It seems that nothing changes faster than technology. A business can barely keep up. And, often it can feel like you are being forced to accept technology updates and upgrades because you will be left behind. Welcome to doing business in the new millennium.
Here are some tips that you can use in order to integrate technology into your business in order to be better at what you do.
Design a plan. Technology is such a large part of most businesses that it becomes necessary to map out what you need for technology investments to provide for you, just as you would make a master business plan. Write out some goals so that you do not get pulled out of your plan and sent off chasing something that might not really be a wise choice.
Make technology fit, not the other way around. Remember that first, you are in business to serve your customers and then to make a profit.
Technology should help you do this. Never purchase technology without first making sure that it is really a necessary item and fits this philosophy.
View technology as a tool or set of tools. Look at the pieces of your business and see which technology choices can be used to make your business perform better and reach your goals.
Pay cash for technology. Avoid the temptation to finance purchases of computers and other items that are technology based. If you find yourself unable to accomplish that, then look at a lease. This will allow you to integrate technology into your business without having to take a huge loss when the technology becomes obsolete in few years.
Add an 800 number and PBX system to your business. One of the best investments you can make in your business is to implement a system for handling customer phone calls and inquiries. You can do this with one of the best technology tools ever – an 800 number and PBX system.
With this system, you can allow callers to reach you at no charge which increases your business. Then, they are able to get information and route their own calls based on need. Doing business with you becomes easier and consistent.
Another added benefit is that it takes your phone calls for you which will allow you to focus on business tasks. Then later you can go back later and pick up any messages that need to be returned at a time that allows you to provide your full attention.
In this global economy, you might find that people all over the world want to do business with you. If that is the case, a PBX system allows you to be open for business 24×7. And, your system never needs to take a vacation or sick days.
Running a business is possible without technology, but not practical. The use of technology aids your business and makes it easier to do business. Obtaining an 800 number and associated PBX systems will prove that to you. And it is affordable as well. Make it a part of your business today.
Computer manufacturers are feeling enormous pressure to present cutting edge products to the public. Even when the latest and greatest hits the shelves (preferably before competing products), new problems can present themselves. One of the biggest issues in terms of asset returns management is regarding the placement of older technology. Sharing shelf space with newer models is not typically considered an ideal situation. This means that, as technological advances are introduced to the market, manufacturers are then stuck with older technology, discontinued products and outdated accessories. In an effort to solve the problem that short IT product lifecycles present, many major manufacturers are actively taking part in growing and shaping a secondary market with partner programs.
There are partner programs in place within the computer technology and equipment industry, designed to offset the increasingly short lifecycle of products. When computer equipment manufacturers initiate partner programs with qualified resellers, the lifecycles of manufacturer products can be extended by as much as triple the length of its original lifecycle within the primary market. This has serious positive impact for those in charge of asset returns management for their business. In other words, the end user is not the only party that will be positively impacted by the implementation of partner programs. Manufacturers, leasing or financing companies, computer distributers, system integrators, and most any organization within the private and public sector can realize a better rate of return on technology investments through partner programs.
Reselling partners within the computer secondary market obtain a vast array of technology from various sources. Among their purchases are surplus or overstocked goods, discontinued computer equipment, off-lease items, refurbished technology, and customer returns. All of these items are undesirable and unpractical for manufacturers to keep on their shelves, but they still see the value in keeping the items on the market. That is why computer technology manufactures will initiate partner programs with certain reputable global resellers.
If your organization is like most others, you are facing the challenges of asset returns management, the short lifecycle and subsequent termination of assets. As such, you are likely considering instigating or becoming a part of one or several technology partnership programs. As manufacturer participating in partner programs you can expect to achieve a longer lifecycle for otherwise obsolete computer products without compromising the consumer’s interest in your new product introduction plans. As an added bonus, your organizations will be able to retain positive business relationships and feelings with existing clients have made significant investments in your technology and products and who are not ready to invest in an entirely new technology simply because they are in need of a few upgrades, accessories or additional computer.
Initiating partner programs with resellers will help better handle asset returns management will assist in meeting and surpassing inventory objectives as well as achieve market value for older or surplus technology and equipment. Resellers will generally take control of unwanted inventory quickly and efficiently and assist you in providing an ongoing supply and support to consumers through a diverse range of channels and connections. In doing so, resellers will ensure that you will be able to bring out new technology without liquidating older products, affecting brand integrity, or compromising the introduction of your new products.
Partnership programs do not only assist manufacturers with asset returns management, they will benefit end users as well. It truly is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Your technology infrastructure is the hardware, software and people that support your business. So, how can you get your technology investment to pay off for you? You have to manage it. Technology can make you more efficient and effective but only if you actively manage it.
To get the most out of your hardware, you must run it under optimal conditions. Ideally, hardware runs best in climate controlled areas. Generally speaking, temperatures under 75 degrees with 30 to 50% humidity is good for most computers. High heat and direct sunlight will cause a computer to run hot. Excessive heat will reduce the computer’s life expectancy over time.
Do you have dust and dirt around your computer’s fans? There are probably clumps of dust and dirt inside your computer, too. Excessive dirt and dust may contribute to a computer running hot also. That’s why it is important to take your computer outside at least once a year and blow out the inside with compressed air.
Maximizing your software investment is a little more complicated. First of all, you must find out what devices and applications require software updates. Updating software means you need a patch management system.
A patch management system is a routine that allows you to apply software updates to devices and applications systematically. Most people know that operating systems and antivirus and productivity software require updates. But did you know that your computer BIOS, firewalls, routers, switches, server raid arrays, and other hardware devices may require updates, too? Hardware devices run a type of software known as firmware. Firmware can be updated. Most firmware updates improve the overall performance of the device.
Keeping all these devices up to date can be a daunting task but a schedule can help you do it. For instance, update your firewalls, routers, and switches on the first Monday of every month. The second Friday of every month defragment your computer hard drives. Set a schedule for patch management and follow it.
You can provide your employees with bleeding edge technology. However, what good is the best technology if the user doesn’t have the ability to take advantage of it? You must ensure your employees have mastered work related technology to get the highest return on your technology investment. Your employees do the work. Your employees accomplish that work using technology.
How well does your employees use work related technology? Conduct some research to find out. First, go ask them about work related technology. Don’t take their responses for granted. Next observe them using technology. If you are satisfied with what you heard and observed then you can stop here. If not then take it a step further. Assess their ability to use it. The results may surprise you. If your firm is small then consider cross training each employee to perform all mission critical technology tasks. Finally, encourage your employees to use the technology.
You must actively manage your technology infrastructure to get your expected return on investment. Be sure to employ these tactics to help you manage it. Make sure your hardware runs in a clean, cool and humidified environment. Create a patch management system for your software assets and stick to it. Research, assess, train and cross train your employees to perform mission critical technology tasks.