Regardless of the industry that you work in, various functions and activities have almost certainly evolved dramatically over the last few decades. Technological innovations have increasingly impacted most industries in positive ways, such as by reducing overhead, improving productivity and more. Companies that embrace technology may be at the forefront of their industry, and today’s businesses continue to benefit from transformative benefits that technological innovations provide. These are some of the more prevalent technologies that are shaping the business environment today.
1. Computerized Time Clock Software
In many industries, at least some of the workers are hourly employees that must clock in and out each day. Manual time clock management was once the norm, but this has increasingly shifted as computerized time clock software has become the new norm. Some of these software programs even use biometrics for clock-in procedures. This type of software may eliminate the financial loss associated with buddy punching. It may also improve efficiency with time sheet management and even with payroll processing. Numerous time clock software programs are available that offer different features and benefits for you to take advantage of.
2. Video Conferencing
Teleconferencing has been used for several decades with great success, but video conferencing takes your company’s remote meeting capabilities to a new level. The most obvious benefit associated with video conferencing is the ability to actually see the people who you are meeting with. This can improve communications and facilitate a more personal feel despite the distance between the meeting participants. Many of these conferencing programs include the ability to immediately share files or to share computer screens. For example, it is now possible to give a full PowerPoint presentation through video conferencing. This technology has facilitated remote work capabilities, reduced travel expenses and offered numerous other benefits.
3. Cloud Computing
Another technology that has facilitated remote work activities is cloud computing. With cloud computing, you can store your files in the cloud. These files can easily be accessed by you from any location as long as you have an Internet connection. There is no need to store sensitive information on a laptop or thumb drive that you tote around because the data may be secure and accessible via the cloud. In addition, cloud computing enables easy collaboration with others because the files can be shared with individuals who you carefully select.
4. Mobile CRM Programs
A CRM, or customer relationship management program, is often associated with sales positions, but it offers excellent benefits for many industries. The basic function of a CRM is to help you manage contacts and leads, but CRMs may also facilitate marketing efforts, improve efficiency, enable improved customer service and more. Desktop-based CRM programs have been available for many years, but modern CRM programs are cloud-based and mobile. This means that you can access your entire CRM program in real-time via your smartphone or another device. For individuals who work out of the office frequently, who spend time working from home over the weekends or who travel periodically, a mobile CRM program offers true benefits.
Wrapping Up
These are only some of the many technological innovations that have had a profound impact on today’s businesses. Because innovations can improve efficiency, functionality and more, it makes sense to stay on top of innovations that are relevant to your business activities. While you may not need to invest in all types of technologies that are unveiled, it makes sense to make strategic and thoughtful updates that provide realistic and legitimate benefits to your business. Now is a great time to learn more about these and other technologies that may be useful to your business.
