Busting 3 Excuses About Technology Purchasing

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Businesses don’t just run on happy thoughts and good intentions. Technology is the key to keeping things operating and moving forward. Every company uses technology – whether it’s one laptop or hundreds of workstations and a roomful of servers. But, unfortunately, technology is often viewed as a reluctant expense. The smartest executives know that it should actually be embraced (if not physically, then at least metaphorically!).

When technology is seen as an asset, and it is planned for and supports the overall company strategy, it accelerates overall business growth. Firms that wisely invest in tech experience tons of benefits, including:

• Streamlined operations
• Increased security
• Better, quicker customer service
• Higher employee morale
• More collaborative communication

So why the hesitation from Nashville executives to finance their company’s technology?

Excuse #1: “Technology is too expensive.”
Reality: It’s more expensive not to develop a technology purchasing plan.

Purchasing technology doesn’t mean you need to dramatically spend a bunch of money to have the most cutting-edge tech possible. It means you need to intentionally and carefully think about technology and how you can use it to enhance and further your company. A plan should be created to coordinate with your company’s priorities and financial objectives.

The right technology will help you reduce your overall costs because:

• Employees are able to do their jobs versus losing time to slow computers and old systems
• Increases in productivity allow businesses to do more with less people
• Advances in communication abilities can speed up processes and reduce travel costs
• Data storage costs are low and take up little to no physical space
• Electronic data can be more secure than paper files, minimizing risk

The key is to make smart purchases. At Concept Technology, we buy technology at such a high volume; we can save our clients money. We can take advantage of deals, promotions, buying programs and other manufacturer incentives that most companies can’t get. Plus, we have access to better tech than that consumer-class stuff you would pick up at Best Buy.

Excuse #2: “What we have works just fine.”
Reality: That’s awesome, but avoid complacency. Effective technology still has a shelf-life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

[wproto_quote text=”Just like your business, technology is ever-evolving and demands periodic re-evaluation.”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The computer that is fine today may be reduced to a doorstop next year. Have a strategy in place for dealing with outdated or “end of life” technology. That way you’re ready if a purchase is suddenly necessary.

Also, think about new projects going on in the business that might necessitate additional technology – like relocating, adding a new product line, planning for additional employees or moving your operations to the cloud.

Whether it’s handled in-house or by an outside managed services company like Concept Technology, it’s critical for your technology to be looked after by experts who will be proactive in keeping your company’s IT running at full speed.

Excuse #3: “I don’t know what to get.”
Reality: A technology purchasing plan will have all that spelled out for you. Easy peasy.

Your company may have two options for IT cost plans: one for simply keeping the lights on, and one that can take advantage of new digital opportunities.

Regardless of how much you’re able to allocate to IT, a plan will make sure that you know your costs up front so they can be contained. It should cover equipment (including mobile devices), software, maintenance, security, IT personnel, training and communication.

We know that may not be the stuff that gets your blood pumping in the morning, but it could mean the life or death of your business. Grab a cup of coffee. Do some jumping jacks. Whatever you need to get started with planning, do it! Plus, know that we’re available to help.

Our geek brains just understand things like processors and chips, as well as software subscription fees and licensing. We know how to put it all together to support your company’s goals.

Simply put, a technology purchasing plan is essential to your business. It will allow you to anticipate purchases and challenges, and it will save you from making an immediate, unexpected acquisition that will cost more than it should. But, even better, it will enable you to align technology with your company’s vision and priorities and help your business grow.

We’re big believers, can you tell? Contact us today and we’ll help you take the surprise out of your IT budget.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]