Running an efficient, relevant, and profitable small- or medium-sized business (SMB) requires the latest technologies. When used properly, these tools will enable you to work anywhere in the world and provide you with a competitive edge.
Advanced technology is essential to any equipment used in the workplace, including phone systems, networks and computers, security systems, and productivity software. Whether it’s phone systems that connect people around the world or a basic point-of-sale system that facilitates transactions, the latest technology is really best for any modern business.
But with a vast number of technology options today, an SMB owner could easily get overwhelmed. Here is a three-step process on how to maximize your organization’s technology.
Identify what your company needs
Spend some time determining what is relevant to your enterprise. Suppose one of your company’s main technology pain points is providing your off-site sales staff with efficient phone systems. One of your priorities should be to adopt communications tools that ensure they can talk to clients regardless of where they are and collaborate with their colleagues at the main office, even when they’re on the go.
You can start by listing all the communications tools your workforce needs to connect with one another and with clients. This may include devices like tablets, laptop computers, and mobile phones, as well as determining the necessary data plans for each staff. That way, you don’t end up blindly purchasing equipment and/or subscribing to services that you don’t really need. Perhaps your business needs more efficient systems for logging client calls, tracking sales, or keeping product inventories. Identifying your specific needs can help you select the technologies that will make your staff work more productively.
Take inventory of your available resources
Many offices use productivity suites like Microsoft Office. So if, for example, you need new computers and prefer to buy Mac computers but aren’t sure whether they’re going to be compatible with your preferred productivity suite, say, Office 365, it’s best to take inventory of all your computing equipment first before you purchase new hardware and/or software.
Determine whether all your company’s available devices (PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) can be integrated despite running on different operating systems.
It’s a good idea to follow any announcements from Microsoft, Google, and Apple regarding software updates or new features that may affect how your employees use their tools. Aside from getting the information straight from the manufacturers, you can read online reports from TechRadar and CNET, as they are often ahead of the curve when it comes to news about the tech industry.
Finally, take advantage of any training sessions that other IT organizations provide that are applicable to the technologies your business is using.
Seek the help of IT experts
After reviewing publications or online sources, you should have an idea of what technologies are best for your business. Have your workplace schedule regular meetings or training sessions with a reputable managed services provider like Vodigy Networks to refresh your knowledge about the digital tools you are using.
Vodigy Networks offers IT solutions for clients in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Our proactive, stress-free managed IT services will give you peace of mind by lowering your costs, boosting your productivity, and minimizing risks. We look forward to hearing from you. Get in touch with us today.
