Technology is constantly speeding up the rate at which we work. Tasks that once took hours (in some cases even days) can now be completed in a matter of seconds. Fail to keep up with technology and your business will lag behind other that are already using such gadgets. Here are some of the biggest ways that you should be utilising technology to save time.
Video calling to substitute meetings
Not too long ago, the only way to meet face to face was to arrange a meeting in person. This meant inviting someone over to your office (resulting in unnecessary time spent hosting them) or travelling to meet them (sometimes resulting in a whole day lost). Video calling has now made face-to-face meetings as easy as a phonecall, turning what could be a five hour trip into a five minute conversation. You can invite multiple people to video conversations and have virtual conferences and present visual information such as Powerpoint displays or give virtual tours of your premises. You can even use video calling to interview applicants and save them the cost of travel.
Accountancy software to speed up tax returns
There was a time when most small businesses had to hire a full time accountant. Now software has automated many complex calculations such as tax and expenses so that bosses can practically handle it themselves. All the brain-busting and time-consuming work of processing figures can be cut out allowing you to focus on other pressing matters. Computers have also dramatically reduced the likelihood of mistakes once the result of human error.
Digital graph tools to quickly relay information
Organisation charts (or org charts) are a great way of visually representing and organising complex and large amounts of information. The evolution of org charts has been quite extraordinary. Once drawn by hand and calculated manually – they could take hours to produce and were a luxury only for big businesses. Now by entering a few figures into a computer, you can automatically develop a flashy pie chart that can be used to simply convey difficult information to staff, investors and clients.
Digital signature technology to instantly sign documents
Getting someone to sign and send a document or contract might have previously taken days due to postage. Now you can share a document with someone via the Cloud that can be digitally signed on a smartphone or tablet in a matter of seconds. You may have already seen delivery companies using this technology, why not embrace it for your own business.
Use dull commutes to work remotely
Many people across the country embark on long train journeys every morning – idle time that could be used getting a headstart in the office. Cut down on the morning mass of emails, by reading and replying to them all on the train journey to the office or structure your day out to avoid having to do it when you arrive at work. If you travel via underground and don’t have Wi-Fi, why not make a few notes on your phone to help with the day.
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