What Are the Different Types of Service Industry Software?

Some of the most common types of service industry software are programs that allow managers to create schedules, or those that assist managers in organizing orders and lists of supplies. The service industry encompasses all of the businesses that provide goods and services for customers. Businesses in the service industry normally do not participate in the manufacturing of products. Service industry software is any computer program that helps a service professional to more effectively manage day to day operations. Some open source programs can be accessed online for free, while other kinds of software must be purchased or accessed for a fee.

A common function of service industry software is to help managers prepare work schedules for employees. Restaurant industry software, for example, might allow managers to match staff members' availability with shifts that managers need to fill. Software users also might have the ability to designate some shifts as being busier than others.

It also is common for service industry software to enable users to manage order lists. Managers can keep track of inventory and equipment and receive alerts when stock is low. Some programs may include interfaces on which managers can place orders directly to suppliers and vendors.

Service industry software also can connect service managers with their clients. For example, a manager can put a customer interface on the Internet. Clients might place orders through an online interface which are then automatically conveyed to a service business's network.

Smaller businesses in the service industry might benefit from using software on demand. This service industry software model allows managers to access programs from a host website. Users normally pay a subscription fee. This model can be less costly than owning software. Businesses that do not have in house Information Technology (IT) departments can benefit from automatic updates included in most software on demand models.

Open source software is a common choice for service industry managers who have less complicated needs. These programs can be accessed for free and tend to offer users basic features. This kind of software also is preferred by managers who want to try out different models before committing to one.

Larger organizations often prefer to purchase software that is complex and which can support a number of different users at one time. In these instances, organizations may have their own IT departments responsible for updating security and other features. Managers who choose to purchase software often choose programs that are designed for a specific industry. For example, a hotel manager may choose hospitality industry software that is designed to keep track of reservations.