IT is constantly moving forward. Just think about all the new things that have been introduced just in the last five or ten years. Technology is always innovating, and business technology is just one field of computing that has seen great change. A huge range of solutions are now available for businesses to manage their operations and engage with clients more effectively.
Not all businesses are taking full advantage of the new opportunities that innovations in business technology offer. It’s tempting to stick with what you’ve got, as long as it’s still functioning, but this could mean that you aren’t getting the best value from your tech investments. Let’s look at how to maximize the returns on your IT spend.
How Well is Your Software Working for You?
Your goal should be to implement the software that will work best for your operations and for your staff. Unfortunately, that’s harder than it sounds. Software isn’t always easy to manage, and most companies end up using a whole range – possibly even dozens – of different solutions. This can make managing it more difficult and can require more expenditure, and more time, than is actually necessary.
Most business owners put a lot of energy into making sure that the work environment is geared to achieve optimal productivity. If your IT is not set up properly, you can end up with redundant software and cloud accounts that aren’t used. This inefficiency isn’t just a drag on productivity. It’s typically also a waste of your financial resources. One way to get a grip on the tools your business uses is to ask your staff. It’s the people who use the software (or sometimes don’t use it!) who can provide you with the best analysis of how it’s working for them and for your operations.
If your software array is streamlined, it will almost certainly mean better value for you. Redundancy is a common problem. Businesses may be paying for different apps that accomplish the same tasks. Controlling cloud costs is just one part of it. With streamlined software, your staff won’t become fatigued from the effort of unnecessary multi-tasking with a whole bunch of different applications. Keep it simple. It can help your staff and boost the returns on your technology spend.
Phased Introduction of a Tech Overhaul
It’s only too easy to envisage a new scenario and then dive into it. That can be a recipe for unnecessary expenditure. A phased approach, with new technology implemented serially instead of all at once, is the way to go. It’s essential to think through how changes to your IT will impact your operations. One way to slow things down is to introduce too much change too fast. The best way forward is to implement new software and system streamlining steadily, with careful reviews of how each step is working.
Some new software will catch on quickly as staff reap the benefits. Other software may be harder for people to get to grips with. It’s important to recognize that the best way to obtain a good return on your technology investments is to implement change according to a carefully planned schedule, with ongoing evaluation of the effects of the innovations you’ve introduced.
Make Contingency Plans
Technology can be complicated and there’s always the potential for glitches and problems. The more agile your approach, the easier it will be to manage any issues that arise. Assume that there may be bumps in the road and make sure you have a plan to fall back on in that scenario. The last thing you want is downtime that delivers the opposite of what you’re hoping to achieve.
Quikteks can help you to get the most out of your technology investment. Our IT experts can help you to acquire and implement new technologies. To find out more, call us at (973) 882-4644.