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Don't Fear Technology - Embrace it!
A couple weeks ago I gave a presentation to the American Society of Concrete Contractors on a broad spectrum of technologies that are available in our industry today. Many of which can be inserted seamlessly into existing operations and done so very economically with an impressively short return on investment. I'm confident that there were several products displayed that presented a real opportunity to my listeners, but I'm also confident that some will let their fear of technology conquer their need to take advantage of these money saving advancements. If you happen to be one of those business owners or managers that are intimidated by some of the technologies you see today, give some consideration to the following points before allowing your misplaced fears to deprive your organization of another 21st century opportunity.
Design
Around our office we often use the phrase "You Don't Know What You Don't Know," and when you're giving consideration to a software solution that is being represented by people that speak an entirely different language, it can be a pretty intimidating experience. The answer may not be for you to become an overnight guru in software use or development. The key may simply be for you to use the intuition that has allowed you to reach your current level of success, to search out a technology consultant in which you have some confidence and comfort. Let them do what they do and focus your energy on educating them on what you do. Share your vision for your organization so they can customize any of the thousands of technological opportunities available to help you reach those goals.
Cost
If you've made the right technology consultant selection, you should discover "There are no STUPID questions." Your consultant should encourage you to ask questions and engage in an exchange that leaves you informed about your purchase and your consultant confident in their software selections. Without that level of communication, you could find yourself being pulled in to a purchase that far exceeds your current and future needs. At the rate technology is advancing, you would be wise to expect an 1-year return on your investment. If your consultant is recommending advancements that cannot show that ROI, consider your purchase carefully to ensure your consultant is still focused on your goals - not theirs.
Staff Capabilities
The fear that their staff does not have the capabilities necessary to utilize some of the technology available is one of the leading reasons for hesitation by my clients. There is so much information on new technology coming at us from television, internet and print marketing that we tend to become overwhelmed by it all. Soon, our hesitation turns to procrastination and eventually, to stagnation. The reality of the situation is you're not going to need to use and learn all the technologies you're exposed to through all that advertising. You and your staff may only need a small piece of some of the options you see. You may not want to employ a "shock & awe" approach, but, by the same token, you shouldn't underestimate the capabilities of your staff. If you consider the technology they employ daily just through the use of their sophisticated mobile phones, you will probably come to realize the technology that could be so instrumental in taking your company to the next level is no more complicated to utilize. In fact, you may be surprised to discover how many of those individuals that you felt could not or would not embrace the kind of technological advancements you would like to employ, may already be managing a share of their own lives on their own personal computer at home. One of the best CAD techs I've ever worked with was working for me as a warehouse laborer when we discovered his unknown skills set. Put aside the fear that your team isn't ready to move forward with technology. You may just be using them as an excuse not to face your own.
Service
With real estate we have always heard "Location, Location, Location." However, the same cannot be said for service considerations in the software industry. In this electronic, web-based world we live in, service for your software technology is only a "Web Meeting" or "Internet Computer Share Connection" away. I deal with people all over the country on a daily basis with the same ease as if they were next door. The real concern goes back to your choice of a technology consultant or software provider. Do their products come with training and a satisfaction guarantee? Are there options available for purchasing extended warrantees? Are upgrades included in your purchase or will they require additional expense? Are you dealing with the actual developer of the software or simply a vendor working as a third party. These are just a few of the considerations; some, of which, also come into play when calculating your ROI. As I mentioned earlier, "There are no STUPID questions." Take your time in considering your service requirements just as you consider your software needs. Making the right choice can put the answers to your future questions as close as your internet connection.
Security
With identification theft and industrial espionage at amazingly high levels, security should be a major concern when moving your company into further dependence on electronic data. This is another area where your technology consultant can ensure you are taking the proper precautions. Consideration of firewalls, password protection, off-site back-up services, and administration rights controls are just a few of the issues to be addressed. This isn't rocket science, but it's certainly better left to the professionals for design. With conscientious consideration and the guidance of a technology professional, you can rest easy knowing that you company's most confidential information is safe and secure.
So put your fears aside and take the first step to streamlining your operations and improving your competitive edge. Contact the professionals at UEVEN, LLC for a free operations analysis to discover how technology can play a major role in your company's future success.
Joseph Bauer, Contributing Writer
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