What is Business Technology?
Business technology is the name given to any technology that aids an organisation in running its businesses and operational processes. From customer-facing solutions to back-office financial systems, business technology facilitates the day to day runnings and processes within a business, technical or not.
As a concept, business technology embodies the modern-day demands of business, including speed and automation. Where a process can be automated, or a transaction sped up by technology, it is. Businesses maintaining traditional human handling are likely to fall behind competitors who are streamlining procedures through business technology.
Whether a business is technological or not, digital transformation is inevitable. By bettering communication, efficiency, and productivity, utilising business technology is a must for businesses looking towards the future.
See more: Digital Transformation – What Does it Mean for You and Your Business?
Types and Advantages of Business Technology
The implementation of business technology may be somewhat inevitable for even untechnical businesses; however, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. There are many technologies available to businesses, some more common than others.
Here are some of the most common business technologies:
Computers and Laptops
Unthreatening to most technologically able staff, computers can aid communication, information processing, data presenting, financial processing and much more. Through specialised software, computers can undertake a variety of processes, often far faster and efficiently than by people.
Laptops are especially useful for mobile work, allowing for the many benefits while on the move. Although generally there are many computer and laptop versions, PCs with Microsoft Word are incredibly common, as are Apple Macintosh for more creative professionals. Even untechnical businesses can utilise this common business technology to streamline administrative processes, communication, and data input/processing.
Inventory Control System
A business involved in the movement, sale or delivery of physical goods greatly benefits from business technology specific to them; inventory control systems. From speedy Warehouse Management Systems to integrated e-commerce platforms, knowing how much inventory you have and where it is, is crucial to successful order fulfilment. This business technology allows for instant and automated updates to figures on warehouse platforms, as well as e-commerce websites used by customers, who know when a product is available or not, for example.
Software
Once computing hardware is in place, various software can be installed to carry out a range of tasks. Businesses can find software applicable to their business and its processes; from presentation platforms to specialist model programmes.
Microsoft 365, for example, is a popular suite of various productivity tools, cloud storage and specialist applications such as Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet system. Untechnical businesses specifically may benefit from implementing limited and linked software so as to simplify and focus team training.
See more: Top Free Apps and Tools to Improve Business Communications
Accounting Systems
Accounting systems are vital to almost all businesses, technical or not. Utilising business technology and relevant software can facilitate and increase the effectiveness of accounting teams. Popular software for small businesses includes Quickbooks, with larger businesses usually opting for more complicated systems that allow for more customisation and other systems. Before integrating business technology to aid accounting, consult the accounting team and consider their needs and skillsets.
Network
Computers and various other technologies, such as printers, are often linked to form a network. This means information, files and data can be shared with ease across computers, employees and other technologies. Due to advancing server technology and the increase in cloud storage solutions, networks may be limited to computers within one location, or cover multiple offices across multiple locations.
Find out more about the cloud and its many benefits for business.
Telephone Systems
Although an office telephone may not be considered revolutionary business technology, modern advances have improved their capabilities and streamlined functionality. As communication between businesses and customers is crucial, implementing modern telephone solutions can help business.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows phone calls to be made over an internet connection instead of traditional analogue systems over phone lines, increasing quality and connectivity. Splitting business line across individual handsets ensures answers and therefore customer interaction and satisfaction.
Learn more about Cloud Phone Systems and VoIP Services.
Customer Relationship Management Systems
Customer relations are vital to maintaining a successful and reputable business. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System tracks a customer’s interaction with your business, from initial contact to amending issues, data about the customer, their orders and past communication are logged for you. This business technology not only streamlines the resolution of issues, but also builds a relationship and increases customer satisfaction.
Additionally, implementing business technology may help even untechnical businesses improve customer relations by giving customers lots of communication options. Some may prefer to email, call, or have instant messaging options in order to get in contact. Having the technology in place to offer multiple methods may encourage more communication.
See more: Customer Service Skills – Essential Steps to Keeping Your Customers Happy
Business Technology in Untechnical Businesses Examples
Remote Working – Businesses with employees based around the world or many remote staff benefit from business technology such as cloud computing and effective communication platforms, allowing for international file sharing and instant interaction.
E-commerce – Physical stores are increasingly embracing a new era of commerce of online shopping. With customer demand for convenience and the need to stay competitive, e-commerce is becoming the norm, and with it comes the need for effective and modern business technology.
Guest WiFi – WiFi in stores can assist customers through data retrieval or proof of purchase, for example. Read more about the benefits of implementing this business technology for guests; Using Guest WiFi to Power Customer Engagement.
Get Started with PureComms
Learn more about leveraging the best business technology for your business with PureComms. Our expert team are experienced in providing a variety of telecoms services, from connectivity and VoIP systems, to cloud computing and system integration.
Streamline your business processes and contact PureComms today.
