Businesses are increasingly using technology to become efficient in a variety of ways, from cloud computing to installing dedicated software that helps with time-consuming projects. Read our run-through of technological solutions to see how you can streamline your business practices and become more efficient.
Document sharing platforms
Gone are the days of offices packed with filing cabinets; now, paperwork can be stored electronically, and not just on single desktop computers. As useful as technology is, it isn’t infallible, thus the creation of online document storage and sharing platforms has become a reassuring measure for backing up important files.
A simple installation process allows businesses to create and upload documents and share them with other staff through applications like Google Docs or Dropbox. It’s possible for multiple workers to view the document at once and make changes to it, allowing for collaborative practices. It’s also a good way of backing up documents that would otherwise be stored on the PC, in case the machine suddenly becomes unusable and the files can’t be retrieved.
This sort of platform can increase productivity at no extra cost, and many applications are compatible with mobile devices, allowing work to be carried out on the go.
Event registration software
Another increasingly useful tool for businesses looking to enhance efficiency is event registration software, which is a simple all-in-one way of inviting contacts to a meeting and keeping track of numbers. Choosing a hosted online event registration service can be even more efficient, as it forgoes the need to purchase hardware and roll out office-wide installation – click here to find out more.
This sort of system is ideal for inviting staff or people outside the company to meetings and events, taking payments, sending reminder emails to those on the guestlist and allowing for customisation should you need to make specific requests or convey information not listed in the template.
Webconferencing
Time is often in short supply when it comes to managing a business, but communication is a vital element of achieving success; webconferencing has become a useful solution for presentations and training exercises that would otherwise be too logistically difficult to run.
A web conference or webinar can be given live and broadcast remotely, allowing a number of viewers to get involved at the same from different locations. This can be especially useful if you have multiple offices or employees working abroad. These sorts of conferences can also be recorded, so that anyone who has to miss the event can still get involved at a later time, ensuring your staff are kept up to date.
Bring your own device
Being able to use technology on the move is useful if your job involves travelling around, and companies are working out ways of making their systems compatible for mobile viewing on smartphones or tablet PCs. Many firms now have a policy called ‘bring your own device’, under which workers can use their own gadgets for tasks, saving money on the cost of equipment.
It’s vital to ensure any content viewed in this way is secure, and it will be necessary to reimburse employees for data downloads or calls, unless you establish a prepayment system.
Analytics
If you want to make your business more relevant to your consumers and their needs, utilising an analytics programme can be a helpful way of working out your demographics and targeting consumers with more tailored communications.
Using a programme like Google Analytics or Mixpanel can alert companies to the best-engaged parts of their marketing endeavours and pinpoint where in a leads to sales conversion the chain is broken, improving efficiency and potentially boosting profitability.