A package manager is an operating-system tool that creates new and effective project environments for you and your company. It provides you with an overview of all the software on your computer and makes installing, removing and upgrading software simple.
In its simplest form, a package manager deals with collective bundles of files (packages), so you don’t have to manually remove or install them one by one. It is a far more efficient way to keep on top of the content repository for your business, as it can automatically back up content and efficiently import and remove content from your computer’s system.
If you want to learn more about what a package manager is and whether your business would benefit from one, have a look at our list of specific package manager descriptions and the overall advantages of this tool.
What is a package manager?
A package manager tool has several main functions:
1) Creating new project environments
The package manager can take on board the tools your company or you have specified for installation before you take on a new project. This means it automatically follows these pre-specified instructions and gets your system’s environment ready for your next project.
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The package manager can do this a lot more quickly than the manual equivalent of the procedure, as a package manager can efficiently bring in and install external dependencies (outside tools and software can help with your projects).
This tool can also help you to package the project you’re working on for a wider digital content repository, helping to make this project far more accessible for others outside your business.
2) Backing up important digital content and files
You can also use the package manager tool to back up your digital content. Using the package manager can prove more adaptable and effective than using an external backup, which can take quite a bit of time.
3) Importing and upgrading software
Efficient optimization in package management systems is made possible when the system efficiently follows prerequisites for software installation, as defined by you or your company.
Above and beyond this, package managers can take your recommendations and find suitable software and external dependencies you may not have been able to find yourself. Package managers have built-in designs to seek out and find external development solutions and devices to best suit your project. This gives you more time to focus on the project at hand, rather than worrying about whether you have the most effective software in place.
4) Providing the user with an overview of all the software currently at use in their project
Because of their functions, package managers keep a cohesive and extensive database of the tools and dependencies involved in the project at hand. This useful feature allows users to keep track of what software is installed, as well as what has been removed and what might need upgrading to ensure maximum project efficacy.
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The package manager software works a bit like a fourth party would in the business model, giving an overview of the project environment in the same way 4PLs provide an overview of your company’s operations framework. That’s one of the many reasons your eCommerce business should use a 4PL.
Is your business ready for a package manager?
Here are some factors to take into account when thinking about using a package manager for your business:
1) Size of business
Package managers can be useful for businesses and companies of all sizes, but it’s worth noting they are especially helpful when it comes to companies with massive operating systems. Specially designed systems can help manage the several thousand external dependencies and tools a big business needs to function.
If you’re only using several types of software and dependencies for your company’s project, you may decide a package manager program isn’t worth the cost.
2) Permissions needed
For most package managers, you will need to run through an assortment of setting requirements before having to manually filter and pre-define the types of software you’re looking for before the tool can discover and install it for you.
This can take some expertise, and your company should take the time and skill required for this into account before purchasing the manager software.
Bearing in mind the regulations and complicating factors you may be dealing with already, like using hazmat shipping labels and styrofoam packaging for hazardous and fragile freight shipments, consider how your company will manage the extra permissions needed for the package manager.
3) Loss of manual-control aspect
Another factor to consider is the loss of manual control and oversight that results from installing a package manager.
Once you’ve entered the requirements for the new and existing software you’ll need to effectively manage your project, you essentially hand over the process of curating the software to the management software. Although this is ideal for some companies, you might not like the idea of losing a bit of executive control over this aspect of project management.
4) Cost of a package manager
Package manager software can be quite expensive, ranging from starting figures of around $200 per year for single developers up to well over $1,000 per year for small companies.
As well as considering expenses like “How much is freight shipping,” you’ll need to consider the cost of a package manager so you can budget accordingly.
The Takeaway
A package manager is an effective way to outsource formerly manual control of a project’s environment and give both you and your company’s employees more time and space to work on the substance of the project.
Before making a decision about whether to get this software, however, it’s important to take into account several factors, ranging from cost through to the size of your business.
For more information on practical and valuable ways to ship and package your company’s products, explore our website.
