on-site training in more than one location as well, such as Los Angeles and Tijuana, for example.

The Real Benefit of Using Software in Spanish

The reduction in the number of errors will more than pay for the additional expense of the right software. Orders, pick lists, production work orders, literally all of the documents used in carrying out the business can be entered and printed in Spanish. No more translation errors. Employees will be able to tell the difference between an order request date and a customer cancellation date, for example, and avoid costly errors.

The demands placed on business today, from electronic data interchange (EDI) to "just in time" inventory availability, require business owners to invest in information systems to run their business. The Hispanic business owner has to address this need like any other business owner, and software written in Spanish helps out tremendously!

A small to medium sized distribution company can expect to pay between $10,000 to $12,000 for software, plus training costs. A manufacturing company will spend between $12,000 to $24,000, depending on the sophistication required.

A small price to pay to keep your competitive edge!

Len Reo is Principal of Decision Finance, a consulting firm that specializes in the sale, training and support of PC based information systems.