5 Technology Tools No Small Business Can Do Without
By KeJuan Carter - eGuide Systems Manager
Long before the advent of the internet, businesses have relied on the emergence of new technology in order to thrive. From the printing press to computers; trains to autonomous vehicles, the advancement of technology has provided the means for businesses to run more efficiently and effectively and therefore meet the demands of a growing consumer base. If you have a small business or are thinking of starting one, arguably the most important decision you’ll need to make is determining what technology will enhance your business in the most efficient and economic way possible.
Here are 5 types of technology tools that no small business can do without.
1. Project Management Tool
Assigning, tracking, and ultimately completing tasks is the name of the game and investing in a great project management tool can make all the difference. Some of the most popular project management platforms include Trello, Asana, and Monday.com. These platforms are attractive for small businesses because they make it easy to delegate and track tasks, they often integrate with many other technology platforms, and (depending on what you’re looking for) most won’t break the bank! When searching for a good project management tool, make sure it provides you with a bird’s eye view of every project, the ability to drill down to identify bottlenecks, and is user-friendly. A strong project management tool should be at the top of any small businesses priority list.
2. Timesheet Tracker
The largest expense for any business is labor, so it’s important for the health of your business (and the peace of mind for your employees) that there is a clear and transparent way to track how much work is being done on behalf of your company. Quickbooks T-sheets, Harvest, and Clockify, are all popular timesheet trackers that allow employees to clock in and out (of course) but it also allows them to provide context for their work every step of the way. Being able to explain what was completed in real time is a game changer. When you couple a timesheet tracker with a project management platform, you can really begin to gain deep insight into how much time and money is actually spent on each project and therefore make financial projections that make sense.
3. Password Management
There are few things that cause more anxiety than misplacing or forgetting a password. Using a Password Management tool ensures that passwords and any confidential or sensitive information can be safely stored, shared and secured. There are many great password management tools to choose from, but do your research to see which one makes the most sense for your business. A good Password management tool will provide not just a place to store your passwords, it will also include strong security when sharing sensitive information. Trust that your customers/clients will appreciate this! Password management platforms to check out : LastPass, 1Password, Keeper
4. Cloud-based Workspace
Speaking of securing documents, a cloud-based platform like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365 is a vital tool for any business because of the security that it provides as well as the many ways to allow collaboration to take place. Gone are the days when you create and edit documents in a silo. Google has revolutionized the way that we interact and work together. It is essential for every business to take advantage of this specific type of technology.
5. Instant Messaging Platform
Finally, communication is the key to success for any business. Whether it’s Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, or Slack, having a way to quickly communicate with colleagues will decrease the internal emails and ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. While some may see such a platform distracting, if used strategically it can be a very powerful place to build community, ask for help, or brainstorm ideas.
The idea that businesses can run efficiently without technology is long gone. Building the right technology infrastructure will create a strong foundation for your company. Just remember to do your research and look for the platforms that combine functionality with a user-friendly interface. You won’t regret it.
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