You can’t understate the value of technology for businesses in the 21st century. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, technology in business is all the hype. The advent of cloud computing for business has increased this dependence on technology by businesses
It’s a new decade, and companies are intensifying their investment in technology and IT facilities. However, this efficiency and cost-reduction brought about by technology is not without its problems. In fact, without proper IT setups, most businesses might regret going digital.
In this article, we’ll expound on the most common technology problems companies face today. We’ll also look at some measures you can take to steer clear of these problems.
Role of Technology in Businesses Today
As time progresses, businesses are leaning more and more towards technology. These days, technology in companies is a necessity. Especially with the competitive business climate, companies require the best hardware and software to be on top of the game.
Enhanced Marketing Entire business concepts and models were transformed as a result of technological advancements. Here are a couple of roles technology plays in businesses today:-
Enhances communication– Technology makes communication easier and more organized, both internally and externally. Examples include emails, memo notifications, and electronic notice boards.
Improving customer relations– Technology gives you insight into your customer base. For instance, CRM systems help you better understand what the customer wants so you can improve your business accordingly.
Digital advertising is the new wave. In fact, most companies are steadily embracing inbound marketing as their primary marketing strategy.
Assists with decision making– Crucial business decisions need accurate data and predictions to make the right decisions. Computers provide accurate records and predictions that are vital to the company’s decision-making process.
Record-keeping– Proper data keeping is at the core of every successful business. Technology can store accurate records and manipulate this data as required.
Nine Technology Problems Businesses Are Likely to Encounter
If your company is facing tech issues, then don’t fret too much. You’re not alone; a lot of companies have their fair share of tech issues.
With every technological advancement comes a whole heap of problems, companies have to deal with. Fortunately, with the right infrastructure and people, these problems can be eliminated or mitigated at the very least.
Here are a few technology problems companies are likely to face:-
1. Data Security
The proliferation of hackers and crackers these days puts companies’ data more at risk of breaching. Data security remains arguably the greatest challenge companies with an IT setup face today.
Sometimes rival companies may be looking to steal some of your confidential information to gain ground on you. What’s more, companies can hire these hackers or crackers for a small fee, and they’ll do the dirty work for these companies.
Fortunately, with the right data security set up, hackers and crackers can only wish about breaching your data systems. All you have to do is find the right people.
2. Regular Maintenance
For your systems to run at their optimum, they require regular maintenance and constant updating. It’s easy to forget about scheduled maintenance or any updates if they aren’t automatic.
Now you can talk with your IT consultants to always step in when it’s time for maintenance. That way, you don’t have to keep track of every update or system maintenance.
Understandably, adding other responsibilities to your already tight schedule doesn’t sit well with a lot of execs. Your best bet is designating this system maintenance duties to a particular department or outsourcing the responsibility.
3. Employee Frustration
Don’t you just hate it when the blasted thing won’t work? Most workers have been in that situation where they can’t get their machines to work.
New technology needs a bit of training and practice to get used to. However, the problem could be more on the business owners’ side.
Sometimes business owners aren’t too keen on training their employees on technology use. You may also be a bit lax in updating your software and technology. It gets frustrating to use slow and outdated technology.
4. Recovery and Backup Problems
You need a foolproof backup and recovery plan. Unprecedented stuff like server crashes, power outages or accidental deletions.
Without one, you risk losing very important data that you cannot obtain again. You need a proper backup solution in place, or else one of these scenarios could do your business in.
5. Integration With Older Systems
Tech companies are churning out new technologies every day. However, integrating them with your old ones is a big problem.
Most companies resort to buying completely new systems which end up being very costly in the end. However, there’s not much they can do.
6. Integrating Apps
The same company doesn’t make every app you use. In fact, rival companies may make different apps that you really need to work together.
If your software can’t integrate, it makes everything less efficient and more difficult. A lot of businesses struggle with unifying software from different companies.
7. Communication Barrier
Unbelievably, technological advancements could also create a communication barrier. For example, if you don’t have the proper communication infrastructure in all your branches, it will be challenging to reach your other departments or sectors in different regions.
8. Solve Problems on the Surface
When companies fail to address the root cause of the problem, it only pushes the problem forward. However, most business owners are satisfied with solving the problem at hand and not establishing the root cause.
9. Costliness
The issue of the cost of technology is a massive problem with many companies. Not only is the initial cost quite pricey, but companies also have to spend a lot on repairs and maintenance.
Luckily, technology typically has a high return on investment.
All Technology Problems Have Solutions
Fortunately, all these technology problems have solutions and preventive measures. All you need is the right people to address these problems. You also need to be keen on whom you are purchasing your technological infrastructure.
If you need a technological partner that will assist you in preventing and solving these technology problems, then contact us today.