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Sep 18, 2024

Why Accounting Automation is a Worthy Investment for SMEs: A Cost-Benefit Review

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Shebi Sharma

Suvit

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At Suvit, we get it—managing finances as an SME can feel like a never-ending juggling act.

From sorting through endless invoices to staying on top of tax deadlines, the administrative load can easily pull you away from what truly matters: growing your business.

In this blog, we’ll dive into why accounting automation isn’t just another cost—it’s a smart investment that can help SMEs run more efficiently and scale faster.

With tech adoption on the rise, Suvit is here to show how automation can cut costs and boost profitability for Indian SMEs.

What’s Accounting Automation All About?

Accounting automation uses technology and software to automate repetitive and time-consuming financial tasks.

For SMEs, this could include automating invoice generation, managing payroll, tracking expenses, or filing taxes.

Instead of manually entering data, business owners and accountants can rely on automation tools to handle these tasks with speed and accuracy.

Why Sticking to Manual Accounting is Costing Your SME Big Time

Time and Resources

Manual accounting involves a lot of paperwork, data entry, and human oversight. For SMEs with limited resources, the cost of hiring dedicated accountants or investing countless hours in managing books can be overwhelming.

It not only drains money but also time, which could be better used for business development.

How Accounting Automation Can Transform Your SME

1. Helps you in Reducing Human Error

No matter how experienced an accountant is, human error is inevitable. A misplaced digit or a forgotten invoice can result in financial discrepancies. Automation minimizes these errors by using algorithms to process data without manual intervention.

2. Brings Clear Cost Savings

At first glance, investing in accounting software might seem like a big upfront expense. But when you factor in long-term savings on labor costs, human errors, and compliance issues, the return on investment becomes clear. Plus, many automation tools offer affordable packages for SMEs, making them accessible for businesses of all sizes.

3. Increases Speed Along with Efficiency

Tasks that used to take hours, like preparing financial statements or tracking expenses, can now be done in minutes with automation. This increased efficiency allows SMEs to focus on growing their business instead of getting bogged down by paperwork.

4. Provides Better Compliance

One of the biggest challenges for Indian SMEs is staying compliant with GST regulations. Missing deadlines or filing inaccurate returns can lead to hefty fines. Automation tools like Suvit's GST ecosystem can ensure that compliance is handled smoothly, reducing the risk of penalties.

Also Read: Avoid GST Fraud: Simple Steps to Verify if GST Bill is Genuine and Valid

Must-Have Features of Accounting Automation Tools

1. Data Entry Automation

Forget about manually entering every transaction. Automated tools can integrate with your bank account, pulling data directly into your financial system and categorizing expenses automatically.

2. Document & Client Management

Managing client records, contracts, and invoices can be streamlined through automation. These tools can generate invoices, send reminders for overdue payments, and store essential documents securely.

3. GST Ecosystem

For Indian SMEs, GST compliance is a significant concern. Automation tools help you generate GST-compliant invoices, track input tax credits, and file returns on time, making it easier to navigate the GST ecosystem.

4. Reports and Analytics

Get real-time insights into your business's financial health. Automated tools generate detailed reports, helping you make informed decisions based on your cash flow, expenses, and profit margins.

Cutting Costs: How Automation Saves You Money

1. Reducing Labor Costs

With fewer manual tasks, businesses can reduce their reliance on a large accounting team, or even reassign employees to more strategic roles. This doesn't mean eliminating jobs but rather streamlining processes, so your team can focus on what really matters.

2. Eliminate the Need of Paperwork

Paper-based accounting requires storage space and supplies, adding up to operational costs. Digital automation removes this need, leading to cost savings on physical resources.

3. Makes Invoice Processing Faster

With automation, invoices can be generated and sent in a matter of seconds. This reduces the time it takes to receive payments, improving your cash flow and reducing delays in financial operations.

The Long-Term Wins for SMEs Using Automation

1. Scalability

As your business grows, so do your financial operations. Automation tools can easily scale to match your business’s needs, without requiring significant increases in manpower.

2. Sound Decision-Making

With real-time data at your fingertips, business owners can make quicker, data-driven decisions. Whether it’s forecasting future profits or identifying cost-saving opportunities, automation gives you the clarity to manage your finances strategically.

3. Better Focus on Core Activities

The less time you spend on administrative tasks, the more you can focus on innovation and growth. Automation allows SMEs to allocate more resources to product development, customer service, and market expansion.

Is Automation Really Worth It? Let’s Address Your Concerns

Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

One of the main concerns for SMEs is the initial investment required for automation tools. While there is a cost involved, the long-term benefits far outweigh this. From reduced labor costs to minimizing errors and penalties, automation can save your business a significant amount over time.

Adoption Challenges

Some businesses worry about the learning curve involved in adopting new technology. However, most automation tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind. With intuitive interfaces and customer support, transitioning to an automated system is easier than you might think.

Security and Data Privacy

Another common concern is the safety of financial data. Reputable automation tools offer high-level security features, including encryption and secure data storage, ensuring your financial information is safe.

Also Read: Clearing Up Myths About AI in Accounting With Reality Check

Why Suvit is All In on Accounting Automation

At Suvit, we’ve seen firsthand how accounting automation can transform SMEs in India.

By cutting down costs, increasing efficiency, and ensuring better compliance, automation is a game-changer for small businesses.

As we continue to develop tools that cater to the needs of Indian SMEs, we’re excited to help businesses grow faster and more effectively.

The initial investment may seem daunting, but the long-term returns make accounting automation a worthy investment for any SME.

Try our tool for free for a week!

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