A business is a lot like a car: all the parts and pieces need to work together for you to move forward. And just like a car, to keep it running at peak performance you’ll need occasional upgrades and services. Depending on your business model and budget, you need to decide which upgrades take priority. But no matter of what you start with, there are many simple, cost-effective upgrades available that’ll help your business run like a well-oiled machine.
Accounting Software
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There are so many accounting programs on the market that it’s hard to choose which one to use, but don’t let that intimidate you. Regardless of which one you choose, these programs can cut a significant amount of time and cost from your budget. Accounting software is designed user-friendly so you or a member of your staff can easily learn the program, eliminating the need for an expensive corporate accountant.
The likely hood of a human-made error is also greatly reduced, resulting in a worry-free spring when taxes are due.
New Office Equipment
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When considering upgrading technology, office equipment seems to fall low on the list for most people. Consider this though: you may invest in the greatest software and most expensive machines, but if you’re employees are spending their days in uncomfortable chairs, productivity will drop from sore backs and unhappy workers.
Along with the reduced productivity, you’ll actually end up spending more on the cheap equipment. Buying that $50 knock off printer may seem like a good idea now, but when you end up having to replace or fix it every 6 months, you’ll regret not purchasing the $150 one with a 5 year warranty.
Cloud Data Storage
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Utilizing technology like a cloud data storage system is something that every business should consider. In case a server crashes, you run the risk of losing important documents and projects, resulting in a huge loss of time and resources. With a cloud storage system, however, the only time you would lose your projects is if the entire Internet were to fail — if that were to happen you probably will have more pressing concerns.
With a cloud storage, you can get access to files at any place in the world. So if you’re managing multiple sites across a large distance or on a business trip, you’ll still have access to anything you need.
Workload Automation
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Imagine a software program that can handle anything from job scheduling to IT processes. Workload automation software is leading the way in convenient, time-saving practices. Using workload automation won’t only save you time and money, but job scheduling and monitoring IT processes has never been easier. Allowing a program to handle these mundane daily tasks frees up your time to focus on promoting your business and striving for success.
Tablets
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Tablets are revolutionizing the corporate world and are quickly becoming a must-have for any profitable company. In fact, many businesses are replacing tablets in lieu of laptops or desktop machines. So why should you consider getting a tablet? The portability for one is a big selling point. Traveling with a laptop is frustrating, especially when so many face problems of over heating and poor battery life. Most tablets brag to have twice the battery life as laptops, and processors that are on par with desktops.
While not all the programs you have are capable with tablets yet, many developers are making it so you can do anything with a tablet that you can with a laptop.
Faster Wireless Internet
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If you’re business is still using an 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi network, it’s time to consider upgrading to a faster wireless network. Working on an 802.11n Wi-Fi will yield better results in both productivity and functionality. Having increased wireless connection will make your work flow together seamlessly without pesky distractions like loading screens and buffering errors. It’ll also increase the amount of connected devices, meaning more people can connect and thus more work gets done.
Don’t let your business die because it couldn’t keep up with technological demands. The corporate world is an ever-changing, expanding community and if you want to succeed you need to prepare to change with it. New technology is often daunting, but is necessary to compete in today’s market. If you make it work in your advantage, you’ll find it’s the best thing that ever happened to your company.
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