From AI to enhanced communications and networking, here’s how technology can boost efficiency and productivity in your business
We all know that technology is transforming how we do business. The challenge is learning to use these powerful tools effectively to reap the maximum benefits.
As Chuck Bender, CEO of Attentus, says, “Technology usage needs to become part of your ROI assessments. If you see any gaps there, it could indicate that you need to dig a little deeper into what your tools can do.”
While technology disrupts some traditional job roles, it also creates huge amounts of growth in others. The World Economic Forum points out that we will see a lot of growth in sectors that require green jobs and green skills. And there can be as much as 10% growth in other areas, including education and agriculture.
Taking advantage of rising technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation requires awareness and deliberate fact-finding. It is also extremely useful to have a proactive I.T. partner whose professionals and experts stay on top of fast-changing tech developments so you can find the best solution for your workplace needs.
So read on to learn how technology might benefit you and why the old way isn’t always the best.
Why is it important to keep up with technology?
Embracing emerging technology is key to staying competitive for any business. You might worry that updating technology is costly or disruptive. However, digital transformation can offer long-term benefits that outweigh these concerns.
Businesses using the latest technology are best able to meet customer needs. They can cater to the widespread expectation of receiving swift, tailored experiences and modern technologies. For example, advanced data analysis can help understand customer preferences and provide more targeted products and services.
Beyond customer service and improved productivity, keeping up with technology has other benefits. A growing number of cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in technology solutions that don’t have the latest updates. Statistics predict that by 2027, the annual average cost of cybercrime will spike over $23 trillion.
Hidden advantages of technology in the workplace
Following are the eight main benefits your organization can enjoy using technology effectively.
1. Communication and collaboration across time zones
Synchronized project management tools and real-time document editing can connect teams worldwide. That means that while one part of your team sleeps, another can continue the work. This gives you round-the-clock progress and faster project completion.
2. Better customer service
Leveraging technology to gather and analyze customer feedback can reveal surprising insights. Beyond basic satisfaction metrics, advanced analytics can uncover trends and preferences that inform product development and marketing strategies. This leads to more targeted and effective business decisions that enhance the customer experience.
The following are some of the questions you might ask to gather valuable customer insights.
Question |
Purpose |
What specific feature do you use most often and why? | To identify the most valued aspects of the product. |
Can you describe a recent interaction with our customer service? | To gather detailed feedback on customer service experiences. |
Which feature needs improvement, and how would you improve it? | To collect specific suggestions for feature enhancements. |
What part of our product’s interface is the most/least intuitive? | To gain insights into the user interface’s effectiveness. |
How was a recent problem or complaint you had handled? | To assess effectiveness in problem resolution. |
What factors would influence you to purchase our product again? | To understand the key drivers of repeat purchases. |
What aspect of our product would you most likely tell a friend about? | To identify strong points likely to be shared through word-of-mouth. |
How does our product’s value compare to its cost in your opinion? | To evaluate customer perception of product value vs. cost. |
What has been the highlight and lowlight of your experience with us? | To obtain a holistic view of the customer journey. |
What’s one thing we haven’t asked that you think we should know? | To offer a space for any additional, unguided feedback. |
3. Support of remote and hybrid work
Flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid work, make employees happier and more productive. The technology supporting this includes cloud-computing solutions, workforce management applications, and endpoint management services for corporate and BYOD devices.
4. Greater creative problem-solving with AI
AI and machine learning are not just for tech giants. Even small businesses can harness these technologies for creative problem-solving. From optimizing logistics to personalized customer interactions, AI can provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
Studies show that most businesses are looking to incorporate AI solutions to boost their productivity and efficiency. While AI will make some jobs redundant, it can help boost the paychecks and usefulness of workers who embrace and learn to use it well.
5. Better compliance and risk management
Automated compliance and risk management tools are a hidden gem when it comes to providing the benefits of technology in the workplace. These systems can monitor and report on compliance issues in real time, reducing the likelihood of costly legal or regulatory missteps.
6. Enhanced networking and relationship building
Modern technology facilitates networking and relationship building in ways previously unimagined. Social media platforms, professional networking sites, and virtual event technologies allow your employees to connect and collaborate with industry peers and thought leaders.
7. Data-driven employee wellness programs
Modern technology can play a crucial role in employee wellness. Businesses can tailor wellness programs to address specific employee needs by analyzing data from workplace surveys or productivity tools.
This improves overall staff well-being and can lead to increased productivity. More than 60% of employees report increased productivity after participating in tailored employee wellness programs.
Relying on big data, workplace wellness programs can successfully address:
- Mental health challenges
- A variety of lifestyle and physical health risks
- Workplace safety issues
8. Reduced environmental footprint
Implementing digital and cloud-based solutions reduces your business’s environmental footprint. These tools save space and help you significantly cut down on paper usage. The eco-friendly approach can enhance your company’s image among environmentally-conscious consumers and employees.
Other examples of green uses of technology include:
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Motion and time-sensing devices
- Automatic faucets
- Waste reduction solutions
Let our experts show you how to boost productivity
Whether you’re using cloud computing or keeping everything on-site; whether you follow a remote work policy or stay in the office, there are always discoveries to make about your tech tools.
The Attentus Technologies team would happily examine your I.T. infrastructure and show you new ways to use it. We want our clients to make the most of every dollar spent on their investments, and optimizing usage is part of that commitment. At Attentus, we view our clients as partners and are just as invested as they are in their success. Building trusted relationships is one of our core values, and we strive to support our partners in achieving their goals through tailored and innovative I.T. solutions.
Besides our acclaimed I.T. consulting services, we provide:
Contact us today to find out more. We’ll help you walk the latest tech talk.