In today’s competitive market, all businesses rely on technology to stay ahead. However, choosing the right technology devices can sometimes feel daunting and complicated. When’s the right time to re-look at your device and hardware portfolio? Are you looking at devices that are up to the job or are they too complex? Are they portable enough, but also powerful enough to substitute a traditional office PC?
Despite this, the potential gains are clear. By choosing the right technology, enterprises of all sizes across the UK are opening themselves up to the potential to supercharge their operations and deliver work more efficiently and more securely.
With that in mind, here are my four top tips for what businesses should consider when choosing to invest in a new device portfolio.
Build a clear evaluation framework that reflects the needs of all employees
Recognizing that productivity depends heavily on the tools provided to employees, businesses must establish clear and specific criteria for evaluating the merits of different devices.
Essentially, what do you and your employees need from the technology now and for the short-term future to truly succeed? A strong evaluation framework should consider your current needs, futureproofing tactics, your existing technology and its impact, and finally, any security imperatives.
Begin by assessing the immediate requirements. What tools will empower your workforce today? Consider functionalities like communication, collaboration and mobility. Lightweight laptops for those on the move, robust workstations for creative tasks – each fulfills a specific need.
Then, looking beyond the present, what technology will serve you well in the short-term future? Anticipate growth, changing work patterns and emerging trends like AI. A device that adapts seamlessly ensures sustained success.
Taking stock of your current tech arsenal, identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and outdated systems in your existing Hardware. Are there legacy devices holding back productivity? Streamline by retiring or upgrading as needed.
Judge how any chosen technology is set to impact day-to-day operations and efficiency. Will it streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks or enhance collaboration? Efficiency gains translate directly into productivity.
Lastly, as cyber threats loom large, evaluate devices from a security standpoint. Robust encryption, regular updates and secure authentication mechanisms are non-negotiable.
Bring employees on the journey with you
From speaking to our customers, choosing quality devices is also increasingly playing a crucial role in keeping employees engaged and empowered to deliver their best work. This isn’t just about having the latest gadgets – it’s about boosting efficiency and ensuring everyone has a device fit for their role.
However, while for many employees a new device can be exciting, for some, it can induce nervousness or skepticism about whether it’s going to be more of a help or hindrance. To navigate this employee nervousness effectively, it’s essential to proactively acknowledge and address employee concerns. Facilitate open dialogues and solicit feedback from employees to ensure you understand their concerns and preferences. Offering training sessions and supportive resources can help alleviate apprehension and empower employees to embrace the new device confidently. Additionally, consider implementing a pilot program or phased rollout to gradually introduce the standardized device, allowing employees to familiarize themselves with it bit by bit.
By prioritizing clear communication, training and proactive employee engagement, businesses can successfully navigate employee nervousness and facilitate a smooth transition to a new device portfolio, ultimately driving efficiency and productivity across the organization.
Ensure, where possible, that everyone has the same device
For employees constantly on the go, lightweight devices are essential to ensure mobility and productivity, while some may require devices with higher power to support video or graphics processing for more creative tasks. As employees are often juggling multiple responsibilities and working in more hybrid styles, most businesses will benefit from investing in a suite of devices that serves as a one-stop shop.
This move toward using the same devices company-wide isn’t just about simplicity, though there are clear benefits for simplified onboardings, easy file-sharing, maintenance and device after-care. It’s also about creating a level playing field for everyone, setting the tone that everybody is equally able to succeed. Overall, it’s a win-win that helps teams focus on what really matters – getting the job done.
Choosing a device with the firepower to make AI-powered working the norm
In the digital landscape, AI is transforming how we work. It is now more important than ever to ensure your devices have the power to run AI. As the lines between AI, tech and business continue to merge, it’s critical for businesses to make sure they’re investing in devices with robust processing capabilities and ample memory that can readily support AI-powered tools.
Additionally, innovative hardware features such as touchscreens, stylus support and biometric authentication enhance user experience and efficiency. Furthermore, AI-powered data analysis helps teams make smarter decisions faster, optimizing resources. By embracing AI, businesses can work smarter, faster and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Regardless of how you approach hardware procurement, the importance of businesses investing in the right technology cannot be overstated. I truly believe that when you put the right device in the hands of talented people, it’s an incomparable catalyst for innovation, efficiency and growth.
