Image by Mudassar Iqbal from Pixabay

By Noah Rue

Business technology is a must-have for your small business. If you’re relying on outdated business tactics, chances are you’re missing out on opportunities to better your business.

Recent tech advances focus on streamlining processes to aid business growth and longevity. And it’d be wise for you to explore implementing some of this technology.

Small business owners can absolutely benefit from advances in business technology. Read on to find out what three recent business tech advancements mean for your small business.

Collaboration tools

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have had to adjust the way their teams work together. Many small businesses shifted their operations to online platforms, and it wasn’t a smooth transition. But digital collaboration tools helped stabilize teams.

Digital collaboration tools can help you work with your team remotely. Tools like Slack, Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Teams allow you to collaborate on projects, manage teams, communicate in real-time, and keep all of your documents in a centralized location. And everyone with an internet connection has access no matter where they are.

Many business owners believe that these tools can’t replace face-to-face interaction. And that may be true. But they provide an excellent alternative should you have to continue running your team remotely.

In addition to collaboration tools, smart technology can also ensure your team is on the same page.

Smart technology

Our smartphones, iPods, and tablets once made up a small list of smart technology out there. But more devices like these have since made their way into our lives. More specifically, our small businesses.

Smart technology is beneficial to any small business because of its efficient, innovative functions and features. For example, modern security systems with video doorbells and tech locks, digital manufacturing systems, and energy-efficient lighting keep things cost-effective and productive. Additionally, each person in your business can use smart devices like phones, tablets, and watches to ensure you’re all working from the same foundation.

Although smart technology can get expensive, implementing it in stages makes it doable for any small business. So, take a look at your entire operation and see which sectors could benefit from a smart technology overhaul. Now, let’s move on to our last tech advancement and what it means for your small business.

Automation tools

How many repetitive tasks do you have to manually complete each day? And how much time is that sucking out of your day? Way too many and way too much, if we’re honest. So, being able to automate many of these tasks frees up your time for other obligations.

When we think of automation tools, we usually think about automating data collection or maybe using a chatbot for customer service. But it even made its way into industries like manufacturing, automating repetitive tasks like the processing of raw materials. As a result, automation tools can reduce certain costs, increase business efficiency, and collect critical data.

One misconception with automation tools is that you don’t have to do anything after setting up the tools. Yes, automation tools can perform tasks for you. However, it still requires a human to ensure the devices are functioning correctly. For example, many small business owners use automation tools to streamline financial tasks. But even with these tools, you still need an expert like an accountant to go over your finances to ensure the data is accurate and that you aren’t missing any opportunities to better your finances.

Conclusion

Integrating technology into your small business prompts growth, productivity, and better efficiency. Recent business tech advances in collaboration tools, smart technology, and automation tools are worth looking at to better your operation. Business technology will continue to advance, and that will always mean something for your small business.

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Noah Rue is a journalist and content writer, fascinated with the intersection between global health, personal wellness, and modern technology. When he isn’t searching out his next great writing opportunity, Noah likes to shut off his devices and head to the mountains to disconnect.