Over the years, the technological wave has also hit the business world. Tech trends are now responsible for better customer engagement, increased productivity, fewer additional expenses, and reduced extra labor.
Any company that’s brave enough to incorporate technology in its operation has received almost double its ROI in a short period. Plus, it has made every business process more efficient and convenient, saving both time and money. For instance, small businesses are now using social media platforms on their devices for advertisements. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook offer exceptional monetary gains for business and a platform to display their brand and services. It’s like killing two birds with a single technological stone.
But that’s not all. Better customer service engagement and improved customer experiences are now more accessible with AI systems like chatbots making sure clients feel welcomed to a site and appreciated. Sure, integration may at first be a little costly, but you earn more in the end. The opportunities are simply endless.
Here are five must-have technologies for small business owners looking forward to growth.
Robotic process automation (RPA)
Running a business is not an easy task, and a lot of tasks can quickly become repetitive, time-consuming, and tedious. Wouldn’t you like it if you could complete all these tasks fast and effectively so that you and your employees can start focusing on more important issues? Well, Artificial Intelligence and robotics can make all that possible.
AI capabilities in computer programs are something all small businesses need. For instance, RPA is a type of system program with these capabilities and can automate almost all your business processes giving you a hard time. It’s a vital addition to your company and can significantly help you grow and become more productive.
The RPA system program can handle tasks like:
- Calculations
- Setups
- Transactions
- Analyzing
- Record search
- Query writing
Rapid prototyping
Machine learning is another technology trend that deserves a spot on this list. If your business is in the product manufacturing industry, this rapid prototyping technology can come in handy. With it, you can test numerous products in both their digital and physical trial stages.
How does it help your business? Well, depending on the type of prototyping you need to do, it can help with five of the major ones, including rapid software application, 3D printing, selective laser sintering, additive manufacturing, and stereolithography.
These new technology trends can come in handy in ensuring that your product production’s final stages are fast and effective. For instance, it allows you to notice any real-time errors before making the actual product and making changes. That can save you both time and resources.
Plus, you get a chance to let your team members, investors, and other partners see how the final product will appear. You can then use that feedback to make the last changes and improvements. That way, you can have confidence in your product being better, looking great, and operating even better before you let the first customers try it.
Timesheet systems
Employees are that part of the business that is maybe as important as the customers are. Without them, the opportunities to grow and succeed are minimal. But how do you keep track of all your employees? Do you know who’s on sick leave, who hasn’t clocked in yet, or any other reports? Sounds like a lot of work, especially if your business is rapidly growing.
However, with software like timesheet systems, you can keep track of all the employees’ activities. You can use it to:
- Their payroll
- Staff on leaves of absence
- When they clocked-in to work and when they left
- Personal requests
- Business expenditure receipts
- Approvals of supervising staff
- Mileage expenses
- Data entry
- Check the working hours of your employees.
All this is helpful information. But this software can provide even more information. Additionally, you get accurate information and the period in which it happened. That can come in handy when there are higher positions open, and you can’t decide which employee deserves the promotion more. Or you can use it for any other rewards ad awards (like the employee of the month) that your company has.
Digital signage
This technology is one of the simplest but can solve almost any goal you may have for your business. Unlike traditional signage, this type of signage is versatile, and you can personalize it to meet your needs. For instance, if your goal is more engaged employees, you can use digital signs to achieve it. You can also use it to provide better customer service.
A good example is using digital signage to reduce the waiting times for your customers. Research shows it can significantly reduce wait times for your clients hence providing a better customer experience.
Additionally, this technology is very affordable, engaging, adaptable, and easy to maintain. You do not need to spend a fortune on it for your business to benefit. Plus, it can help you make higher sales.
Credit card reader app
Some mobile business apps can double up as credit card readers. These are a must-have for all businesses. If your retail store is still using outdated registers, you may be left behind in the cashless movement. Retail stores no longer need to keep physical binders of invoices, receipts for any transaction, or carry money in your wallet. With a digital app, you can save both time and money.
Instead of creating physical invoices, you can use the app to send a digital one. Also, you can give your customers digital discount coupons and digital receipts for all their mobile payments and transactions. It’s a convenient way of doing business.
Plus, you can use it to track inventory, check your sales history and immensely simplify most of your business processes. Additionally, this app uses the highest cybersecurity level as one of many security measures to ensure that hackers don’t make any data breaches. Everything becomes much easier to manage that way, and you can be a step ahead of your competitors.
Final thoughts
Whether it’s systems, mobile apps, communication platforms, or robotics, new technology trends make businesses more efficient and convenient. In the coming year, more and more companies will take the next tech step. Be the ultimate opportunist and take advantage of all technology has to offer. Integrating various tools, computer programs, systems, and apps can make your business grow faster and surpass its initial goals.