New technology can help streamline operations, improve communication, and even contribute to better customer interaction. Now, even small and mid-sized businesses are taking advantage of new technology and custom software to improve their market share.
Each year there is an abundance of new technology and software released. However, it’s often difficult to know what is right for your business, and what’s a waste of money. In particular, computer and web-based technologies are currently dominating the market and the best choice for many businesses.
Keeping up with the trend and investing in new technology, including custom software, is the easiest method of gaining a competitive edge over your competition. Therefore, with this in mind, this blog post will highlight how to choose the right technology to help you grow your business.
Ask the right questions
To choose the best technology for you and your business, it’s important to ask the right questions. The role of technology and software is to make your job easier, not harder. Therefore, ask yourself the following questions:
- How will this benefit my business?
- Will this technology remain relevant in the future?
- Will this provide us with an edge over our competition?
- Is it worth learning?
Asking the right questions is a great first step to choosing the best technology. Often, it’s easy to fall into the excitement trap, amazed by new technology and making an impulse purchase. However, often, you don’t need the most up to date or the latest technology. Instead, you need technology that will benefit and streamline your business – this is a key distinction.
Be open to suggestions
When considering new technology for your business, you need to be open to suggestions. Nobody knows your business operations better than your employees; these are the ones using your current technology day in and day out, and who the new technology will benefit the most.
You should, therefore, listen to any product recommendations made by employees, taking these on board and asking questions yourself regarding how this will benefit the business. For example, one employee may have heard of using a piece of software before that will help streamline operations.
Naturally, you may be sceptical of making the purchase. Asking questions and bringing this into conversation is a great way to find out more about this technology or software, request for further information, and ask other members of staff or managers their opinion.
Being open-minded is the single best thing you can do when looking for new technology and software for your business. Likewise, don’t be afraid to bring this up in a meeting, asking for further recommendations that may be of benefit to your business.
Consider the use of a dedicated mobile app
If you’re struggling considering what technology to upgrade or purchase, perhaps it’s time to consider the use of a dedicated mobile app. A dedicated mobile app is exactly as it sounds, an app exclusively for mobile devices available for download on both Apple and Android devices.
There are numerous reasons to consider the upgrade. However, benefits include the ability to develop further trust with your audience, to create an offline experience, and to deliver quicker loading speeds and a user-centred design.
Not all businesses require an app. However, if you think your business could perhaps benefit from one, then it’s definitely worth considering! It could be exactly what you need to stand out from your competition, leaving a mark and developing a new and larger customer base.
Analyse your competition
Next up, you should analyse your competition. In particular, look at what technologies and software they are using and how this benefits their business. Perhaps they’re using more up to date technology than you, and this may show. Therefore, you should see what works, what doesn’t work and then ask for feedback from your workforce (you can also use social media and other sites) for opinions on whether or not it’s worth the upgrade.
For instance, perhaps your main competitor recently upgraded and created a dedicated mobile app and are now generating twice as much business. If you spot this trend, it could mean it’s time for you to make the upgrade, too.
Utilise the cloud to it’s full potential
Finally, it’s important to utilise the cloud to its full potential. If you’re currently not using the cloud then this is a major step you should take to further your business growth. The cloud delivers new software and hardware over the internet, accessible via an internet connection.
In the climate of remote work, access to the cloud has never been more important. This allows you to store and access files, effectively collaborate in real-time on documents, and reduce costs on current technology and subscription services.
Moreover, the services and productivity platforms available on the cloud are constantly developing. This is the space top businesses use, and you should use too, especially if you haven’t already made the switch.
Moving forward
As a business owner, choosing the right technology can be challenging, especially as there is so much to choose from.
If you’re looking for new technology, more specifically custom software, then the team at BSPOKE Software can help you. If you would like to find out more information or would like to contact us, please click here.
We’d love to hear from you, effectively collaborating and coming up with new ideas to take your business to the next level via the use of custom software and other technologies.
