Software for NDIS Providers
What software do you need to get things working smoothly?
Generally, for sole traders and small businesses, you’ll need at least a business application (eg, MS365 or Google), a Client management system (aka CRM), and maybe an accounting system.
We have compiled some information here to help get you started on finding the right software.
Business productivity systems are essential for most businesses as they provide a whole suite of applications that you can use such as email, documents, spreadsheets, slides, team collaboration, video conferencing, and more.
There are really only 2 options – Microsoft or Google – and the one you choose really comes down to preference and familiarity – the pricing is very similar for both.
There are also productivity tools like Asana, Clickup, Monday, Todoist, Trello, Wrike etc, which are good for managing projects and tasks.
Some people still love to use good old pen & paper, but maybe consider a simple way to capture your notes digitally using something like a Rocketbook – you can easily send your handwritten notes to your email or Google/Microsoft drive in seconds, then wipe it clean – it’s a reusable notebook.
Client management / CRM / Rostering / Notes – this is the main system you will use to manage all your client information, staff information, notes, rostering, billing/claiming, etc.It’s important to choose the right system that will meet your needs now and also grow with you.
It can be tempting to stick with basic tools or paper systems or go with the cheapest on the market, but it probably won’t provide all the functionality you need and will potentially inhibit your ability to grow your business.
There are over 60 systems on the market for NDIS providers- yes, you read that right!You can find a list of all systems produced by industry experts TechAbility – https://techability.net.au/ndis-software/ – and TechAbility also has a great NDIS Software Finder tool to help you find the right system based on your requirements – it’s well worth a small investment to get this right from the start.
You need to be clear on your requirements and budget, and do some demo’s and choose your system carefully, as changing systems down the track can be a painful and expensive exercise.There are many bookkeeping and accounting software programs out there, but if you’re just starting out you might be able to just create invoices using a document template and track them in a spreadsheet, but this won’t be sustainable as your business grows.
For sole traders and micro businesses, there are some great systems like Bookipi (free!), Invoice Simple, Hnry.
Some client management systems will also be able to produce invoices and process claims, so you may not need a full-featured invoicing/accounting system to start out.
Some examples of commonly used invoicing, accounting and payroll systems for SME’s include – Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon, Rounded.
You should talk with your bookkeeper/accountant about which system they are familiar with and recommend, and also make sure that your accounting system can integrate with your client management system.
We hope this information is helpful to get you started, but if you need more help with software and all things techie, we highly recommend booking a free 15 minute consultation with the team at TechAbility who understand the technology needs of NDIS providers – we know many providers who have found their advice invaluable so you’ve got nothing to lose except 15 minutes!https://techability.net.au/ndis-software/
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