It can be costly to keep up with every new device and upgrade that hits the market, but some of the equipment in your office can slow productivity and cost you money if not upgraded on occasion. While you don't need to buy every new tech device, there are some innovations that pay for themselves in short order, due to the increasing efficient and capabilities of technology. Read on to determine if your company is missing out by retaining outdated technology, and what you should consider upgrading.
How to Check Your Current Technology
There are likely dozens of devices in your office, many of which may have even been around for years. Some kinds of devices have a long usage-life, while others can be analogous to keeping a typewriter around in the face of modern computers.
The best place to start when taking an inventory of your workplace tech is the computers that your business uses. Power-on each computer and check the specifications to get an idea of where you currently stand with technology. On most computers, this can be done by going to the Start menu and right-clicking on the 'Computer' button. From there, select properties to pull up the system specifications page. This may also be found in the 'About' tab of your System Settings application.
Check the version of Windows that you're running on all PCs in your office, along with the amount of RAM your machines have, and what bit your computer's architecture is. Machines still running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 are due for an upgrade, as Microsoft has stopped supporting these operating systems (OSs.)
Operating systems that have fallen out of production and support are vulnerable to viruses and intrusion, which could cost your company money. It's also a good idea to inventory the rest of your company's tech, including phones and VOIP systems, copiers, fax machines, alarm systems, and peripheral devices. See if any of your devices have fallen out of warranty or aren't working as they should.
Tech Upgrades That Are Worth the Investment
After collecting data about your computers' specifications, you should consider making any upgrades that would increase the security of your business' information or help with productivity. You can upgrade the OS on each machine by purchasing the license for Windows 10 or whichever new OS you're interested in using.
Consider upgrading the RAM and hard drive if you find that your computers run slowly or are running out of storage room. These upgrades are highly affordable and pay for themselves by extending the life of your machines.
You can often add features to your business' network and tech stack by adding new devices like wireless routers, switches, servers, and Bluetooth adapters. Determine where you and your employees seem to be bottle-necked and check the market for improved devices that can increase efficiency. Another option for efficieny could be revenue recognition software, which would take your company next-level.
Another upgrade in technology that your business could benefit from, if you're not already a subscriber, is a high-speed business Internet connection. If you've been asked "Why is my upload speed so slow?" by employees or customers then you're likely trying to operate a business on an insufficient Internet connection. Consider getting a T1 line installed and making sure your network equipment, including your router, is up-to-date.
New Technology for Increased Productivity
Aside from the basic equipment and software your business should maintain, including the aforementioned newer Operating Systems and network hardware, there are plenty of devices you can buy to increase efficiency in your office.
Scanners are a good example of a technology that's come a long way in the past five years. New scanner options include small, handheld devices that can scan both sides of a page in under a second. Copiers and fax machines have gotten faster in recent years as well, and a one-time upgrade could shave hours of waiting on technology from your employee's schedules every year.
Taking an inventory of your current technology will help you understand where you're at with your devices. Anything that has fallen out of warranty or is no longer supported by the manufacturer is a good candidate for replacement. Consider installing high-speed Internet and looking for modern tech to improve your office's workflow.
Publish Date: September 24, 2019 3:03 PM |
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