Technology is a pivotal tool for driving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), workforce technology modernization is both an opportunity and a challenge.
A recent study found that 45% of businesses modernizing tech saw improved ROI for IT investments. Other important benefits include improved employee retention and decreased cybersecurity risk—not to mention the productivity and time-saving advantages. Embracing modern technology can empower small businesses to thrive in today’s digital environment, but many SMBs struggle to keep up with modernization.
What are some of the reasons over 30% of small businesses haven’t upgraded systems in 4+ years? Limited funding, being “stuck in the old ways,” and a general lack of understanding the modernization tools are available or the right fit are common offenders.
If your small business is looking to modernize its workforce technology, we have 8 steps to get you started.
1. Assess Your Current Technology Landscape
The first step in any technology modernization initiative is to conduct an assessment. You need to fully understand your current technological infrastructure to identify existing strengths and weaknesses, outdated systems, and areas where technology could enhance business processes. Understanding your starting point is crucial to developing a targeted and effective modernization strategy.
2. Align Technology and Business Goals
Technology should not be an isolated component of your business, but rather a strategic enabler aligned with your business goals. Clearly define how technology can support and enhance your business objectives. Whether it’s improving customer engagement or streamlining internal processes and expanding market reach, make sure that your technology modernization efforts align with your long-term business vision.
3. Adopt Cloud Platforms
The cloud has emerged as a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Embracing cloud technologies can offer small businesses scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Consider migrating key applications and data to cloud platforms like Microsoft SharePoint. This can enhance accessibility, collaboration, and overall data security. Cloud solutions can also simplify software updates and maintenance, freeing up resources for other strategic initiatives.
Read more about Anderson Technologies’ experience successfully implementing cloud infrastructure solutions in this case study!
4. Invest in Collaborative Tools
Effective communication and collaboration provide small businesses seamless interaction among team members, regardless of their physical location. Embrace flexible work arrangements by supporting remote options and investing in collaborative tools and platforms. Tools like video conferencing, project management, and document sharing tools, enhance teamwork and productivity. This fosters a cohesive, productive work environment even in remote or hybrid setups.
5. Analyze Your Cybersecurity Measures
The increasing prevalence of cybercrime means cybersecurity should be a top priority for small businesses undergoing technology modernization. Implement robust cybersecurity measures, focusing on protecting sensitive data, customer information, and critical business assets.
At the minimum, your business cybersecurity measures should include firewalls, antivirus software, regular security updates, a threat identification and response plan, and ongoing employee training.
6. Consider Automation for Efficiency
Automation significantly improves operational efficiency for many small businesses. Repetitive, time-consuming tasks can often be automated to streamline workflows. Tools like customer service chatbots and automated invoicing systems can free up valuable human resources, as well as reduce the risk of errors in routine tasks.
7. Provide Ongoing Training and Support
Introducing new technologies requires commitment to ongoing for your workforce to ensure that employees have the necessary skills to leverage the new tools effectively. This may involve providing training sessions, user-friendly guides, and a support system to address any issues that may arise during the transition. Anderson Technologies strongly believes that employee training is the most important investment you can make in your business infrastructure.
8. Watch and Adapt to Evolving Technologies
Staying ahead of technology updates requires vigilant surveying of and adapting to emerging trends. A proactive approach to staying current ensures your small business remains competitive. Regularly assess the technology landscape, and work with an IT provider like Anderson Technologies who can help you identify new solutions that could benefit your business.
Need Help Upgrading Your Workforce Technology?
Workforce technology modernization for SMBs is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It’s a strategic journey that requires careful planning to align with ongoing business objectives. By embracing these practical strategies, small businesses can leverage technology to enhance their operational capabilities and position themselves for sustained success in the digital age.
Need help with workforce technology modernization? Anderson Technologies is ready to help you get started!
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
