If you want to take your business to the next level, you need to be able to integrate technology. Through state-of-the-art tech, such as data analytics, optimized websites, email marketing, and more, you can extend your company’s reach and profits. Technology offers the chance to expand your operations quickly and cost-efficiently. While this tech does come at a price, it allows you to gain a great return on your investment. Even if you run a small-scale operation, this method of improving your processes is not out of reach. For a great business leader, it’s possible to find ways to make a company more tech-savvy while staying within a budget.
You need good internet
Every part of your company’s technology infrastructure would need a network connection. If you run a media production house, you would need a network to allow quick transfer of video files. If you need to send out marketing emails, a stable connection will enable you to do so in bulk. If you run an online store, you need a responsive internet to process orders through your internal system quickly. Experiential wisdom indicates that wired internet connections, such as those through an ethernet port, are more stable in performance and speed.
Invest in IT infrastructure
A modern entrepreneur can’t build a business without tech tools and bringing in IT specialists. While large companies often employ full-time computer and data specialists, you can obtain comparable service by hiring an external IT firm. Through an IT firm’s help, you would be able to set up a good data analytics system, optimize your websites for all platforms, and empower your workforce mobility. You can look into the reviews and reputation of external IT firms on Better Business Bureau.
The sooner you invest in this digital infrastructure, the faster you’ll be able to grow your company and keep up with the competition. An IT firm would ensure you invest in the technology that helps your business in particular, instead of you needing to rework your company to adapt to the wrong technology.
Use both local and cloud storage
Storage is one of the key components of a modern business. Your servers would host your website and be the repository of the various data your company needs. This includes HR information, customer details, and buying trends. By investing in reasonable storage solutions, you prevent any bottlenecks in your workflow.
By using both forms of storage, you can optimize for your particular use cases. For instance, you might benefit from cloud storage options to access documents that need collaborators but prefer local storage for larger files that need to be accessed frequently. Moreover, using both forms allows you to create multiple backups. In the worst-case scenario, even if one backup fails, you will have the ability to access the other one and restore your files.
Have strong cybersecurity
As companies become more dependent on technology to operate optimally, there has been a growing trend of cybercriminals trying to attack businesses. According to one report, a cyberattack took place every 11 seconds in 2021. Most of these attacks were in the form of ransomware, which locked businesses out of their files until money was paid to get the key.
Whether you have an in-house team or an external IT firm, take the proper precautions. A cybersecurity expert will be able to offer you solutions that protect both your devices and your network as a whole. An IT firm would help you set up a sandbox solution for your company’s files. This way, even if one system is hacked successfully, it would not be able to access all the files on your company servers. You should also set up 2-factor authentication to prevent identity theft of your work credentials.
Embrace remote work
One of the fastest-growing demands of the post-pandemic workforce is the ability to work remotely. Some companies, such as LinkedIn and the Japanese office for Panasonic, have shifted to more remote work. This can be beneficial to small businesses for several reasons. You save costs when it comes to office space and providing high-end computers if your workers are remote. These workers would prefer to use their own computer systems in most cases.
Moreover, you expand the talent pool from which you can hire. Instead of asking people to relocate or only hiring from the city where you are headquartered, you can hire people from across the country. Remote workers are often willing to take slightly lower pay for the perk of not having to commute as well. The pandemic showed the world how much of a job can be done from home, and it is in everyone’s benefit to take advantage of the tools already developed.
Use automation where you can
One of the most valuable parts of advancing technology is the ability to automate repetitive tasks. Automation has been used in customer service to direct people to the most relevant agent instead of going through various customer service reps to find the right expert. Moreover, automation can take care of repeated actions, such as updating excel sheets, processing customer orders, or scheduling emails and social media posts.
When your employees do not need to spend time on these tedious tasks, they can focus on more specialized work. Automating parts of your workflow is the best way to improve the company’s overall tech-savviness and productivity. It also allows your business to process large data sets promptly while avoiding human error.
Prevent workplace distractions
This is one of the most straightforward tech solutions to implement, but it can significantly affect productivity. While technology is versatile to adapt to any workflow, it also leaves room for some distractions. As your company grows, you may need to block social media sites or certain apps to prevent superfluous activity. It would not take long to make these adjustments, but they can help ensure the employees stay focused on the work.
Conclusion
You need to think of technology as a worthwhile investment for your company. By helping your company become more tech-savvy, you improve its productivity. It allows you to remain secure in the digital world while also engaging with the market in a competitive manner. Take the time to consult your in-house or external IT team and figure out which technology can best be integrated into your business. It’ll pay off in the long run.