Don’t be a Scrooge with technology
Don’t be a Scrooge with technology.
By Dynatec Computers
If you’re holding on to old technology systems and think you’re saving time and money – it could be costing you more than you think.
The way we work and the technology we use is constantly evolving. This trend of rapid change requires SMEs to recognise that they need technology that can facilitate every step of growth. You don’t want to be a late adopter.
Embracing new technology will allow you to anticipate key trends, reduce costs, identify your business needs – such as cash flow or inventory problems – and act quickly on the changing needs of your customers.
However, if you’re adding new servers, replacing computers, training staff on devices or engaging with new apps, this implementation can place pressure on the business to work in new ways.
To remain competitive there is no avoiding new technology. The IT experts around the world say adopting new technology will “reduce costs, increase accuracy, quality and make your business more scalable”.
I personally myself warn businesses all time that sitting on outdated systems can make a business vulnerable to hacking, malware, viruses or hardware failure. It is important to implement updates, proper security and backup capabilities which will prepare your business for all disasters – stolen assets, mistakes involving customers or loss of data in the event of a flood or fire.
SMEs can fail to see that investing in new technology saves time and money in the long-run. You can explain to your clients by adopting the cloud is one area that SMEs can get some immediate return on this investment. The cloud can provide SMEs with the benefits of a flexible, affordable, and sophisticated pay-for-use data server.
“The cost of software is a lot more affordable, rather than a rash output on capital expenditure as Technology is not as hugely costly as it once was.”
I.T professionals around the world agree that updated technology needs to be an inherent part of the business.
“Updated” doesn’t necessarily mean “high tech”, he says, but what is more important is to be proactive about IT. SME owners need to think about it strategically, rather than in a departmentalised way.
SME directors don’t feel they possess the expertise or the time to familiarise themselves with their IT infrastructure. But ideally, they should be across all areas rather than leaving the technology entirely up to the IT experts. Often the perspective of an IT specialist is “purely technical” he says.
“There are so many applications like cloud-based accounting and bookkeeping, web conferencing –all sorts of applications they should be on top of.”
A hands-off approach can result in IT departments thinking they’ve got a great idea for a certain solution and implementing it without consulting the users and the people using it day to day.
“I think that’s a cardinal sin. They should understand people’s needs, question if it’s even going to offer them the benefits and if possible even do a pilot and do frequent testing.”
Best practice technology should extend outside of the office, with SMEs considering the potential of apps and software solutions (the cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.). It’s never been easier for lines of communication to be open between staff to conference call, email or create and share documents on any device from any location in the world.
“We’re seeing companies move to hosted email rather than the traditional exchange server no matter what location they’re working from, you can have workers all over the globe as though they are in the same office.”
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