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Modern technology is becoming a game-changer for businesses, providing ways to remain a step ahead in speed, quality and innovation. Various applications and software have eased communication, along with ensuring high levels of security for workplaces. The latest laptops are now outperforming most desktops, with the added benefit of being easily transported. As the selection of office equipment significantly affects productivity and work efficiency, it should be selected carefully, balancing budget and the needs of the business.
Using the latest technologies can help upgrade your work environment. The latest technology doesn’t have to mean artificial intelligence or even robots. It can be minimal yet essential items, such as a strong internet connection, electronic whiteboards, cloud storage and the latest models of computers, photocopiers/printers, TVs and headsets.
High Quality Internet Connection
In modern times, no workplace is complete without a stable and fast internet connection. Having quality access to the Internet is vital to keeping your business running, from keeping in touch with clients and suppliers, along with having access to the software updates. It can also be used for storage services and of course, information.
An internet modem modulates and demodulates Internet signals, converting these signals into WI-FI. You can also add a router in between the modem and the office network. A router will allow you to assign different IP addresses to each computer connected. It comes in very handy when sharing a scanner and a printer between multiple computers, allowing a network to be created for your team. This means if faults happen with one computer, another can compensate.
Electronic Whiteboards
Electronic whiteboards are similar to traditional whiteboards, with the difference being that they are digital, allowing the information written on them to be directly printed or saved for later use. For example, during a meeting, the notes made for an important client can be printed and provided to all with ease, instead of everybody taking their own notes. This can reduce miscommunication and ensure everyone is on the same page. As an added benefit, they save a lot of wasted paper and time.
Online Storage/Cloud-Based Platforms
Cloud based storage have become all the rage in the last few years, especially for businesses. Gone are the days of having different documents scattered across multiple employees’ computers. This method caused delays, as files needed to be sent back and forth. With cloud storage, this is no longer, with all files always accessible to anyone who needs it and the ability to have multiple people working on a document at the same time.
This storage method is efficient and secure, which is why many businesses now trust it to hold their companies’ information. Other benefits include the ability to restrict who has access, along with removing the fear of losing a file forever, if your computer malfunctioned.
Computers
Computers by far top the list of the essentials of an office. No business can operate without a computer, especially and current model. Technology is always improving and as it does, so too dose the demand on computers and their specifications. Over the years ram/memory has increased drastically, now requiring 8gb as a minimum for most software. By having an out of date computer, it means your workplaces efficiency decreases. Whether it is a desktop or laptop, as long as it is up to date and suits the employees needs for their role, then it will serve your business well.
Multipurpose Printers & Photocopiers
Many offices are now going paperless to reduce their waste and environmental impact. However, in some cases, printers and photocopiers (plus things like the corresponding HP M283FDW toner cartridges) are still needed for documentation and other essential tasks. Nowadays, we find multipurpose printers that can copy, print, fax and scan all in one, such as some of the Best Richo office printers. To further reduce waste, consider using recycled ink cartridges as an eco-friendly option for your printing needs. With these printers, you do not have to buy all these types of equipment separately, allowing you to retain more space in your office. By configuring a network between the printer and your desktop, you will be able to scan documents in the printer to save them into the desktop directly. Similarly, you can give a command from the desktop to print files.
TV Displays
TVs are essential for presentations, as they help to display and explain the information. Traditionally, projectors were the norm, but as digital took preference, TVs became the norm, as a computer screen could be directly shared to it. Aside from this main feature, TV just makes more sense now, since they do not have any of the cons associated with projectors, such as the lights being dimmed.
Headsets
If your small-scale business involves frequent audio or video calls, providing your employees with good quality headphones will be essential. When dealing with customer calls, the noises around the office can be distracting and unprofessional. Headsets allow the user to isolate themselves, so they are not distracted and can focus their attention on providing the best service. The latest headsets also have the added benefit of noise cancelling technology, which can reduce noise levels further for the user. This technology can also apply to the microphone, meaning the person on the other end can have less distractions too.
