No matter how you look at it, running a business is hard work, but with the help of technology, things are getting easier. Back in the day, getting everything up and running was a challenge.
But when you throw in the added responsibilities of keeping tabs on clientele and managing the company finances, it took up a lot of time to the point you needed to devote every bit of your attention.
But as time went on, technology evolved to the point where tasks that required so much attention can be done without having to bat an eye.
Many things have become digital, so everyone needs to integrate technology into their business.
In this post, we’ll be covering the most important technology every business needs to have.
Customer relationship management
A business’s niche may be difficult for some people, but success solely hinges on your customers, regardless of your choice. However, there’s more to it than selling something to them.
You need to generate leads, research ongoing and upcoming business trends, and reduce the overall costs. So, you might be wondering how technology comes into play here.
Businesses use customer relationship management (CRM), is a business tool that uses cloud-based software to help companies find new clients while maintaining the relationships they currently have.
The cost of this software does depend on where you get it from, but the price can be an average of $10 to $30 a month.
Telematics
If your business is one that requires a fleet to provide service, then implementing telematics is a must.
Telematics is what allows business owners to remotely monitor their fleet vehicles, their drivers, and other pieces of equipment.
Another individual who uses this particular technology is a fleet manager. Regardless of who’s using it, a telematics system is one that took off during the rise of the internet.
Companies specializing in telematic software have seen a massive influx of clientele because it makes managing a fleet simple.
Here’s a list of other benefits you can expect to have by implementing telematics:
- Your day-to-day operations can be more efficient
- It’s far easier to streamline processes
- Telematics can make it easier to get the right vehicle maintenance
- It can further protect those that drive the vehicles
- You’ll be more compliant with the DOT’s rules and regulations
- It lets you remotely control a vehicle
Telematics can single-handedly make managing your fleet so much easier. The cost of implementing this varies depending on your fleet size and where you acquire the software.
The average cost can be around $15 to $40 per vehicle.
Cybersecurity
If there’s one thing that every business needs, regardless of if it’s a new or an expanding corporation, cybersecurity is desperately needed.
With all the hard work you’ve done and all the money you’ve invested, some seek to undermine that and ruin you. Businesses aren’t exactly safe from hackers or malware.
There are signs you need IT support, and small businesses are especially vulnerable to cyber threats, which is why you need to prioritize getting cybersecurity above all else.
You need it to protect important information, like employee files, social security numbers, tax forms, account information, and payment details.
Hackers are very crafty people, so there’s almost nothing they can’t and won’t do to access your information. Granted, it should be noted that acquiring a cybersecurity platform will be an investment.
How much of an investment will depend on what you’re looking for. Most platforms come in the form of networks, and they have varying sizes. These sizes also come at different prices.
A small network is considered to be the most affordable as it clocks in at about $300 a month on average. To be more specific, the cost of a small network can be $100 to as much as $500.
Medium-sized networks begin at $500 and can go up to $2,000, depending on the company.
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