Owning a small business, you’re most likely spending much of your time deciding which purchases are worth making and which will only hurt your bottom line. That’s understandable since your ultimate goal is to make a profit.
If you have been putting off integrating technology, you’re doing yourself a significant disservice. The truth is that tech drives businesses today and will be the foundation upon which they thrive in the future.
It’s time to get acquainted with a few of the most affordable bits of technology you can add to your operation.
Table of Contents
A computer with a powerful processor
In simpler terms (without getting too technical), a CPU processor is a component of a computer’s internal systems that serves as the brain of the unit. It’s responsible for carrying out all of the things you see and don’t see that make your computer run efficiently. A slow processor will make your system lag when you open more than one program.
There are many different manufacturers of computer processors, and each maker has multiple lines of varying processing power. Intel, for example, offers its basic i3 processor, which MakeUseOf explains is geared more toward the home user who simply needs to check emails and stream the occasional video.
These lower-end models can’t handle the day-to-day operations of running your business. When it’s time to upgrade, look for a desktop or laptop with an i5, i7, or, if you run multiple graphics or video programs at once, an i9 processor or equivalent.
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An inventory management system
When you provide any form of tangible goods, an inventory management system is crucial to your success. These are apps available to help you keep track of what you have, what you need, and the timeline you have to fill orders.
A few options that are easily accessible and that come with a relatively small learning curve are Sortly, Stock Control, and OnShelf. Even if you are a small business now when you have plans to grow, you have to have an inventory management system that can scale with your dreams and these can do it.
Cloud storage
Gone are the days when a business had to manage an expansive in-house network just to maintain information. Today, businesses, both large and small, have learned to rely on cloud computing and more specifically cloud storage.
According to Amazon, cloud storage comes with a multitude of benefits that include low cost, quick deployment, and the ability to manage information reliably and effectively. If you are still cautious about cloud computing, you should know that it is one of the safest ways to store your company’s sensitive data.
There are many ways to access the cloud. Microsoft Azure is perhaps one of the most trusted, and offers more than two dozen free services to help you get better acquainted with the tools available thanks to the digital age.
An online voice recording service
Perhaps less complex to use (but just as helpful) as our other suggestions by using an online voice recorder. This is an online platform that allows you to dictate meeting notes or other information and save it in a shareable audio format.
If you use a service like Temi, you can pay a small amount to have your audio recording transcribed into text format so that you can use it for emailing or for video captions.
It’s a great way to provide information that would otherwise be inaccessible to team members, associates, supporters or customers.
It’s also great for pumping out multiple blog posts without having to take time to write them individually AND can be great on the go.
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A dedicated IT professional
When you don’t have the budget for a dedicated IT staff, one of the best investments you can make is hiring a network administrator.
This person will be able to maintain your entire network (from data storage to email services to security protocols), and they will be able to help keep your system up and running. Your network administrator will also be able to grow your system as you grow your company.
Conclusion
You don’t have to fear the future of technology. And if you upgrade your systems now, you can grow with it in-hand so you won’t be left behind. You don’t have to make a six-figure investment; many tech tools and services are now free, and the ones that are not will quickly pay for themselves in increased productivity.
For more helpful tips and resources to grow your business, be sure to check out the other insightful blog posts at ZyraKuma!
Author
WomenLed.org is the brainchild of Gloria Martinez. Gloria’s vision is to help all women advance in the workplace and celebrate their achievements.
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