Understanding Concurrent User Licenses for LBM Software

Owners and managers in the lumber, hardware and building materials supply industry know the challenges of using manual processes for managing inventory, processing orders, and tracking sales. As your business grows, these tasks can become increasingly time-consuming and error-prone. This is where a solid POS or business management software comes in, offering a more efficient way to handle your operations. However, when selecting software, you may come across the term "concurrent user license" and wonder what it means. Let's break it down.

What is a concurrent user license?

A concurrent user license refers to software licensing that allows a set number of users to access the software simultaneously. It's based on the number of simultaneous users rather than the total number of users within the organization. For example, if you purchase a five-user concurrent license, up to five employees can use the software concurrently. If a sixth person tries to log in, they'll be denied access until one of the current users logs out.

Why choose concurrent user licenses?

Concurrent user licenses can be particularly cost-effective for businesses where not all employees must use the software simultaneously. It allows you to pay only for the capacity you need, which can be less expensive than per-seat licenses that require a license for each user regardless of usage patterns.

Benefits for your business

1. Cost Savings: You only pay for the number of users who will be using the software at the same time, not the total number of employees.
2. Flexibility: Employees can log in from different workstations or locations as needed, making it ideal for businesses with shift workers or remote employees.
3. Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily add additional concurrent licenses to accommodate increased demand without significant expense.

Considerations before choosing

• Peak usage: Determine when the software will be used the most to ensure you have enough licenses to cover these periods. Many customers say the morning is the busiest.
• User behavior: Understand how your employees will use the software. If many need access simultaneously, you might need more licenses.

In conclusion, concurrent user licenses offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations with software. By understanding what a concurrent user license is and how it can benefit your business, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your company's needs and budget.

Remember, the right software can significantly affect how efficiently your business runs and how well you serve your customers. Choose wisely and take the next step towards modernizing your business operations.