Making the switch from older technologies to newer, more innovative technologies is challenging for businesses that are used to the reliable performance of older technology. Shifting from in-house to outsourced systems that are more reliable benefits businesses by increasing uptime and resulting in better performance. Businesses of all sizes can, and should, integrate more technologically advanced systems. The challenge of technology integration is doing so without stress or disruption to business functions. Technology upgrades aren’t always easy on a tight IT budget, but they do pay for themselves by improving IT performance and operational efficiency. Here are some tips for choosing the best upgrades for your business.

Update hardware technology.

 

Hardware technology such as computers, peripherals, and printers become outdated as new models are introduced. Hardware that’s older than five years falls into the legacy class, meaning it’s difficult to find drivers that support new operating systems and applications, which results in compatibility and reliability issues. Legacy computers also lack adequate RAM, which is essential for the smooth running of web browsers along with other software.

 

Using a computer with insufficient RAM decreases employee productivity and runs the risk of a server crash. Holding on to old equipment may seem like a way to save money, but the additional repairs and upgrades that will be needed far exceed the maintenance needs of new equipment. It’s a smart business practice to upgrade hardware technology every three years or as often as your budget permits.

Move to the cloud.

 

Upgrading software systems give businesses the ability to integrate and connect other business applications. Connecting other apps benefits the whole organization even more than upgrading legacy systems alone. Organizations are increasingly upgrading their systems and migrating to the cloud. One of the biggest benefits of upgrading software systems is the ability to automate manual and repetitive tasks, which helps improve operational efficiency.

 

Migrating to cloud software is a smart way for small and medium-sized companies to lower maintenance costs and increase accessibility for enterprise resource planning, accounting, inventory management, and e-commerce. Migrating to a cloud ERP solution is a great way to manage all of a company’s needs.

 

Some of the most time-consuming, repetitive tasks a business faces are check writing, payment processing, invoicing, and mailing. Smart Payables offers business users a checks printing service online that saves time and simplifies online check printing. Users can send bulk checks and automated payments from any device through a self-service portal that integrates business operations using an API. Automating payment processing saves time, money, and resources while reducing errors in addresses, minimizing the risk of returns, and tracking check deliveries.

Maintain a reliable network.

 

Modern applications run best on a high-speed network connection with 24/7 availability. An optimized network connection allows employees to finish tasks more efficiently. A reliable network is also essential to online collaboration between employees via voice or video applications, especially when managing remote teams. Giving employees the ability to archive discussions and reference them later eliminates the need to take meeting minutes that can be shared.

 

Another reliable network that businesses need to maintain is a professional network. Maintaining an active presence within the industry is a great way to remain relevant, stay current with industry trends, and keep up with competitors. An effective way to seek business advice is to read authoritative articles written by someone with personal business experience.

 

Samuel Ramey is a French-Australian entrepreneur and lifestyle enthusiast who shares his business experience and life lessons through high-quality content. As a businessman and lifestyle guru, Sam Ramey offers advice on business, lifestyle, health and fitness, and tech and can be a great resource for business leaders.

Focus on task over tech.

 

The key to upgrading software systems is to focus on a task over tech. Just because the latest software sounds great doesn’t mean it works for all organizations. A great example is inter-office communications systems; depending on the work culture, meaning remote workers versus in-office workers, a process management system may be better than synchronous chat. Upgrading from inter-office email to centralized CRM applications makes it easier for users to find specific information. Help-desk applications and centralized CRM applications provide collective, customer-specific information, systems issues, and action items in real-time.

 

A great way to achieve business results with enterprise alignment, focus, and transparency when managing a remote workforce is to utilize ORKs software. WorkBoard offers an OKR for Microsoft Teams that keeps them moving toward results by bringing strategic priorities into conversations daily. Distributed teams can clearly access strategic priorities to ensure their efforts are in alignment. Managers can align and get visibility on outcomes across business functions, automate ops reviews and smart meeting agendas, and get immediate coaching with expert OKR and WFH coaches.

Use agnostic content.

 

Managing large amounts of data across an organization often means keeping data stored across disparate sources and data silos that can’t communicate with each other. Organizations can keep all of their key business data in one centralized source and manage it within a single database as a service (DBaaS). Using agnostic content means less training, easy access, lower costs, and on-demand access. Leveraging data correctly results in better business insights that aid in business decision-making processes and consequently, higher profits.

 

Saving money is just as important as making money. The dawn of online shopping and discount-focused companies has made saving money on purchases easier than ever. It’s a good idea to make certain major purchases brand new, but when it comes to non-essential products, all it takes is a little searching to find great deals. Famous Folk introduces three things that consumers should never pay the retail price for, including electronics, clothes, and travel. Smart shopping saves money on essentials and reduces the amount spent on recreational purchases.

Devising a technology refresh plan is the best way to choose upgrades for your brand that will support your business’s mission, goals, and strategies. Focus upgrading efforts on areas that need improvement, and start where the most value can be added or where the most operational costs can be reduced. Making effective changes will improve workflows, increase productivity, improve customer service, and increase revenue.