Making the best possible decisions is essential for any successful business. All business owners have to make decisions all the time. It could be on staffing, prospects and strategies, customer services or investing in the resources that support your business operations. Technology is important to most businesses today, but it carries with it some significant budget decisions. So – how do you make the best decisions about your business technology?
Technology procurement involves some of the most important decisions a business has to make. It’s vital that you understand the technology you buy, so it’s properly attuned to your needs. You could end up with technologies that are cool, but that don’t really deliver what your business needs. These four tips will help you to acquire the new technology that’s right for you.
1. Costs Beyond the Purchase Price
Technology isn’t cheap, and the expenses don’t stop once you’ve purchased the items and solutions you hope will take your business forward. Let’s say you want a new system that will streamline your operations and boost efficiency and profits. But what if none of your employers have used this technology and don’t understand it? Acquiring a system that has the capability you need is only part of the solution. You also need to factor in usability and security. You’ll have to spend time and money training your staff, as well as implementing appropriate security protocols, so that your new business technology will take you to where you want to be.
2. Consult Effectively
It’s unlikely that your business IT is going to be used by just one or two people. When purchasing new technology it’s important to consult with the people who use it, and whose work will be affected if anything goes wrong. The time you spend discussing new technology with users, managers and other stakeholders will be time well spent. The input you receive will help you establish what you need in order to improve your existing processes.
3. Know Who You’re Dealing With<
Your new IT will be with you for a while. Make sure you acquire it from a reputable vendor. Not all sellers will be looking beyond their sales and towards giving attention to the future of your business. You need a vendor who sees the relationship with you as an enduring one.
4. Be Realistic About Goals
Implementing new business technology (or any technology, for that matter) can be complex. It’s important to appreciate the process and know exactly where you want to be at the end of it. A big project poorly implemented can cause immense problems for a business – and even smaller projects can incur expenses and delays if the process isn’t handled well. Make sure your goals are achievable and that you have a roadmap, in order to avoid potentially costly hitches along the way.
Technology decisions can have an impact on a business for years. Listen to your instincts and make sure your expectations are proportionate. At Quikteks, our IT professionals fully appreciate that technology is a tool that can yield dividends when properly implemented and managed. If you’re considering changes to your IT systems and need expert advice to take you forward, call Quikteks today at (973) 882-4644.