Here are a few of our top picks for must-have apps that any small business should try:

Apps that up your productivity and organisation
Project management and organisation are key ways to boost your small business and get more done in the average day. Here are our top recommendations:

Trello
Trello may be a classic option for small businesses, but that doesn't mean it can't do good things. Utilising a card-based project management system, Trello allows multiple people to work together on a range of different tasks. Integration with Slack, Evernote and Xero projects makes this system even handier for day to day use.

Basecamp
If Trello is the streamlined way to work, Basecamp is the maximalist approach. Instead of one large workplace board, Basecamp features chatrooms, message boards, check-in systems and more to keep everyone on track. If you're spending half your time trying to keep everyone updated on projects, Basecamp may be a handy app to improve your productivity.

Apps to manage your inventory
If your business carries inventory, upping your organisation and digitising your processes is the ideal way to save time and costs. Here are our top picks:

Unleashed
Unleashed is the ideal solution for inventory management, whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or wholesaler. With a focus on a unified inventory management system for all products, Unleashed allows you to see the state of your business at a glance, thanks to the innovative Business Intelligence Tool. It's also highly rated by some of the world's biggest names in business, from QuickBooks to Xero.

DEAR
If you like the idea of a smooth, user-friendly, slick interface for your inventory management, DEAR delivers on that promise. As a one-stop-shop with plenty of functionality built-in, DEAR puts everything in one place so you can focus on growth. Anything you need from real-time inventory management is covered in one easy-to-read dashboard, cutting down the time spent wrangling with data or deciphering spreadsheets in an instant.

One honourable mention worth noting is Xero's recent acquisition of Locate, a unique inventory management tool that's well worth investigating for future business needs.

Apps that make payment easier
Taking and making payments doesn't have to be a chore with the right app. Here are a few that you might want to check out:

Square
Square is the standard for many small businesses all over the world – and for a good reason. This POS provider is a giant in the payment world, providing a fast and easy way for businesses to allow debit and credit transactions at a low price point. If you're looking for flexibility and convenience, then Square is worth a second look.

Tyro
Tyro is an increasingly popular competitor to the big names in POS, providing quick and easy in-store and online payments in one handy location. More than 36,000 Australian businesses already utilise Tyro, with a wide range of payment types included to suit the varied needs of the average customer base. If you like the idea of putting ecommerce and in-store purchasing in one basket, Tyro might be what you need.

Apps for finance and accountancy
Money management is a key priority for small business owners. Here are some of the apps that can make your finances a bit easier:

QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the standard, whether you do finances yourself or work with an accountant. QuickBooks Online is specifically designed with small businesses in mind, allowing you to enter receipts quickly, create invoices and have all the information you need when tax season rolls around.

FreshBooks
If your business focus is invoice-heavy, then you might get along well with FreshBooks. With easy, quick invoicing built into the service and an overall practical interface, FreshBooks is a low-cost alternative to other options on the market. If you don't like the look of QuickBooks (or the price point), FreshBooks may be worth a look.

Apps for customer relationships
Creating great customer relationships is a crucial ingredient for long-term success. These tools might be just what you need:

Belly
If you want to give back to your customers, this app is an excellent place to start. You don't necessarily need a custom app and costly development process to create your own customer loyalty scheme. Belly makes the process easy, allowing you to quickly create and manage a points-based rewards system on your own terms.

Salesforce
If you're serious about investing in a better customer journey and improved sales and marketing, industry giant Salesforce isn't a bad place to start. This CRM can do whatever you need it to, whether it's tracking customer profiles, personalising marketing plans, or creating automated customer journeys.

Apps that keep you in touch with your team
Communication in small businesses is a must. Keep everything transparent and open with the help of these apps and services:

Slack
Slack is the cornerstone of communication in many small businesses worldwide. With workplace-friendly messaging and quick and easy methods of speaking to just about anyone you need to, Slack is a valuable productivity tool. Anything that reduces the volume of unnecessary meetings in the workplace is always a good thing.

GoToMeeting
Going remote? For small businesses that frequently use video conferencing, GoToMeeting may be the ideal addition to your app investment budget. Unlimited HD meetings, screen sharing, and a dial-in line are all included. You can even integrate Google Calendar of Office 365 to add even more functionality on top.

Apps that keep you on track
Where does the time go? If your small business services require accurate time tracking and scheduling, you might want to try these apps out:

TSheets
Created by the experts at QuickBooks, TSheets offers a way to track your time simply and effectively. Even better, you can integrate this app directly into the rest of your QuickBooks services as well as with Sage, Xero and more, making it effortless to invoice correctly every time.

Deputy
If you need a mobile-friendly solution for remote team management, Deputy provides an excellent solution. This streamlined scheduling app allows you to handle rotas easily and fill shifts with a single tap while also providing instant notification of upcoming shifts for your employees. If shift swapping is the standard in your business, Deputy can handle that too – preventing confusion and ensuring everyone is where they need to be.

Every business is different. While not every app on our list will work for you, it's worth exploring the different options available to your business. As a digital-first company, 360 Accounting Services is all about embracing technology in the small business accounting services we offer. Why not chat to us about it today?