5 Ways That Technology Can Transform Your Business

Many companies are already using technology to transform their business, but some have yet to take the plunge. If this is you, the time is right to jump in. In this world, technology is commonplace for almost every single person on Earth. It also affects businesses, no matter how big or small. And the fact is, technology has never been better. From assembly-line robots to computer software that gives you customer service AI, you can quickly bring your business into the 21st century. For those hesitant about investing in technology, here are five ways that it can help transform your business.

1. Increase Productivity

In a major step to improve work efficiency, computer software is automating and assisting with day-to-day business operations. A manager can also quickly gather data and analyze precisely how staff spends their time. This way, they can delegate work to team members and streamline and track workflow.

You can also use handheld scanners and tablets to help with stocktaking and stock tracking. Not only that, if you run a restaurant, servers can carry around their very own mini tablet POS system. Less paper, more orders! Even something as old and traditional as bookkeeping or accounting benefits hugely from being computerized.

Technology even improves communication and collaboration between employees. Email is a tried and true way, but dedicated apps are becoming increasingly popular. There are plenty you can choose from, both paid and free, like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Ryver, Flock, and Trello

2. Improve Customer Service

No business can survive without its customer base, and a company's interaction with them is critical. The problem with customer service, however, is twofold. One, human emotion and error can lead to unsatisfactory customer service, and not everyone is available to troubleshoot 24/7. The second issue is the frustration of having to talk to an automated message. Fortunately, technology has made customer service not so black and white.

Online chat support is a valuable tool that sets a business apart from many others. The ability for a customer to get an instant response means a greater likelihood of keeping their business. You can either set up the chat with an actual employee or program a virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants reduce the number of employees needed to run an online support team and is available any time of day. They provide answers to commonly asked questions, and if unable to answer the customer's inquiry, the assistant forwards them to a human operator. And since you program it, you can make it as real to your business as you want.

3. Make Your Business Portable & Global

You've probably seen this when you're out shopping or at an event. It's a card reader device that hooks up to an employee's phone. You hand them your card, and they swipe it through -- transaction complete! With this tech, you can take your selling power almost anywhere. You don't have to stay in your store or behind the computer screen to increase your sales.

And with different eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, selling your products globally is a breeze. Some of these platforms even offer free currency converter plugins, so customers in other countries won't have to do the math themselves.

4. Enhance Marketing & Advertising

Technology does wonders for marketing because everything is so visible nowadays.

Anyone who uses social media is a potential customer. And there are billions of people on social media, roughly 3.81 billion, to be exact. Running native ads and working with influencers is one way of attracting customers. Another, and probably more cost-effective manner, is for a business to have its own social media presence. It doesn't take much to open an Instagram account! This way, you don't have to wait to send a monthly newsletter to let your customers and visitors know what's happening with your business.

You can also increase your visibility in the market with SEO and analytics that show you how well your website is performing. Google Analytics is a great program and plugin to use to hone in on marketing details. By tracking visitors' activity on your site, you'll be able to see where you can improve.

5. Save on Expenses

Improving the bottom line is a business's primary goal if it wants to grow in size. Technology can help you do that by increasing your savings on expenses. Most big businesses have already invested heavily in tech for this very reason.

VOIP technology is almost always cheaper than traditional phone systems. Using it can cut communication costs significantly. LED billboards are another example of how tech can save you money. Instead of having to replace an ad every month physically, businesses can run and change it every five minutes. Using computerized robotics or 3D printers where there is a production line not only increases efficiency but also cuts down on labor costs. The initial expense does not take long to recoup.

Why Using Technology to Transform Your Business Is the Right Thing to Do

Nowadays, there is virtually no part of doing business that cannot benefit from technology's thoughtful application. And without appropriate investment in it, most businesses would not survive. All companies should embrace the tools that are now available to them. And just because technology is taking over the workplace doesn't mean it will replace the human element. You're still the one in charge.