Seven tech resources many businesses need, crucial for survival and growth. Your reminder to ensure tech upkeep is part of your business strategy.
92% of businesses say tech is critical
In a Sage-commissioned survey in 2022, of 5000 small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) surveyed in the UK, a staggering 92% said they see technology as critical to their survival.
SMBs represent 61% of jobs in the UK and 52% of turnover, so this is a significant portion of the economy.
Unmaintained tech poses risks
Yet, it’s surprising how technology is often just left to its own devices once it’s in place. Once bought, commissioned or installed, the software, equipment, or whatever piece of tech it is, is just left, often for years, with no attention to maintenance, upgrade or checks, until it goes wrong.
Like any other tool or resource, tech becomes defunct, clunky and malfunctioning after a time. And just no longer fit for the purpose it was intended. And the business usually evolves too, such that the tech no longer fits the needs, risking becoming a hindrance rather than a help.
7 essential tech resources
As well as holding your business back, outdated tech risks lack of security, poor industry and customer reputation, and reduced bottom line. Here are the seven that should be on every business’s development and growth plan.
Up-to-date hardware and software
Whether it’s old laptops, hard drives or out-of-licence software, you are risking your business security and health, as well as efficiency and productivity.
There’s no excuse for creaky laptops these days, with the amount of relatively inexpensive options on the market now. Invest in the right tools for the job and power your business properly, with a plan to review every two to three years.
Need help choosing new laptops? Read our series on buying new laptops for your business.
A security-first approach
Good cybersecurity requires a proactive approach and robust risk management. 32% of businesses, from a 2023 government survey, suffered a security breach, with an average cost of £1,100.
Not sure where to start with cybersecurity? The important thing is to start - cybercrime is on the rise, including for small businesses. Our cybersecurity guide for small businesses will help and get you in the right mindset.
Not on the cloud yet?
And if you are, are you making the most of the opportunities cloud computing offers? Cloud is scalable, meaning you can save costs if you need to expand or contract, without commitment to any sort of hardware infrastructure. You can upgrade data storage, access on-demand software for managing your business and handle its processes, all of which could power your business to the next level.
Read about the benefits of moving to the cloud.
Business broadband
If broadband is slow, it has to go. Efficiency, user experience, staff morale and customer service are all affected by poor broadband speed. If you use home broadband, you could consider much faster fibre broadband or upgrading to business broadband.
SEO – taking care of your rankings
Can your prospects find you online? The higher you rank in search results the better. This means your website should be optimised for search engines and be an integral part of an overall digital marketing strategy.
Our guide to digital marketing will help you join up a strategy from your website, to your social channels, to ideas for campaigns.
Mobile web design best practice
If your business website isn’t designed to be used seamlessly on a mobile device, it could be as bad as not having a website at all. One hiccup in usage for a prospective user and they will bounce away. Avoid missed opportunities by ensuring your website is fully functional and delightful to use on any mobile device.
Up-to-date point-of-sale (PoS) system
An up-to-date, secure PoS system improves customer satisfaction, retention and sales. There are sophisticated options available with innovative features, including inventory management to increase the running efficiency, as well as control, oversight and decision-making, and Wi-Fi-based billing in a single appliance.
Are you up to date with all your tech resources? What needs an overhaul? If you need help with an upgrade or putting tech resource planning into action, get in touch.
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