Setting up and running a small business is a tough ask as any entrepreneur will tell you. Times have changed from when you needed an array of printers and photocopiers, stacks of paper, gallons of ink and clunky desktop computers. And it’s all thanks to the constant development of technology that helps businesses.
That’s not to say that printers don’t have a role to play but there are easier and cheaper ways to get what you need.
Understanding your business needs
New technology is great as long as it does what you want it to do. It’s there to help you so you need to be clear as to your business goals and then to employ the right technology to assist you to move ahead.
If your business includes a lot of in-house design then a desktop computer with a large screen is almost a necessity. There are many good design software packages on the market to enable the production of impressive designs and high quality images in full and accurate color.
Most businesses will have several laptop computers, and in many cases every employee that needs to use one will have one supplied. Laptops have become slimmer and lighter over the years, and employees can transport them easily to work outside the office environment.
Data storage
The smooth running of your business will benefit from a modular server room to provide reliable and secure storage for your data. You need to think ahead to factor in how long you expect the facility to last and bear in mind you may want to relocate it at some stage. If you’re planning to expand then you also need to plan this in in terms of the space that will be needed for a server room.
Communications
Fast, secure communication is essential for your business so you should ensure that you secure an appropriate broadband package and that there is enough bandwidth for multiple users for up and downloads. Using Wi-Fi is a standard way of communicating via email or social media, and you can use an application such as Skype for remote face-to-face meetings.
Document Management Software
When you use a paperless system to manage your documents you can save a lot of money by cutting the cost of physical items such as toner, ink and carbon copies. You’ll save valuable office space, giving room to hire more people to devote to improving business efficiency, and with plenty of document management software available you can make a significant difference to how your business operates.
Devices
Smartphones and tablets are also essential tech tools for employees, especially for sales reps who can give demonstrations of products and services your business offers. Whether it’s Apple or Android as an operating system, a tablet gives incredible flexibility outside the workplace.
You may need to invest in new tech at the beginning but it’s well worth the money when it helps you to control a business that runs smoothly.
