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Can Computer Technology Really Help My Business?
The Charles Rivers Strategies Inc. noted a 33% gain in sales
of companies that utilize personal computers compared to
companies that do not use personal computers. In addition there is a 61% gain in sales for companies that have network computer systems.
“IT (Information Technology) organizations have become much more sophisticated. They know they have to support business processes. The fundamental change over the last 20 years is that all business processes have in some way been enabled by IT."
- Carla O'Dell, president, American Productivity & Quality Center
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71% of all small businesses with 20 to 249 employees have high-speed Internet service, according to a recent poll by the
National Federation of Independent Businesses.
Why Do Computers Help Businesses Become More Productive
and More Profitable?
Computers are a multimedia tool. With integrated text, databases, graphic, print, audio, and video capabilities, computers can effectively link various technologies. Computers are interactive; information is entered and stored, manipulated, shared. Software of all types are available to assist and provide higher performance with job task, archiving, and sharing of information. Microcomputer systems incorporating various software packages are extremely flexible and maximize productivity, in many cases cutting overhead of staffing and employee inefficiencies.
Computer technology is rapidly advancing. Innovations are constantly emerging.
Related costs continue to drop.
Computers increase access. Local, regional, and national networks link resources and individuals, wherever they might be.
Most businesses today, whether large or small, will consider computerizing aspects of their operations. When managed properly, computerization will be a help to you and your business.
Major benefits of computerization include:
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Increased efficiency in work tasks and processes |
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More efficient communication and sharing of information |
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Faster organization and searching of information |
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Improved automation in operations and reporting |
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Improved research and development |
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Security of offsite data storage |
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Disaster recovery of critical information |
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Help with managing resources, speeding up processes and cutting costs. |
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Options such as a marketing database, access to the Internet, and
creating a website. |
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Automation of bookkeeping, payroll calculations and stock tracking. |
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Remote Access to all resources. |
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Improved business image |
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Increased staff productivity |
How Can A Small Business Become Equipped With The Technology
Needed To Compete?
The Three basic steps to becoming computerized:
I. Assess the computing needs
II. Get the advice of an IT specialist
III.
Make the system flexible for future growth
I. Assess The Computing
Needs
When used in the right areas, computers can become an integral part of your business and a support to you and your staff.
When Identifying the best opportunities for computerizing your business, think about:
• How you communicate with your staff, customers and suppliers
• How easy it is to manage your manual and paper records on customers and suppliers
• Whether most of your staff are based at the same premises or work off-site
• How you keep in touch with market developments
• How job tasks can be performed by software and integration
II. Get The Advice Of An IT Specialist
An Integrated Network Systems consultant can help you plan and consider the impact of computerization on your business.
• Purchase the right system for your business - choose a system to meet your business' needs.
• Acquire written quotes for solutions with experienced advisors.
• Advice about hidden costs of computerization such as IT service, maintenance, hardware, software costs and training.
• Look at similar business structures and talk to people who have computerized their business and the impact for them.
• Plan for ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and growth.
• Compare cost to production and saving.
III. Make The System Flexible For Future Growth
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As your business grows and technology improves, you may need to
upgrade the computer systems. Creating an IT strategy will allow you to quickly and cheaply extend the computer system. |
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Avoid the computerization pitfalls of short sided advice
and direction. You do not want to invest in a system that will
not allow for growth. |
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Making poor decisions when introducing computers into your business can lead to problems with costs, time, and people. |
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Consider your business' future IT needs and develop an IT strategy. |
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Conduct a risk assessment identifying potential problems and how to address them. |
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Research technologies and their costs. |
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Research suppliers and servicing. |
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