We continue to have more choices for our technology which drives the need for more planning so we make the right decisions the first time around. The first step is to understand what technology does, or can do for your business. It’s about getting information from one point to another–about effectively transmitting that information to people. Everything that technology does for us is about allowing or limiting communication.
Think communication and take a look at how you currently use technology.
When you consider importance think about it in terms of communication. What is the most important information you need to share with others and what tool or tools are used to transmit that information. For most small businesses the most important information is related to your customers regardless of the type of business.
Take some time with this part.
Don’t try to list everything in one sitting. Think about it over a week or two and refine your list. Think about and research the technology that’s available to you.
Next you need to think about the latest trends and how you might want to build them into your technology plan.
The plan, like technology, is ever changing. It will be important for you to keep looking into the future; make sure you are ready to take advantage of all the tools available.
Trends to consider for 2014:
1. Cloud Adoption within Small Businesses
Companies are increasingly interested in cloud infrastructure and application services.
2. Disaster Recovery
There’s a clear correlation between the devastation caused by the most recent fires and flooding in Colorado leading towards the popularity of businesses adopting recovery options. We hope and pray that businesses understand the importance of disaster recovery plans, and they’re more willing to update their strategies regularly, as well as consider cloud infrastructure away from their headquarters location.
3. Enterprise Content Management
Microsoft SharePoint content management and collaboration technology adoption has increased over the past few years. Approximately 63% of midsize businesses are using the platform to organize and share information.
4. Data is secure in the cloud.
When it’s done right, cloud is just as secure as onsite, on-premise software solutions.
5. Gamification is here to stay.
Especially for millennials, gamification is the best way for employers to communicate, engage, train, attract, and retain top talent.
6. Virtualization and globalization are transforming the workplace.
Remote working arrangements will continue to proliferate expanding outside country boundaries forcing employers to be more innovative in how they use collaboration tools.
7. Cross-functional innovation teams will become the norm.
To improve creativity, productivity, and quality employees needs to collaborate with other departments to see what’s working, and apply those best practices to help achieve your company’s goals.
8. Cloud and business process outsourcing.
Support business goals by reducing infrastructure costs while freeing up HR resources for strategic innovation.
9. Mobile tools become even more prevalent from senior management through hourly workers.
Anywhere, anytime access to information speeds up recruiting, boosts productivity, and increases efficiencies that benefit not just employees but suppliers and customers.
10. Integration, consolidation, and “suite” solutions will increase the interoperability of systems, databases, and tools.
Businesses can make more informed decisions about workforce management based on quality data sets from across the entire company.
