It’s no secret that the way we are doing business is changing, and companies increasingly must use the latest technology or programs to stay ahead in an ever-shifting global market. Technology is changing the way that businesses operate. Whether you are a small business owner, and have your own coffee shop, to an online high fashion boutique, you need to make sure that your IT systems are up to date to improve output, ensure that your business operates faster, and to improve how your company operates. So, if you want to make smarter business decisions, and obtain new clients, then make sure that you understand how technology can benefit you.

The power of video

Video is changing the way that we consume and process information in business. Whether you are a security company looking to improve your control room operations, to a marketing or digital firm that wants to seriously stand out as soon as any potential new clients enter your offices, then you should be making sure that your video services are benefiting your company. Consider investing in a video wall, to improve your operations. Not only can a video wall act as an efficient and positive marketing tool, you can also operate this tool from any sized monitor. An example of this is the Userful video wall solution that can help meet with your business needs and requirements. So, if you aren’t already using video to your advantage, then you could soon get left behind.

Top tools

Do you waste hours or weeks completing expenses, creating pay checks and making sure that your company’s finances are up to date? If your answer is yes, then you are wasting crucial business’ time on processes that could be automated, rather than completed manually. In today’s busy, digital world, you can even invest in tools and software to provide quick solutions for convoluted business processes. From accountancy software to automated pay check generators, if you do your research then you may find the ideal software program to help save your business both time and money.

Top tech

If you want your business to remain efficient and effective, then you need to make sure that your workforce has access to the latest technology on the market. Not only does up to date technology ensure a happy workforce, it will also improve the overall operations and productivity of your company. Tablets or iPads are ideal if your employees need to access documents and emails on the go. While ensuring that they have the latest mobile devices will not only improve connectivity, but also mean that your employees can use software such as Skype or Face Time to conduct business deals – as opposed to spending thousands on international travel costs. So, if your tech is letting you down, then you will need to consider how you can make a few key investments to ensure that your business can compete against any of your target market’s key competitors.

Savvy storage

Failing to keep your business data effectively stored or backed up could cost your business dearly in the long term. Online criminals and hackers are starting to become increasingly savvy when it comes to accessing personal information about your client base, using phishing emails or online tools to gain access through company firewalls. First and foremost, you need to ensure that all your business’s software is kept up to date by testing company IT firewalls and anti-virus software to prevent a security breach. Next, make sure that your employees are aware of the importance of backing up data.

Ensure that you complete full-company backups at least once a month, and explain the importance of optimum business security to ensure that your workforce doesn’t take home any confidential data in their briefcase at the end of the day. You could also consider online solutions such as cloud storage, meaning that they can back up emails and information while on the go too. Failing to complete backups and safely store business data could cost your firm if you suffer from a breach. So, make sure that you review your technology and protect your business and your client database.

Make smarter decisions

Do you currently use business data to help you make smart business decisions? If the answer is no, then you could be missing out. In fact, business intelligence software enables you to automatically organize all the data points that your company currently uses, from sales and pricing information to active supplier contracts. Business intelligence platforms can enable you to report any important information that provides a valuable perspective on the health and productivity of your company. From how your sales force is performing, to any red flags in relation to your company’s finances. Using this type of software means that you can access the amount of data that your company generates daily, providing you with real-time insights that you can use to establish the next course of action for your firm.

Technology is transforming the way that businesses operate and perform. So, if you currently use out of date processes, or technology that looks like it’s from the previous century, then you are causing more harm than good to your firm. If you want to improve how your business operates, then consider investing in software programs to improve the time that your employees currently spend on key business operations. Use video to enable you to improve how your business performs, as either a marketing or security tool. If you don’t already use business intelligence software, then you could be losing money on operations or processes without even realizing. While poor storage processes will cost your business big if you suffer a security breach.

Technology affects business operations without you even realizing. In fact, it is the lifeblood of many essential processes, ensuring that your business continues to perform and produce an optimal output. So, if you want to keep obtaining positive business results, or are looking to make some serious internal improvements, then make sure that you give your business technology some much-needed attention.

By Kar

Dr. Kar works in the interface of digital transformation and data science. Professionally a professor in one of the top B-Schools of Asia and an alumni of XLRI, he has extensive experience in teaching, training, consultancy and research in reputed institutes. He is a regular contributor of Business Fundas and a frequent author in research platforms. He is widely cited as a researcher. Note: The articles authored in this blog are his personal views and does not reflect that of his affiliations.