Running Your Own Tech Audit

Technology evolves at a rapid pace. And while your company doesn’t have to be on the early adopter bandwagon for every new technology, it is a good idea to periodically step back and assess the equipment and services you use to ensure that you’re up to speed.

Consider that Microsoft just recently ended support for the Windows XP operating system, which could have left businesses that didn’t take action in a pickle. Being on top of changes like this can help ensure your business is always on the right track. So how do you ensure you’re doing what you need to in order to keep up?

Evaluating the technology and services you already use is certainly a good point to start from. Here are some suggestions on technology to periodically re-evaluate in the workplace:

Internet services: When was the last time you talked to your team to get feedback on network connectivity? If connectivity is slow or spotty, this could equate to a significant amount of lost productivity. And you may realize that the cost to upgrade to a faster connection could end up saving you in the long run.

Servers: You may have a server that runs your website or backs up and stores important business files and programs. Is it time to upgrade to cloud-based services to cut costs and increase scalability?

Phones: Perhaps most critical in this category is evaluating company mobile devices. Service plans change periodically, so a better plan may be available, or your needs may have changed (e.g. employees are doing more or less overseas travel) so there might be a better-suited plan. It’s also worth looking into usage patterns to ensure that employees are using company-owned mobile devices appropriately.

Computers: Are all of your computers up-to-date? The average age of a computer is about 4.5 years, which means around the four-year mark, it’s probably a good idea to begin initiating a replacement cycle. On the software end, has there been a new software update? Security updates? Has your IT department been diligent in upgrading employee computers? In this day and age, this extends beyond computers and applies to smartphones and tablets, too.

Company websites. When was the last time you analyzed your website’s analytics, functionality, and look and feel to determine what changes may help attract more customers?

The bottom line
Sometimes, we can get complacent and comfortable in the environment in which we work. But taking two steps back to re-evaluate things can bring to light issues you may not have known existed, and indentifying and fixing these issues helps ensure your business runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

When was the last time you re-evaluated the technology in your company?