New technology presents SMEs with the potential to grow their business and find new ways of operating efficiently. By utilising innovative technology tools, SMEs are able to streamline their day to day processes and eliminate manual tasks, such as filing.
In 2016, Gartner noted that Australian SMEs spend an estimated $52,000 per year on new technology, and have made a large contribution to the growth of the Australian tech market, which has grown by 2.8 per cent to reach AU$83.3 billion.
There are many technology tools that SMEs can use, but here some of the most popular choices based on COS data collected over the last 12 months.
Webcams and headsets
Working remotely means calling in for meetings and conferences and so webcams and headsets have become essential for SMEs. With so many options out in the marketplace the key to making the right choice is determining your environment and buying accordingly:
- Are you working in the office, at home or on the go? Also, how noisy will this environment be? The right speakers, depending on your surroundings, will help you to get the most out of your calls and the right microphone will deliver suitable sound quality at the other end to make sure you are heard. You will need to consider these conditions when choosing your webcam also, particularly the resolution.
- What connectivity options will be available to you? You will need to make sure that your headset solution is compatible with your phone system to avoid any last minute stress at not being able to join a call. The same goes for your webcam – compatibility to your computer is the key.
Monitors
Despite the boom in agile work life there is still a need for the trusty monitor. There is nothing quite like switching to a large display after working from a small laptop. There is also a growing trend of employee workstations including two (or more) monitors.
Choosing the right monitor can be difficult as no one monitor will do all things. The important thing is to choose a monitor based on individual use. For example, a photographer, web or game designer will need a specialised monitor that offers, at the very least, precise colour accuracy.
Two-in one devices
Two-in-one devices that combine a laptop with a tablet have come about because of the agile working trend, with more people wanting to work in different ways in different settings.
Before deciding on which two-in-one device is right for you, ask yourself a few questions. For example, do you prefer bendback or detachable screens? If your laptop is going to be your most commonly used device a bendback unit is your best bet as they are more effective in laptop mode and feature a better keyboard as well as more ports. They do however tend to weigh a little more so that is something to keep in mind.
New technologies are rapidly being developed and changing, and while it may be difficult for some SMEs to keep up, a combination of research and effort can benefit your business in the long run. This could include increased efficiency and productivity as well as a better chance of maintaining the work/life balance.
Belinda Lyone, General Manager, COS Working Spaces
