Things to Consider Before Investing In New Technology
New technologies are being created at warp speed these days. there is almost a daily barrage of some high tech gadget that promises to make your life and business easier. While it is great to introduce and embrace these new tools, it is vital you take time to research and consider if it really is going to benefit you in the long run. New shiny devices and interesting apps and software can seem appealing at first, but if you don’t look at all the angles it could end up costing you money, time and frustration. Before deciding whether or not the technology is a good fit for your company, it’s vital to know if the “solution” will actually work for your purposes and that it does not create more work for your team. Many times we just see the potential solution and not the actual implementation. Knowing how these technologies function before purchasing them can prevent challenges that can lead to wasted time, confusion and costs. Below are some things to research and think about when considering new implementations.
- The actual user experience: Tedious or confusing setup and implementation can obviously cause frustration. Consider how your team will use the technology, and if it will interfere with their current daily tasks. Will they be able to use it right away, or will it require significant training and implementation? It is always a good idea to discuss the potential new tech with those who will actually be using it to gain some insight and feedback as to the end goal and how this technology can possibly help.
- Connectivity: Another point to consider with a new technology is connectivity. How does it work with your current systems? Will it need to sync with those in and out of the office? Real-time connections can be critical to employees to properly do their job and assist customers. In addition, communication is vital and it is important to make sure the technologies have the capability that is needed to give users the tools they need to do this.
- ROI and Long Term Value: New technology is typically not cheap, and it is important to consider if it will add to the bottom line right away, or will it be a while before the investment pays off? Will this purchase potentially strain current resources with the hope it will be beneficial in the long run? Also consider how it will integrate with future needs and functionality as workflows evolve. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that a quality investment is meant to last and make productivity (and profits) better!