Firms of all sorts use technology to simplify and streamline a number of business operations. From communications on smartphones to creating presentations on paper-thin tablets, new devices and programs have revolutionized the way companies complete their work.

Usually, adopting technologies is to the benefit of the business. However, a number of companies have yet to realize the full advantages of a number of programs available to them that are both cost effective and easy to use. In particular, some Canadian small businesses haven't taken full advantage of accounting software to simplify the recording of their finances.

Most Canadian companies don't use software

A survey from a large software provider found that less than half of all Canadian small firms use accounting software to their benefit, IT Business Canada reported. Only 43 percent of 960 company owners surveyed said they use computer programs to organize their profits and expenses, among other factors either in house or online.

According to IT Business Canada, this represents a 1 percent growth of computer software for smaller firms in the last five years. The program creator told the source that the transition is often a long one and that many owners are choosing to rely on traditional ledgers while deciding on the right type of software for the company. Habit was found to be the largest inhibitor for change, the source reported.

However, many industry experts believe that change is just around the corner. "Cracking the non-consumption nut is [sic] traditionally been very difficult and I think the smartphone and tablet is starting to help with that. AS people get used to the idea that you don't have to be at a computer to bring order to your business, that there are other ways to get the same benefit - that is really affecting the way young entrepreneurs think," indicated veteran Richard Blitz.

Programs often advantageous

Leaders of smaller companies often realize a large amount of success from using accounting programs, so the software may catch on earlier than assumed. According to the Houston Chronicle, use of computing technologies to record finances can often help in terms of speed, minimizing errors, organization and general ease of reporting.

The newspaper said that bookkeeping programs can make finances simpler during daily tasks, including giving invoices and receipts to patrons. Moreover, keeping track of the correct economic records of a company can make the process of reporting taxes easier during the end of the fiscal year.