Signs it's time to upgrade your tech

Technology and digital services are likely an integral part of your business – but they can also be the most complicated and costly if not properly maintained. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, an outdated IT system or slow broadband connection can have much larger financial impacts.

Especially if your performance relies on technology at some point, productivity and profit can both see a big hit if your technology can’t keep up. That being said, it can be easy to fall behind the latest and greatest tech – especially if technology isn’t a main interest to you or your organisation. So, when exactly is the best time to make improvements? We’ve put together a short guide to assessing your need for IT and business technology upgrades below.

How does technology impact business performance?

Whether you’re a small or large organisation, it’s likely that a large part of your operations depends on technology. From admin and communication, to planning and execution, your IT infrastructure facilitates a vast range of processes that save time, costs and resources – probably on a daily basis.

Efficiency

One of the main reasons business tech was implemented in the first place was its ability to improve efficiency. Technology, alongside a speedy connection, can dramatically reduce crucial resource time that could be spent elsewhere. In some cases, business technology completely eliminates the need for human interaction, and the rest of the time it streamlines any process.

Security

Technology plays a huge role in business security – and not just through the use of security equipment, but your network and computing devices too. It goes without saying that keeping your confidential data safe is essential, but that’s much harder to do with physical files. Business IT infrastructures allow you to create and protect important confidential data and documents more effectively.

Adaptability

No matter your industry, it’s likely your business will face periods of change and adaption – whether that’s growing or reducing your team, or providing new services and products. Business technology makes this much easier – the scalability of business technology far surpasses the adaptability of physical facilities. Technology helps you to stay ahead, and ensure you’re delivering a service that suits both your team and your consumers.

Morale

Strong, easy to use business technology has a direct impact on employee morale. Giving your team the tools they need to get the job done as effectively as possible makes every day easier – from a reduction in human error, to saving your employees the need to carry around documents, up to date business technology makes working life easier for everyone.

Advantage

Business technology provides a competitive advantage in your field. If you invest in the latest technology, access to the latest tools and programmes automatically puts the latest and greatest in your reach. Be it smoother admin for higher productivity, or the latest editing software for showcasing your offering in the best light possible – staying ahead puts you in front.

Signs it’s time to upgrade your tech

You might already be a firm believer in great business technology – but simply aren’t sure when to upgrade. Upgrading IT and broadband services can be a large investment, especially if you haven’t evolved your system in a while. And when making large investments, it’s always best to do plenty of research and quantify the benefits. If you’re not sure if it’s time to upgrade the IT in your business, here are a few telltale signs to look out for.

Complicated processes

If it seems like IT processes are more complicated than they need to be, it might be time to look at components that cause roadblocks. As technology ages and newer applications and services become the norm, older software can struggle to support newer standards of processing. If you have to add extra steps to your process, and don’t have one, smooth process for each task, it could be time to upgrade your IT hardware – or your digital services.

Lagging and latency

Unfortunately, as technology ages and newer models advance, it’s not uncommon for technology like computers and printers to slow down. If you’re experiencing frequent crashes, have to wait for a noticeable period each time you load a new page, or simply find yourself moving faster than your tech – it’s time for an upgrade. Whether you need to purchase new equipment or upgrade your digital services will depend on your own business, so make sure to consult IT professionals if you’re unsure.

Security issues

If you’re experiencing bugs and viruses, it could be time to upgrade your IT systems. A major advantage of using the latest technology is its updated security features. As time goes on, cyber attackers will develop new viruses and programmes that can surpass outdated security – leaving those who don’t have the latest protection more vulnerable to digital threats. These can be extremely costly, with attacks focusing on financial, legal and data-led incursions.

Unorganised storage

If it’s difficult for your team to work together effectively, it might be time to upgrade your storage and digital services. Cloud based storage and updated communications can massively help with collaboration – and as our working lives evolve to incorporate more remote working, it’s never been more important to provide smooth, simple access to your tools and resources.

Unsupported applications

If it’s becoming more difficult to install the latest programmes and tools onto your hardware, then it’s likely your business is due an IT upgrade. As technology develops, new software, applications and services are designed to integrate with new industry standards – if you fall behind those, you’ll eventually find it difficult to keep up with new technological demands.

How to improve your business technology

It can be difficult to pinpoint weaknesses in your IT infrastructure, so if you feel it could be time for an upgrade, you should assess your system and processes with a keen eye. Multiple elements make up your network, so finding exactly where improvements could be made is key.

Highlight issues

Firstly, you’ll need to assess your current digital processes. Both manual investigations and feedback from your team members can be extremely useful at this stage.

Do your research

Once you’ve highlighted the issues you’d like to address, it’s time to take a look at solutions on the market. Whether it’s Googling “why is my computer running slowly” or consulting your own IT department about suitable broadband solutions, it’s best to know a little around your issue before accepting quotes and liaising with sellers.

Consult the professionals

When you have a good idea of your issues and the possible solutions, it’s time to find suitable services and products on the market. Take advantage of free quotes and consultations, and ensure the companies you consider working with are trusted, certified and renowned for their offering.

What next?

Already found some issues you’d like to resolve with your business’s broadband, connection or network? We’re here to help. Take a look at our helpful article around switching your digital services - or get in touch with a member of our team for free advice and a tailored approach to your business’s digital requirements. For more information about tech and business, you can find plenty of other useful resources at the ThoughtHub.