Category Archives: BMS Staff

How the Cloud is Changing Telecommuting for the Better

By Black Mountain Software | Published January 17, 2019

Technology has changed everything, and the ability to telecommute is one of those.
In fact, telecommuting trend data collected by GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com shows:

  • 50% of the US workforce has a job that is at least partially compatible with telework or telecommuting
  • 20-25% of the workforce telecommutes at some frequency (2.8% work at least part-time from home)
  • 80-90% of the workforce would like to telecommute at least part-time
  • Fortune 1000 company employees are not at their desk 50-60% of the time
  • The amount of regular, non-self-employed work-at-home employees has increased 140% since 2005

The growing trend for telecommuters and telework is not likely to decline anytime soon. Read more >

Posted in Best Practices, BMS Staff, BMS Tech Tips, City Clerk Cafe, Cloud Computing, Office Efficiency, Technology | Comments Off on How the Cloud is Changing Telecommuting for the Better

Helping You Adapt to Change

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 20, 2018

“The only thing that’s constant is change.”

Regulations change, reporting requirements change, and technology changes, too. Within the past few years, we’ve seen a number of reporting requirements change–from the Montana Public Retirement System to Federal Affordable Care Act reporting. These changes are frustrating for clients. It means new reports, more data entry and a system to check for errors. But we are determined to ease that pain, to the best of our ability, by creating add-ons to our software and updating our systems whenever there are new mandated compliance requirements for our clients.

How BMS Software Eases the Pain of Changing Compliance Requirements

  • US-based support.
    • Read more >
    Posted in Best Practices, BMS Products, BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Cloud Computing, Government Accounting Standards, School Software, Small Cities, Technology, Utility Billing | Comments Off on Helping You Adapt to Change

    Why We Are Grateful, In Eight Words for Thanksgiving

    By Black Mountain Software | Published November 19, 2018

    “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve gratitude.”

    It’s easy to get bogged down in all that life throws at us. But fortunately, it’s even easier to be grateful. At Black Mountain Software, we are here because someone had an idea, and someone else thought it was good enough to buy. Twenty-six years later, we have a strong business with a great clientele in one of the most beautiful places in the world. And for that, today we must say, we are so grateful! Grateful for this opportunity, this industry, this location, and our customers, of course. Read more >

    Posted in BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Latest News | Comments Off on Why We Are Grateful, In Eight Words for Thanksgiving

    The Smile On the Other End Of the Line: Good Phone Etiquette

    By Black Mountain Software | Published October 3, 2017

    Have you ever heard that a smile can be heard over the phone? We have, and we believe it to be true! And that’s why this week—Customer Service Week (which falls on the first week of October this year)—is a big deal for us.

    Not only is Customer Service Week the time of year to celebrate the progress we’ve made providing quality, in-house customer service, but it’s also a time for us to reflect upon the service we provide and determine how we can improve our customer engagements.

    While we realize that good customer service should describe every business/customer interaction, because so much of our support comes after the installation of our products and over the phone, we thought we’d focus on one key aspect of customer service: phone etiquette. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Latest News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Smile On the Other End Of the Line: Good Phone Etiquette

    Engineers Week 2016

    By Black Mountain Software | Published February 1, 2016

    Spreading the Word About Engineers

    T2014-10-03O-Nahere’s one week in February where we take a moment out of our lives to show love, respect and thanks for the ones who make a difference in our lives.

    Did you think we were talking about Valentine’s Day? Well, leave it us to hold out for a more lesser-known, slightly nerdier holiday: Engineers Week!

    Why do Engineers get a whole week of celebration here at BMS? Well, simply put: engineers make our lives better! Their work helps turn ideas into
    solutions, solve problems, build dreams and see opportunities for future improvements. Because they play such an integral role in our society, National Engineers Week exists to increase the conversation about why we need engineers, and brings awareness about the career field to schools and educators so
    we can continue to develop the next generation of engineers! Read more >

    Posted in BMS Staff, Technology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Engineers Week 2016

    Dealing with Change: Tips for a Seamless Software Conversion

    By Black Mountain Software | Published November 2, 2015

    7K0A0190How many times have you heard the words, “that’s the way we’ve always done it” from a co-worker’s mouth? Most likely, a lot! So when it comes time to make a change—in assigned roles, vendors, software, or processes—it can be difficult! Especially when we’ve grown so accustomed to a certain way of doing things.

