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Computer Skills and the Credit and Collection Function
Using a computer is an essential requirement for every credit professional. Many companies have computer software that enables the credit department to check on the status of any order at any point in time. In smaller companies, the use of stand-alone computer programs often provides tools useful in credit decision-making.
More and more large companies now use credit-scoring programs to evaluate credit applicants as well as active customers. The explosive growth of the Internet as a research and risk assessment tool because information abounds online, especially about publicly traded companies here and overseas. In addition, many companies are migrating to ERP software programs such as SAP and Oracle. All of these facts point to the need for every member of credit and collection department to be computer literate. The good news is that it is never too early or too late to improve one's knowledge and expertise in using software and hardware.
Edited by Michael C. Dennis. Mr. Dennis is the author of "1001 Collection Tools and Tips." Please e-mail questions, comments or business inquiries to mcdennis13@yahoo.com