Small-business owners can understandably hesitate before buying technology. You have to make sure the investment is worth it. How big is the dent to your budget? Will you use it regularly? Some technology is not only worth the investment, but also hard to function without. It may also save you time and money. Here are some tips from Faviola Valencia to get you started!
Website Security
Without website security, your company can expose itself or your customers to hackers. Steps your company can take to secure its website include:
• Monitoring and auditing your site: A monthly security audit can help you detect security threats. Look for new internal and external links, suspicious files on your web host, changes in loading times, and unfamiliar extensions or plugins. • Keeping your software updated: Software companies create patches to combat malware and other vulnerabilities. Make sure you are running the latest software versions. • Backing up your system regularly: Keep an offsite backup of your website. If you have a catastrophic event, you can recover more quickly.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers your company the advantage of a centralized database. Employees can access information from anywhere since it resides on a remote server, not individual desktop computers. With statistics showing that 45% of the workforce works remotely full-time or part-time, cloud computing is more vital than ever.
Cloud computing also keeps everyone on the same page. Employees go to the cloud to access files from a single source. You can eliminate wasted time passing around copies of a file and avoid the risk of someone using an outdated copy.
Inventory Management System
Inventory tracking can be a challenge for a company that sells products. You have to ensure you have enough in stock for customers without overstocking. You must also track what products are moving and where they’re headed.
Inventory management software can help you get a handle on the details. Then you can focus on scaling your business, hiring quality customer service reps, and streamlining your reports.
Tips for Choosing Technology
Doing your homework can keep you from wasting money on products that don’t benefit your company. Before you dive in, compile a list of everything you need the technology to do. Ask the workers who use it to outline their requirements. Write down everything in order of importance. If you have to trim your budget, you can mark off the least-needed functions.
Before committing, check out the customer support services. You can call the support line to see if you will be able to get the assistance the company promises. This step can assure you they will offer support when a crisis inevitably crops up.
There are many solutions out there, even robotics companies that can help you increase productivity. In fact, you want to invest in robotics solutions for your company to bump up the efficiency in your manufacturing and warehouse departments. Before you hire a robotics agency, gather information about their rates and how much experience they have in the industry. It’s a good idea to read customer reviews to learn more.
You can find tech tools that serve your business on any budget. You may even wonder how you functioned without it. Be sure to talk to your employees and research products before you buy so that you can spend your money wisely.
Faviola Valencia provides business and language solutions; interpreting to translation, business coaching to consulting & so much more. Call 916-220-4397.
