Technology is altering the way we live as well as the way we conduct business. Businesses are discovering new ways to use technology to improve their operations and boost productivity, but many are still trying to make sense of the plethora of new tools available.
Here are seven creative ways to use technology to boost your business:
1. Make workflows more automated
Workflow automation can reduce the amount of manual labor required to complete a task or process. By eliminating repetitive tasks, you can reduce errors and improve efficiency by automating a workflow. It’s a win for everyone when you can reduce the number of time employees spend doing a task manually and give them more time to focus on strategic activities or projects.
2. Take advantage of mobile devices
Mobile devices allow businesses to access information whenever and wherever they need it, including while on the move. Because they can access information intuitively through touchscreen interfaces that match their natural gestures and behaviors with the device itself — such as swiping left or right on a smartphone screen rather than clicking buttons with a mouse cursor or typing on an external keyboard — mobile users are more engaged than desktop users.
3. Make a cloud-based solution investment
For any business, cloud-based solutions are the most efficient, cost-effective, and secure option. They allow you to take advantage of cutting-edge technology without having to invest in costly hardware or software. Because cloud solutions are accessible from anywhere in the world, they can be used at any time.
One of the fastest-growing areas of IT spending is cloud computing. The most obvious benefit of this technology is that you don’t need to invest in expensive hardware for your business, which means you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars every year on computers and other hardware. Instead, you can use the cloud’s power to run your software programs at a low cost. Furthermore, rather than purchasing additional equipment outright, you can simply pay a monthly fee to add new software or hardware to your system. This makes it easier for small businesses to expand without having to invest large sums of money upfront.
4. Library Administration System
A library management system is a piece of software that aids in the upkeep and management of any type of library. This software will assist you in keeping track of your inventory, customers and their information, employee information, acquisitions, and more. It also aids in the proper management of your books.
Softlink’s LMS can help you keep track of your inventory so you always know how many books are available at any given time. You can also see how many books people have borrowed and how many books need to be returned to the library. This feature aids in keeping accurate records of each book available at your library so that when someone comes looking for something specific, they can find it quickly without having to sift through a large number of books simply because they don’t know where that book is located within the library!
It’s critical to assess your current needs before investing in an LMS. You’ll have to decide whether you want a basic database or something more advanced with features like digital asset management (DAM). This will help you decide whether you want to create your own database or use one that is already available online. After that, it’s time to find the best solution for your requirements!
5. Incorporate augmented reality (AR) into your marketing efforts
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that lets you overlay digital information on top of your real-world surroundings. This means you can use augmented reality to bring products and services to life in novel ways.
The AR market is expected to be worth $27 billion by 2022, according to a report by Augment. This is due to the numerous ways in which this technology can benefit your company.
Here are some ideas for incorporating augmented reality into your marketing strategy:
- Demonstrations of products on display
- Make virtual tours of your office or workplace.
- At events or trade shows, display product information.
- Use augmented reality to engage customers. AR enables users to interact with products in a more engaging way than simply viewing them online or in person.
6. Use Your Phone as a Customer Relationship Management System
CRM is a must-have tool for any company. It allows you to keep track of client information and automates some of your most time-consuming tasks, allowing you to grow your business. Many small businesses, on the other hand, lack the financial means to hire a dedicated CRM team or invest in expensive software.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of free CRM apps available for your smartphone.
In an ideal world, you’d have a dedicated CRM system that tracked all of your leads and contacts automatically. However, many small businesses lack the financial resources to hire a full-time employee whose sole responsibility is to manage the company’s customer database.
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use a CRM system at all — far from it! There are numerous free or low-cost apps that allow you to use your smartphone as a stand-in for a dedicated CRM system. These apps can be used to track customer emails, phone calls, and social media interactions so you know where they’re coming from and what they want to buy from you. This data will aid in the development of future marketing campaigns that are more likely to result in sales.
7. Use mobile apps and eCommerce platforms to your advantage
In today’s world, mobile apps are a must-have for most businesses. You can create an app that allows customers to easily access your business and products on their smartphones using mobile app development platforms like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.
Customers can order your product directly from their mobile phone or desktop computer using eCommerce platforms like Shopify. This platform makes it simple for people to buy goods without having to go to a store in person.
Technology Can Help You Grow Your Business
Technology should be used to make life easier for people. Whether it’s automating tasks, networking with other professionals, or simply staying organized, technology allows modern businesses to achieve their objectives faster, easier, and more affordably than ever before.
Learn more from technology and read 4 Business Technology Solutions to Help Your Business Grow.
