When your company is busy it means that business is good and while there may be funds to do necessary upgrades, there probably isn’t enough time in the day to get it all done. Then, when business is slow, it might mean that the extra funds for upgrades has dried up or been allocated for other projects. It is a double edged sword that businesses face all over this country. It is tempting to wait until a computer breaks or a piece of software becomes obsolete and to think about how you’ll replace it, right?
How exactly does your company decide when the appropriate time is to change out hardware or update the existing software that you need for the day-to-day running of your company? Do you wait until it is do-or-die time? Wait for signs of cracks? Wait till employees complain? M&H can help you create schedules and timelines for how long your technology should last and when the appropriate times are to upgrade. Here are some strategies for helping your company make these decisions. Â
- Create a Technology Plan – Upgrading and refreshing both your software and hardware should not be a haphazard procedure that is only discussed when there is a problem. Â Using feedback from managers, leadership, employees and, most of all, any of your tech experts, creates a technology plan that takes into account budgeting for needed upgrades and updates to the technology that your business may depend on. This plan should look into the lifespan of certain devices as well as take into account the regular pace at which upgrades to software turn out.
- Look at warranty and Insurance Plans – When deciding upon replacing existing tech look at any warranty and insurance programs that may remain on the devices. This may save your business a lot of money in the long run.
- Examine how an upgrade will help your clients/customers and patrons. You do not need the latest and greatest of every new technology. With the fast pace at which things change in this industry, your company would go broke just trying to keep up. So, examine what impacts the change may have of your customers first. Will the upgrade help with your customers having a better experience with your business? Will it increase a positive impact on customer service? This may help in your decision.
- Budget – Yes, it may come down to budget. Does your company have the funds to upgrade, or would it be best to wait on items for the next fiscal year? Â
- Prioritize – Obviously software upgrades that are imperative for the operation of your business should take priority over splurges for new devices for employees. Make a list and regularly examine what takes priority in your company. For companies just starting out this list may need to be fluid as unexpected costs come up, but have the list to keep you on track.
Talk to Experts – Talk to tech experts like M&H whose business is to know what upgrades and new tech are coming down the pike. We can help you prioritize and create a tech plan that is right for your unique business.
Categorised in: back up, computer, computer lifespan