Few successful companies do not use technology to improve productivity,
communicate more efficiently and track customers and goods. In fact,
most successful organizations rely on technology for almost every aspect
of their business. Although there are many types of technology
available, going digital doesn't have to intimidate
business owners. It can all be broken down into understandable chunks of
functionality.
Computers
For most
companies, the most useful piece of equipment is also the most
understood. Desktop computers loaded with office and productivity
software packages allow workers to write letters, analyze financial
information, send and receive emails, and design sales presentations.
The computer itself could be a desktop model with a separate monitor and
keyboard, or a mobile laptop. There are two main types of computers.
Personal computers (PCs) operate using Microsoft Windows are the most
common, and Macintosh Computers using Apple Computer's
operating system are popular among creative professionals.
Software
Software
is loaded onto a computer to provide specific types of functionality.
Productivity tools, such as Microsoft Word, a word processing package,
and Microsoft Excel, a financial spreadsheet system, can perform many of
the most common tasks a small business requires. Microsoft PowerPoint
or Apple Keynote allow users to prepare professional-looking sales
presentations quickly and easily. Millions of other titles are
available, each developed to perform specific tasks.
Networking
Computers
are often linked to form a network. This can allow people within an
organization to share documents or information, provide a central
repository to store documents, or for people to communicate using email
within an office. They also allow several computers to share a printer
or storage device. A network can be limited to computers within a shared
office, or span across multiple offices and locations.
Telephone Systems
Although
you might not consider an office telephone to be a piece of technology,
today's business phone systems are quite complex. The most
common type of phone system consists of a hardware unit that uses
software to split the phone company's line among individual
handsets. These systems often include an auto attendant that helps
callers find the employee they are seeking and most also include a voice
mail system for messages. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phones
are becoming more popular. VOIP phones do not require a telephone line,
but instead route all traffic over the Internet to a special handset.
Accounting System
Although
technically software, accounting systems deserve their own mention
because of their mission-critical role in any business. Accounting
systems keep track of every dollar a company spends along with every
dollar of revenue. One popular choice for smaller companies is
Quickbooks by Intuit, which is simple to set up and maintain. Larger
companies may want to consider SAP Business One or Sage Accpac, both of
which allow for more customization and more integration with other
systems. When trying to decide which software is right for you, ask your
accountant for their recommendation.
Inventory Control System
If
your business sells goods, you may want to explore an inventory control
system. These systems keep track of every item in your inventory,
ensuring you do not run out of stock, nor you order too much. When new
inventory arrives, the system is updated to reflect the additions and
when it is sold, it is deducted from the totals.
Customer Relationship Management Systems
A
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System tracks a customer
throughout his experience with your company. From the moment you obtain
information about the customer, the CRM system will track their
interactions with you. If a customer calls to order a product or
service, or calls for help or a technical question, the CRM system will
tell the service representative when the items were shipped, what is
back-ordered and any other conversations the customer may have had with
your company. CRM systems help build relationships with a customer by
assembling all the information your company collects from the customer
in one place for use, review and proactive response.
Comments
Post a Comment