    In the wise words of Socrates, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

    At Black Mountain Software, we understand what it means to ask a county, municipality, school or utility to change. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, BMS Products, BMS Staff, Cloud Computing, Office Efficiency, School Software, Small Cities, Technology, Utility Billing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Dealing with Change: Tips for a Seamless Software Conversion

    Keys to Good Customer Service in Eight Letters (CUSTOMER)

    By Black Mountain Software | Published October 5, 2015

    2014-10-03O-Na

    We love customer service! We love working with clients, and getting to know them throughout the integration process. In honor of Customer Service Week, we thought we would publish our thoughts on what makes good customer service.

    No matter what your job or industry, there are always moments when we need to put on our customer service hats. That’s why these principles apply to everyone, no matter what product or service they deliver, and how often they interface with customers!

    Keys to Good Customer Service in Eight Letters

    C – Confidence. Being well-trained and knowledgeable, offering immediate answers, and having the ability and permission to deal with the issue at hand all creates a confidence with the customer that will keep them coming back. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, BMS Staff, Office Efficiency, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Keys to Good Customer Service in Eight Letters (CUSTOMER)

    MMCT/FOA and MCTA Attendees Express Appreciation

    By Black Mountain Software | Published May 19, 2015

    Upon arriving to the office today, we were delighted to receive acknowledgement for our recent efforts.

    At Black Mountain Software, we strive to deliver software and client support that is second to none. And, when “how-to” and “know-how” converge, and the outcome builds knowledge, confidence and empowerment – well, that’s a valuable experience.

    It was wonderful to share and learn with all who attended our recent MMCT/FOA Annual Users’ Meeting and the MCTA Treasurers recertification class.

    Gratitude is greatest when shared by all.

    Thank you, for appreciating us.

    Read more >

    Posted in BMS Events, BMS Products, BMS Staff, Uncategorized | Comments Off on MMCT/FOA and MCTA Attendees Express Appreciation

    BMS Leader Makes Positive Impact on Ronan Youth

    By Black Mountain Software | Published May 6, 2015

    The Ronan school district, in coordination with local business leaders, held their annual Education Matters/Girls Career Fair Thursday, April 30th at the K William Harvey elementary school. The focus of the career fair is to inform, educate and mentor youth about the importance of learning and understanding the value of education.

    Heather Neff, BMS Chief Operating Officer, met with 3rd and 4th grade students to share her professional experience and success through hard work, dedication and education. “What a wonderful event to be involved with! The girls were fun and engaged, asking questions, and thinking about all the possibilities for their future. Read more >

    Posted in BMS Events, BMS Partners, BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on BMS Leader Makes Positive Impact on Ronan Youth

    Black Mountain Software Teams Up to Clean Up! Green Up!

    By Black Mountain Software | Published April 27, 2015

    In conjunction with the Polson Chamber of Commerce and The Beautification Committee of Envision Polson, Black Mountain Software contributed to the annual Clean Up! Green Up! event on Friday, April 24.

    The first step to having a beautiful, welcoming community that we are all proud of is to have it trash free. Black Mountain Software ‘Green Team’ volunteers spent their Friday evening picking up trash along a two mile stretch of the Polson walking path from O’Reilly Auto Parts to Mission Valley Auto.

    Both Black Mountain Software offices are located in beautiful, picturesque Montana regions. Conserving, reusing, recycling, and being mindful of our environment and planet are everyday practices at Black Mountain Software. Read more >

    Posted in BMS Events, BMS Partners, BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Small Cities | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Black Mountain Software Teams Up to Clean Up! Green Up!

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