Key takeaways
- Start with your problems and workflows, not a list of features.
- Insist on M-Pesa, eTIMS and local data protection compliance.
- Check security, backups, user permissions and who owns your data.
- Choose a vendor with local training and support.
In this guide
- 1. Your business needs and workflows
- 2. Ready-made or custom
- 3. Local integrations and compliance
- 4. Ease of use
- 5. Security and data ownership
- 6. Cloud access and offline support
- 7. Scalability
- 8. Reports and insights
- 9. Total cost of ownership
- 10. Training and local support
- Permalink solutions
- Permalink systems by sector
The right business automation system saves hours every week, cuts errors and gives you a live view of your business. The wrong one wastes money and frustrates staff. Use these factors to choose wisely.
1. Your business needs and workflows
List the tasks that slow you down today, such as manual invoices, stock counts or patient records. Choose software that solves those first.
2. Ready-made or custom
Ready-made systems are faster to launch. Custom software fits unique processes. Permalink offers both, so you are never forced into the wrong fit.
3. Local integrations and compliance
Look for M-Pesa payments, KRA eTIMS invoicing and compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
4. Ease of use
If staff find it hard, they will not use it. Ask for a live demo and let your team try it.
5. Security and data ownership
Check encryption, role-based access, audit logs, backups, and that your data stays yours.
6. Cloud access and offline support
Cloud systems work from anywhere; offline mode protects you during outages.
7. Scalability
Can it handle more users, branches and records as you grow?
8. Reports and insights
Good software turns data into dashboards you can act on.
9. Total cost of ownership
Compare setup, licences, training, hosting and support over three years, not just the first invoice.
10. Training and local support
Choose a vendor who trains your team and answers quickly. Permalink provides setup, training and support from Nairobi.
Permalink solutions
We build systems for retail, healthcare, education, law, property, agriculture, transport and tourism, including our POS, Hospital Management System, School Management System and Tour Operator System. Not sure where to start? Read 5 signs you have outgrown spreadsheets or talk to us.
Permalink systems by sector
| Sector | Solution |
|---|---|
| Retail & hospitality | Point of Sale |
| Healthcare | Hospital Management System |
| Schools | School Management System, LMS |
| Law firms | Law Firm Management System |
| Property | Real Estate Management System |
| Farms | Farm Management System |
| Transport | Matatu Management System, Ticketing System |
| Tours & travel | Tour Operator System |
Frequently asked questions
Ready-made or custom software?
Ready-made systems are faster and cheaper to start; custom software fits unique workflows. Permalink offers both.
Is cloud software safe?
Yes, when it uses encryption, role-based access and regular backups.
How long does setup take?
Ready-made systems can go live in days to a few weeks, including data migration and training.
A Nairobi IT company helping Kenyan businesses grow with websites, software, marketing, networking and security. Our guides are written from real client projects.
