Costly Technology Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most costly technology mistakes to avoid is to not utilise computer systems and software to their full potential. Many companies fail to utilise the full capabilities of their on site systems and this can make a company less efficient and decrease productivity. If your company does employ staff then they should be fully aware of the time saving benefits of the technology they are using.
Business Computer Systems
Most businesses today would not be able to survive without their computer systems. Some businesses rely heavily on their systems and they are a major part of their daily processes. Good computer systems can be expensive but once implemented they should make life easier for staff and help provide a more efficient service to customers. Making basic mistakes with the in-house computer systems will cost a company time, money, and customers. Taking advice from IT support staff on the full capabilities of the in-house systems will be beneficial to any company.The Right IT Support
Many small businesses will simply install a computer system and then only call for IT support when it is needed. Dedicated IT support and technology advisors are the best way to increase your knowledge and avoid costly mistakes. IT support will be able to advise on issues such as e-commerce, web design, virus protection and the best way to maintain and update hardware and software. This is one area where cutting corners will work out more expensive in the long run.Staff Training
Staff do need to be trained appropriately on the full capabilities of the software packages used within the business environment. Untrained staff will decrease productivity and efficiency, and can lose valuable man hours, costing the company money. If employees are not trained properly then routine tasks can take a great dealer longer to complete. Staff training is vital whenever new software packages are implemented or when employees join a company. Gaining vital skills will improve productivity and efficiency and should cut down on expensive and unnecessary mistakes.A Strong Security System
Having a strong network security system is vital within any company. Software and data needs to be protected and if the company’s security system is not strong then this can work out to be an expensive error. Hackers are continually bombarding networks with viruses and spyware, and are always trying to gain access to networks for their own gain.Data theft is on the increase and viruses can delete data and leave computers unable to operate. This is troublesome for any company but even more so for those companies that utilise online selling with online payments. Again, IT support will be able to give advice on the best protection for you network and computers.
Upgrading Hardware And Software
Computers will need upgrading; usually around every three to four years. To some this may seem unnecessarily expensive, but the benefits of upgrading do outweigh the initial expense. Outdated computers will need to be maintained more, and are likely to be inefficient and break down. This will cost money in downtime and will lead to frustrated staff. Upgrading computers should be figured into any financial budget, and if you lease the equipment it should not cost you any more money to upgrade after a certain period of time. Always check computer lease contracts on the terms and conditions of upgrading.Going Green
Going green is a real way to save money in the office. Green technology can include energy efficient computers, servers and monitors. Not only will implementing energy efficient systems decrease your power usage but there a tax breaks available through the government. Going green does not just apply to computers; it can also be implemented in a company’s lighting and heating systems and company transport. There are real cost effective benefits to be had for companies that do take this pro-active step.These are simply a few of the ways that can help a company to avoid costly mistakes. Taking advice from IT support staff and technology consultants can be very beneficial when it comes to avoiding these expensive errors. There may be an initial cost involved but by taking the long term view you will ensure against wasted time and money.
