3 Tips for Smart Technology Decision Making

Each January we re-emerge after the holidays feeling like we’ve got a fresh start. It’s a great time to take stock of accomplishments and gains over the last year, and an opportunity to give yourself and your team a pat on the back for a job well done.

Coming off a busy fourth quarter, we’re also taking a look at the year ahead with new ideas; maybe a new twist on an existing approach, developing a strategy that will lead your business into new markets, a new audience or even just a few new customers you’ve been trying to win over. That’s the fun stuff. 

The other set of plans we generally make involve hardware and software requirements, workflow improvements, employee needs and ways we can be more responsive to our customers. We want to do it right, and within budget – but it can be difficult to know exactly when to move ahead with new technology and when we can get by with what we already have. That’s why getting expert advice in areas of specialization is never a bad idea. 

Here are 3 tips to make technology decisions easier in 2020:

Consider Costs for the Long Term.  Aging equipment of any kind puts you in a position to make a decision as to whether it makes sense to update (or even upgrade).  If devices are tied to your network, then make security a priority; particularly if you’re no longer receiving updates (if you’re operating on Windows 7, for example or have mobile devices running on Embedded Handheld or CE).  A breach will end up being far more costly to manage than the purchase of new equipment.

Establish Priorities. What are the most important operational issues and how can they be resolved most effectively?  Here are some questions to think about:

• Where are the bottlenecks in your business?
• Are shipment errors more common than you’d like?
• Are compliance fees or penalties a concern?
• Is employee morale low due to business and workflow processes that just don’t seem to be as efficient as they should be?

Based on your most pressing needs, and with the help of an expert, you can determine ways to optimize your environment, whether it be a matter of going from paper-based processes to automation, barcoding to RFID or choosing mobile computing devices that are better suited to your environment/application.

Get Educated. Gathering as much information as you can about the various technology and equipment options will pay off greatly in the long run.  Independent research on the internet is a helpful start but talking with industry professionals who understand how your business operates can be more valuable overall.  Most solution providers are passionate about their line of work and are happy to share experiences, customer successes and knowledge gained by working with organizations just like yours — so reach out without feeling obligated to them.

Talk it out!  Work with your team and assign a task force based on each of the priorities you’ve established and empower your employees to find solutions that will enable growth, stability and greater security in the year ahead.

Get started today!  At Barcom we live for challenges – let us help you with yours.

4136B Jersey Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Phone (423) 855-1822 | Fax (423) 499-6317

sales@barcominc.com