How to Upgrade the Technology Used by Your Business
Technology can help you become a more efficient business. But while you may have put the right tech in place at first, you will find that over time, it becomes slower and eventually obsolete. So, how do you upgrade your technology and get on back on track? Here are some areas you’ll need to look at.
Ensure you have great IT support
The problem with relying on tech is that if things go wrong, you can end up with some serious downtime. You should hire specialists in IT support who can offer 24/7 help with IT and technology for your business. If you’ve had problems in the past with unreliable tech, it’s worth investing in help and support. This means if something goes wrong, help is just a phone call away.
Upgrade your customer support offering
If you only offer customer support over the phone, then it may be time to think about some new methods of contact. E-mail support can help you offer better customer service, but you may also want to consider live chat, so people can get instant resolution. Also, think about the hours you offer. Many people don’t work the usual 9-5, so it’s becoming increasingly common for customer support to be open 24/7, and you can always outsource this function if you don’t have capability to cover it yourself.
Look into automation
The future where robots take over all our jobs is unlikely to be here any time soon. But automation can help your business in many ways. Some things that can be automated to a certain extent include:
- Customer care
- Ecommerce
- Management and HR queries
- Sales
- Digital marketing
You’ll still need people to take charge of and oversee these areas, but automation can help you save a lot of time.
See if you can get a grant
A grant can give you the finances you need to take your company to the next level, and there are a few available for companies who want to upgrade their tech. Check out the grants available from the SBA – Small Business Administration, who are run by the government. If you have an innovative company, but feel you could be doing more, then a grant could potentially help you.
Only invest in things you’ll use
When you have some money to upgrade your tech, it’s important to use it wisely. Don’t just buy the latest technology, as this may not be suitable for what you want to achieve. Instead, think about what you are trying to achieve as a business, and what types of technology will get you there. If you aren’t sure, then work with some IT consultants to make the most of your budget.
Upgrading your technology doesn’t have to be a chore or something that takes a lot of your time. Some simple upgrades and automation can make a big difference to your business, so spend some time thinking about areas where IT upgrades will pay off. In the long term, you’ll no doubt be glad you made an investment.
