In the modern digital business environment, business and technology go hand-in-hand. It’s almost impossible to open and run a successful small to medium-sized business or organization without the proper technological tools at your disposal. It’s also no secret that neglecting to obtain, learn, and utilize the proper technological tools can severely hinder your business endeavors and critical milestones, especially when considering how tough competition can be.
However, knowing which basic tech tools you need to maximize productivity isn’t always the easiest task. In today’s blog, let’s take a look at the ample amount of tools available for businesses and, from an IT consultant’s perspective, list all of the must-have technologies for your company.
1. Synced Calendar Applications
Let’s start with an essential technological commodity that every business, organization, department, office, lab, etc., should be familiar with, sync calendar applications. Sync calendar applications ensure that everyone within your company or department remains on the same page, especially when it comes to critical staff meetings, scheduled downtime, deadlines, and client acquisition meetings.
2. Document Scanning Applications
These nifty applications provide extreme convenience and simplicity when it comes to scanning, viewing, and sharing physical business documents, such as invoices, receipts, and contracts. While you may want to tread carefully when it comes to scanning critical information, document scanning applications save time, allowing you to digitally file documents with the swipe of your fingers from your mobile device.
3. Project Management And Collaboration Applications
While project management tools and collaboration applications have been part of the digital business world for years, they have become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, where most of the world has been working remotely. Applications, such as Monday.com and Slack are continuing to reinvent how workplaces communicate with each other, managing vital projects and nurturing employee communication and collaboration.
4. Free Online Educational and Training Tools
The internet offers a vast array of educational training tools and online resources to keep you and your staff up-to-date with the latest technology and even training tailored for your industry specifically. Resources, such as Google Digital Garage, Coursera, and Udemy, allow you to keep learning as the digital business world continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
5. Cloud-Based File Sharing
We have said it many times before, the future of business operations lies within cloud-based storage, software, and file sharing. Cloud-based file sharing allows businesses to collaborate on, share, and archive working documents even when miles apart. Applications, such as Google Drive and Amazon Web Services, make cloud sharing simple and accessible for all who wish to utilize this future-proof business practice.
6. Dual Monitor Desktop Setups
Okay, maybe not a necessity – but once you and your staff begin to utilize dual monitors, you’ll never want to go back. Multiple monitor setups allow those who work primarily from a desktop or laptop computer ample space for digital window organization, browser tab simplicity, and encourages phenomenal multitasking capabilities. Providing your staff with 2-plus monitor setups goes a long way towards promoting individual productivity and job satisfaction that your employees are sure to appreciate.
7. Optimized And Upgraded Network Setups and Design
Letting your office, restaurant, or shop’s business-class router and network age without the proper updates and hardware replacements can severely hinder your business operations, especially when it comes to daily internet speed. Also, it’s very important to note that using any outdated hardware, including routers and modems, can allow holes in your business’s cybersecurity, leaving your company open to cybercrime.
Categorised in: Google Drive, hardware, Tech Tips, tips