 |
|
 |
|
LINKS:
Safeguard your computer
with free software links
Live Camera of Downtown Hamilton, Ohio
Live
Camera of Slatts Pub
|
Can Computer Technology Really Help My Business?
The Charles Rivers Strategies Inc. noted a 33% gain in sales
of companies that utilize personal computers compared to
companies that do not use personal computers. In addition there
is a 61% gain in sales for companies that incorporate integrated
network computer systems into their office environments.
IT (Information Technology) organizations have become much more
sophisticated. They know they have to support business
processes. The fundamental change over the last 20 years is that
all business processes have in some way been enhanced by IT."
- Carla O'Dell, president, American Productivity & Quality
Center
Integrated Network Systems is comprised of technology
professionals that specialize in a large spectrum of skills and
services designed to help your business develop a lasting
stability that will grow with the changing times, and consumer
trends. |
71% of all small businesses with 20 to 249 employees have high-speed
Internet service, according to a recent poll by the National
Federation of Independent Businesses.
Why Do Computers Help Businesses Become More
Productive and More Profitable?
Computers are a multimedia tool. With integrated text,
databases, graphic, print, audio, and video capabilities, computers
can effectively link various technologies. Computers are
interactive; information is entered and stored, manipulated, shared.
Software of all types are available to assist and provide higher
levels of effectiveness with all job tasks, archiving, and
collaboration of information. Microcomputer systems incorporating
various software packages are extremely flexible and maximize
productivity, in many cases cutting overhead of staffing and
employee inefficiencies.
Computer technology is rapidly advancing. Innovations are
constantly emerging. Related costs continue to drop.
Computers increase access. Local, regional, and national networks
link resources and individuals, wherever they might be.
Most businesses today, whether large or small, will consider
computerizing aspects of their operations. When managed properly,
computerization will be a crucial ally to you and your business.
Major benefits of computerization include:
| |
Increased efficiency in work tasks and processes |
| |
More efficient communication and sharing of information |
| |
Faster organization and searching of information |
| |
Improved automation in operations and reporting |
| |
Improved research, development, and collaboration |
| |
Security of offsite data storage |
| |
Disaster recovery of critical information |
| |
Fluently manages resources, speeding up processes and cutting costs. |
| |
Options such as a marketing database, access to the Internet, and
creating a website. |
| |
Automation of anything: bookkeeping, payroll calculations, stock
tracking, etc. |
| |
Remote Access to all resources, offers the convenience to work from
anywhere. |
| |
Improved business image |
| |
Increased staff productivity |
How Can A Small Business Become Equipped With The
Technology Needed To Compete?
The Three basic steps to becoming computerized:
I. Assess the computing needs
II. Get the advice of an IT specialist
III. Make the system flexible for future growth
I. Assess The Computing Needs
When used in the right areas, computers can become an integral part of
your business and a support to you and your staff. When
Identifying the best opportunities for computerizing your business,
think about:
How you communicate with your staff, customers and suppliers
How easy it is to manage your manual and paper records on
customers and suppliers
Whether most of your staff are based at the same premises or work
off-site
How you keep in touch with market developments
How job tasks can be performed by software and integration
II. Get The Advice Of An IT Specialist
An Integrated Network Systems consultant can help you plan and consider the
impact of computerization on your business.
Purchase the right system for your business - choose a system to
meet your business' needs.
Acquire written quotes for solutions with experienced advisors.
Advice about hidden costs of computerization such as IT service,
maintenance, hardware, software costs and training.
Look at
similar business structures and talk to people who have computerized
their business and the impact for them.
Plan for ongoing
maintenance, upgrades, and growth.
Compare cost to production
and saving.
III. Make The System Flexible For Future Growth
| |
As your business grows and technology improves, you may need to
upgrade the computer systems. Creating an IT strategy will allow you
to quickly and cheaply extend the computer system. |
| |
Avoid the computerization pitfalls of short sided advice
and direction. You do not want to invest in a system that will
not allow for growth. |
| |
Making poor decisions when introducing computers into your
business can lead to problems with costs, time, and people. |
| |
Consider your business' future IT needs and develop an IT
strategy. |
| |
Conduct a risk assessment identifying potential problems and how
to address them. |
| |
Research technologies and their costs. |
| |
Research suppliers and servicing. |
|
|
|
 |
