It’s exciting times when we look at how much technology has advanced in the past few years. For business owners, solving painful and time consuming problems is now much simpler thanks to technology – be it clever accounting software, automation tools, or even chatbots for on-demand customer service.
As we step into a new year, the opportunities are endless as we seek to become ever more efficient and use technology to make life (and work) easier.
Here are 5 key trends we’re sure to see this year, and what you can do to make the most of them in your business…
- Becoming more comfortable with cloud technology
While most businesses use cloud technology in some capacity, the hybrid approach of keeping some data in the cloud and some on-premise has been an overwhelmingly popular choice.
Be it due to cost or security reasons, a hybrid set up can work really well. However, it can also create challenges – such as making data more siloed, increasing duplication of files, and ultimately causing a clunky user experience.
In 2022, ask an expert in cloud technology to evaluate your hybrid set up. There may be simple changes you can make – such as assessing whether the cloud platforms you’re using are fit for purpose, making sure you’re getting the most out of them, and checking that all your systems are properly integrating with each other.
- Greater use of remote working tools
A modern workplace does not discriminate between staff who work in the office and those who work from home. Everyone has equal access to everything they need – including network connectivity, security, collaboration tools, data and files, and so on.
As this workplace culture becomes more embedded, we’re going to see businesses really seek to capitalise on the investments they’ve made in remote working tools over the past 2 years. This could include extending tools to increase capability, training staff on how to use them better, or simply encouraging all staff to use them more.
If your business is still struggling with a remote work set up, give us a call.
- Experimenting with automation
While some businesses are at the cutting edge of automation, others are yet to explore its benefits.
The best opportunities for automation are in the mundane, time consuming activities your staff wish they didn’t need to do. Technology (supported by artificial intelligence) can be trained to take on these tasks – which then frees up your people to focus on higher value work.
We’re also seeing a drive for businesses to be more sustainable, which is something automation can definitely help in achieving.
If you haven’t considered automation yet, make an inventory of all the possible processes which could be automated in your business. You may wish to engage an automation specialist who can help make the process easier.
- Leveraging technology to keep employees happy
The world is experiencing a huge staff shortage across almost every industry…so keeping staff happy and engaged will be a key goal for business owners this year.
Leveraging technology to make their lives easier is one way to demonstrate your commitment to supporting them in their role.
If you’re unsure what changes to make and how, consider asking employees for feedback on what they don’t enjoy at work and how they believe you could improve. Where this feedback involves technology, engage an IT professional to help you assess the costs, risks and benefits of making the change.
- Increasing respect for cybersecurity
While thinking about a potential cyberattack on your business is never fun, we urge you to make it a priority this year.
Cyber criminals are now utilising the latest advances in artificial intelligence, which means they are better equipped than ever to succeed at penetrating your network and stealing your data.
Ideally, get advice from cybersecurity experts who can work with you to:
- identify security gaps
- perform necessary upgrades
- remotely monitor your systems in real time
To discuss cybersecurity with an IT professional from Empreus IT, or to have a chat about any IT needs for 2022, please get in touch.
