HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP A BUSINESS

Using technology to maximise your business productivity creates the platform to realise true business success. In this planet where people constantly invent ways to make lives easier, it is silly not to avail of the advances of technology to make work easier – especially in a business or workplace.

How does technology help advance people into the 21^st century? Here are some of the most obvious and useful ways.

 To increase productivity

Small businesses need to wring every ounce of productivity out of their operations and technology tools help employees get tasks done more quickly. This may range from printing out marketing materials to providing customer service through email or online chat. The key is to keep employees focused when using technology and to use it appropriately with the goal of saving time. Sometimes, a phone call may be more efficient and productive than an email. Provide employees with the right hardware and updated software to keep them working at peak proficiency.

 To connect teams virtually within the company

Create employee portals and team sites to help people work productively across the organisation, no matter what location or team. You will eliminate “corporate silos” that effectively cut off communication because employees can utilise technology to reach out to others working on similar projects or find experts to answer their questions throughout the organization.

 Customer Service

Technology brings businesses closer to customers. Businesses use email to answer questions, offer online chat to help customers that are visiting the business website, and equip call centers with the latest phone equipment that makes customer service agents more efficient. Give customers a choice of ways to contact the company. Technology is powerful, but keeps the people element in mind and don’t skimp on training employees in effective customer service techniques and the proper use of the technology.

To improve service delivery to customers

Generally, today’s modern businesses pride themselves on being customer focused and consumer oriented, and many have invested in ensuring that their frontline staff are versed in customer service. However, frequently, little emphasis is given to improving service delivery and efficiency. From private sector to government, much can be done to improve the customer’s experience, and technology can be a major contributor to that transformation. Depending on the organisation and the services being provided, it is likely that a detailed list of improvements can be identified, but some likely to be on the list include: providing certain services online and introducing e-commerce facilities, which would, at the very least, offer customers a more convenient and efficient experience.

 To monitor business productivity and employee progress on goals

Online business productivity software solutions enable managers to more easily track progress during every phase of goal completion and offer immediate reinforcement or coaching to keep performance and deadlines on track. This process leads to greater business productivity because your organization is staffed with a workforce of people who are continually learning new skills and being challenged to do their very best. When it comes to the people who work for you, alert, motivated, and happy employees will work harder. Encourage your staff by rewarding them for their successes, using both monetary and non-monetary incentives.

 To streamline communication

Cell phones have become small business necessities for owners and employees. These devices are lifelines for staying in touch when on the road and responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner. Smartphones raise the bar with access to the Internet, email and business applications in a small hand held device. Email, text messaging and social networking are examples of how other advances in communication that keep small businesses connected to their customer bases and improve internal communication within the company.

 To motivate your employees

Based upon the information gathered in an online performance evaluation, managers can compare current skills with those required for advancement or other recognition or reward opportunities that present themselves as the manager tracks progress on employee goals throughout the year. You may also find you need to redirect employees to different departments if you feel their business productivity could increase elsewhere. If there are impediments to better performance, the company should review why it is happening and try to eliminate these through better allocation of resources or additional training.