Managing a business can be a daunting task if you are not sure where to begin. Between meeting different consumer demands to keeping your employees engaged and satisfied, a business owner’s job never really ends. Fortunately, modern technology is here to offer solutions to most of the typical business challenges. However, technology moves at a pace you can hardly keep up with. But when it comes to business, you must stay up-to-date with your tech as obsolete technology holds your business back and exposes you to cyber security threats, resulting in loss of productivity, revenue, and efficiency. Upgrading your tech and keeping them up-to-date helps ensure that you remain on top of the game and keeps you safe.
Here are five important tech upgrades that can help you operate your business more efficiently and safely.
1. Replace Old Hardware and Software
Over time, computers and printers have become obsolete and moved into the legacy category. This is because not many businesses still use these items. For old hardware, say five years or more, it might be challenging to find drivers that support the latest applications and operating systems that are required, resulting in compatibility and dependability issues on your business’s end. One of the main problems with obsolete computers is insufficient RAM, which can become the main pain point for your workers. Web browsers, in particular, need plenty of memory.
Most workers tend to keep the browser and other software open at all times. Thus, a computer with inadequate RAM can considerably reduce employee productivity while raising their level of frustration which is bad for both parties involved. While keeping old hardware technology in use may seem like a cost-cutting strategy, old hardware usually needs regular repairs and maintenance more often than new hardware. Besides, waiting until your server breaks down to upgrade is risky as it can set your business back for days, leading to revenue loss that could have been prevented. Consider buying new computers every three years for your business so that you can improve efficiency and offer more value to your customers.
In addition to upgrading hardware, update any old software that you might have. The key to preventing cyber-attacks is having the necessary tools to protect your valuable information, and having that software updated is no exception. As software has advanced over the years, better security features have grown with it. Thus, some old software doesn’t have the potential to protect data as the new high-tech software does.
2. Shift to Cloud Software
You can reduce your operating and maintenance costs and improve accessibility for e-commerce, enterprise resource planning, inventory management, and accounting by making the choice as a business owner to migrate enterprise vault to office 365. This archiving solution can offer your business many benefits, including an automated archive for crucial information, easy end-user access to archived data, intelligence to help you preserve, search, and retrieve data efficiently, storage optimization, and enhanced IT operations, mailbox management, application updates, and backup SLAs. As a result of this switch, you will manage to cut costs, streamline any business processes, and improve operational flexibility overall.
3. Invest in Cyber Security
Security is of utmost importance at a business, but regrettably, most companies don’t understand the magnitude of the situation until a cyberattack happens and all of their personal information gets exposed. Business and customer data isn’t something you can take for granted and must be protected very carefully at all times; also the legal charges for data breaches are costly and can cause damage to your business. In addition, failure to maintain security can turn into a PR nightmare in no time but all of this can be avoided if your business makes it a goal to invest in high-quality cyber security.
Historically, businesses have considered security a luxurious feature and something you can add when required later. However, most businesses have learned the hard way that they must integrate security into every technology and application that they have, and security cannot be something that is overlooked to cut costs. Today, some of the main threats to businesses include viruses, scams, phishing, and malware. These threats can come in all forms so it is best to have informational trainings for your employees on how to handle those threats correctly. To stay protected and unsusceptible to threats, ensure that you constantly are updating your anti-malware and anti-virus software programs. Alternatively, consider enlisting the services of a professional ransomware security provider to secure your business network from cyber attackers.
4. Centralized CRM
With CRM software, you are easily able to track customer requests at a faster and more organized rate than with spreadsheets or emails. CRM allows you to keep client data in one, easy-to-access location, enables you to establish a standardized sales process and offers you the data you need to improve your marketing strategy. Also, communicating through the CRM allows users to search any of the collected real-time information that your business might have out there on the web.
5. Have a Reliable, High-Speed Network
A high-speed internet connection that’s available 24/7 enables businesses to operate modern applications, such as CRM software and office suites, efficiently and effectively. Workers usually appreciate an optimized internet connection that allows them to complete tasks promptly. In addition, a reliable network encourages collaboration within your business as well. Online collaboration services enable teams to utilize video or voice applications to meet one-on-one or in groups and make remote workers feel an active part of your business, thus, increasing overall productivity.
Upgrading your business tech is one way to support your company’s mission, strategies, and goals and keep your workers engaged and productive. Nevertheless, you can easily get overwhelmed by the countless business technology and tools available on the market. Before investing in one, ensure you research its functionality, scalability, and cost. Some tools are designed for small business operations, while others suit large corporations. Take advantage of free demonstrations and trial periods to avoid making costly mistakes.
