By: Dustin Moore, PBA Webmaster
Finding the right technology solutions for your business is not only vital; it can be one of the most difficult tasks you will address as a business owner or manager. Whether you are starting a new business or just looking to revamp your current solution, there are several things you should know before considering all your options. From computer systems and services you are paying for to your front desk computer and customer database, they are all part of the same puzzle.
Before seeking solutions, you should do some research within your business to find out what problems you want to address via technology. Knowing exactly what's on your wish list is the best way to avoid overspending on solutions that will be useless to you. Is your goal to replace your old computers or simply upgrade the components? Are you looking for a prospect database to send mailings out to? You may not need a brand new solution; often times, an upgrade will satisfy your requirements. This is a great time to make a list of your technology wants versus your technology needs.
Green Fact:
Your computers use a lot of energy, but there is a cost effective way to save money on your electric bill and to help the environment as well. The 80 Plus Program was created in order to certify the computer components that run at 80% efficiency or more. This means that at least 80% of the power used by the computer is actually used for processing and is not wasted.
What's your budget? Are you a salon owner looking for a computer that will look stylish at your front desk and be easy to use or a computer with the software to balance your budgets and build up a client database, or both? Are you a distributor or manufacturer looking for dependable, inexpensive machines that will help you track your warehouse stock or a durable, sexy laptop to take with you everywhere you go, or both? Perhaps you are thinking on a larger scale and you want to integrate several tasks into one seamless system. Every budget is different, but everyone wants to get the most bang for their buck. You wouldn't walk into an auto dealership to buy a truck for light hauling and leave with a semi-truck. The same goes for your technology solution, which is about finding the right tool for the job, not just any tool that does the job.
When it comes time to shop for your solution, you are going to need to narrow down your wants and needs list to be in line with your budget. Prioritize your lists from most to least importance, leaving you with something concrete to shop around with. If a potential solution does not satisfy all your needs, then keep looking. If you find multiple solutions that could work, factor wants into the equation. Eventually, you'll find the happy medium between your budget and your wants and needs, leaving you with the solution for your business.
To learn more about energy efficient computer compentents, check out 80plus.org for a great source of products and vendors.