Technology has undoubtedly changed the way entrepreneurs run their business. It is continuously evolving to make daily tasks flow more smoothly and also increase productivity. But with so many innovations popping up, it can be difficult for business owners to keep up with the latest trends and sort through which IT products and services can really make a difference in their company.
For entrepreneurs to familiarise themselves with valuable IT services, here is a shortlist of the services that can help streamline their business operations.
Business Process Automation
Different types of technological developments have allowed many people to automate different tasks. These solutions can save a business a lot of time, money, as well as resources.
Email Marketing
Gone are the days when a business owner needs to have multiple employees to manually send marketing emails to potential customers one at a time. There’s also no need to use that blind copy BCC function which is often the cause of so many communication disasters when sending to a large number of people. Now, there are available email marketing platforms that can automate this task.
Most of these platforms offer good-looking drag and drop templates that are very easy to use. They also come with automatic triggers so an auto-response can be sent depending on the action of the recipient. The best thing about this service? These are very affordable and there are even email marketing platforms that are free to use for a limited number of recipients.
Customer Service
Worried about not having someone to answer inquiries 24/7? It is now possible to automate replies to inquiries whether via phone call or instant messaging. There are dedicated software programs that can be embedded in websites or phone systems. Alternatively, social media messaging apps that have auto-response functions can also be used without any additional cost.
Building Automation System
There are many different areas that can be automated when it comes to physical working spaces. One option is to have a ‘building automation system’ which allows a business to have a centralised control panel of the building’s lighting, heating, cooling, security and access control devices, internet connection, communication, and other related systems. Many modern buildings prefer to have this type of system for better security as well as to make the structure more energy efficient.
Printing Services
Even if many business operations are already going digital, printing is still a necessity for many companies. The difference is that there is now a more conscious effort to make sure that printing is done mindfully, without wasting unnecessary resources like paper and ink. In the early days, it may not be possible or practical to manually track printing usage unless one employee is stationed near the printer itself or count the remaining paper stock. These days, this can be an easy process by utilising managed print services.
Using a managed print service will allow business owners to gain in-depth data regarding the printing activities in their companies. They can use this data to see if what is being printed is relevant or not. This can help companies reduce significant costs, as well as minimise their environmental impact.
Another advantage is that managed print services typically come with remote diagnostics services which can ensure minimal downtime in case a machine breaks down. This can help minimise productivity interruptions in the workplace.
Cloud Storage Service
Having a physical server in the office does not come cheap. Aside from costly hard drives and computers, 24/7 electricity and cooling are needed to make sure the system is running smoothly. If the server breaks down, IT specialists would need to come in to make the necessary repairs and maintenance.
Using a cloud storage service is probably one of the best IT services available for businesses today. The substantial improvement of internet speed in many countries have allowed for remote storage in the cloud. These solutions are very cost-efficient and some are even available for free, making them accessible even to smaller businesses. If bigger storage space is required, it is also easy to upgrade the subscription. Plus, it is possible to downgrade anytime making the service very practical.
Another advantage of using cloud storage is having business mobility. This means that it is easier for team members to collaborate and share documents with one another because the files can be accessed anytime and anywhere. There’s no need to be connected to a special network like the old times and stay in the office until late. It is also safer than carrying around USB devices or portable hard drives with sensitive and confidential documents in them.
Network Security
This is probably one of the most important IT services that are often taken for granted by many business owners. Typically, after buying a new computer or laptop, these machines are pushed to the resident IT helpdesk guy for set-up. After that, it’s usually up to the assigned employee to take care of the machine. However, what many business owners are not aware of is that these laptops are often the target of many cyber-attacks. It is very essential that everything connected to a company’s computer network is secure, not only the internet connection itself, but also the connected devices.
The usual concern is that not many companies have a dedicated IT team specialising in network security issues. Cyber attackers are becoming more sophisticated and businesses usually require IT experts who are equipped with the right skills and tech know-how to combat these potential attacks. Outsourcing this service to a reliable IT company would be a great option. This is more practical in terms of costs and it provides business owners access to the most advanced network security solutions available.
Using technology for business
There are so many solutions that can help business owners maximise their business potential without breaking the bank. The key to choosing the right IT service is to carefully evaluate the company’s needs and prioritise what is important to achieve the goals of the business. Utilising these helpful IT services can allow businesses to grow, increase productivity, and save resources at the same time.