7 Must-Have Tech Tools for Small Businesses and Startups
Today, technology sits at the core of every field of business. In response to the constant advancement of technology, modern organizations have reshaped themselves with highly integrated and streamlined processes.
A myriad of technological tools has become available in the last few years that have boosted productivity for small businesses, making work easier and less stressful.
Small businesses and startups are facing increasing competition in today’s business world. Businesses must be able to leverage technology to thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment. Technology plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses and startups.
It is imperative to have the right IT tools to kickstart your business operations and create the best conditions for your business to succeed.
Continue reading as we unveil seven must-have tech tools essential for small businesses and startups to stay ahead of the competition and achieve their goals.
1. Business Process Automation Tools
Business process automation (BPA) tools are software systems that automate repetitive, manual tasks, freeing employees to focus on more strategic and value-adding activities. These software systems integrate with various hardware tools to streamline workflows and reduce the time required to complete tasks.
Here are some of the most common hardware and software tools used for business process automation:
Barcode Readers and Scanners
Barcode readers can be a valuable tool for businesses to automate processes and improve overall efficiency and accuracy. Whether used in a retail setting or for automating core business processes, this tool can benefit businesses significantly.
Companies that manufacture products often require an industrial barcode scanner to simplify mundane processes like inventory management, quality control, order shipment or receipt, work-in-progress tracking, and tracking and managing maintenance and repair activities.
Barcode scanners can accurately scan barcodes, reducing the risk of errors in data entry and improving overall accuracy in tracking and inventory management. This helps reduce the time required for manual data entry and increases efficiency.
Customers can get real-time information on their orders which helps improve the customer experience. These barcode scanners are specifically designed for industrial and manufacturing environments. They help:
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a type of BPA that automates repetitive, manual tasks using software robots or bots.
They perform tasks to near precision and at a much faster pace than humans. Robotic process automation is not meant to replace valuable human resources but to free them up so they can focus on core business processes.
RPAs can significantly benefit small businesses and startups, enabling them to automate routine tasks and drive growth.
By automating repetitive mundane processes like manufacturing, inventory tracking, quality control, invoicing, payments, employee time and attendance tracking, and customer services, RPA can help businesses increase efficiency, improve accuracy, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are integrated software systems that help businesses to manage their core business processes, including finance, human resources, sales, procurement, and production.
An ERP system integrates a company’s key business processes into a unified system, providing real-time visibility into operations, financial performance, and other key metrics.
This can help businesses to:
3. Supply Chain Management (SCM) Tools
Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems are software tools that help businesses to manage their supply chain operations, from procurement of raw materials to manufacturing, inventory management, logistics, product dispersal, and delivery to end customers.
Supply chain management systems manage both the upstream and downstream supply chains of any business. This can reduce the risk of stock shortages and improve the overall speed and efficiency of the supply chain.
4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools help businesses to manage their customer relationships more effectively by automating sales, marketing, and customer service processes.
They empower businesses to handle customer interactions and data throughout the customer journey. This can help businesses to improve customer satisfaction, generate more leads, increase sales, and gain a competitive edge.
5. Subscription-Based Software
Subscription-based software and tools are digital tools and resources businesses can access and use in a subscription-based pay-as-you-go model.
Instead of installing, maintaining, and upgrading expensive network and application infrastructure, businesses can purchase subscriptions for business process automation tools, network management, cybersecurity, and database management from third-party service providers.
These tools can be used for a wide range of business functions, including marketing, accounting and finance, project management, human resource, customer relationship management, workflow management, document management, and much more.
SaaS (software-as-a-service), IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service), PaaS (platform-as-a-service), and DaaS (database-as-a-service) are quickly gaining massive acceptance in the digital economy due to their far-reaching benefits.
The biggest advantage of subscription-based software and tools is that they can be used on-demand, allowing businesses to only pay for what they need when they need it.
Subscription-based software and tools can be more cost-effective than purchasing a license or one-time fee, especially for businesses with limited budgets. Such tools can be scaled up or down as a business grows, ensuring it has access to the tools and resources it needs.
6. Cybersecurity Tools
Every business dealing with suppliers, customers, and logistics partners must communicate sensitive information with its stakeholders over a secure network.
While most large-scale businesses have a comprehensive data security strategy in place, small businesses and startups can potentially become victims of a cyber attack if they don’t implement adequate security protocols.
Cybersecurity tools play a critical role in protecting businesses against potential security risks. Considering the constantly evolving threat landscape, businesses must set up cybersecurity tools and software early to protect valuable customer information and comply with industry standards.
By implementing state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools, businesses can reduce the risk of data breaches, ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, and maintain the integrity of their systems and data.
Some of the most common cybersecurity tools small businesses and startups can use are:
These cybersecurity tools are designed to detect malware, monitor network activities, and protect against hacking and other malicious attempts.
Cybersecurity tools can effectively mitigate risks of unauthorized network connections, unsolicited network access, denial of service attacks, and other malicious activities. They can reduce the risk of hacking and data breaches, protect data against theft, and keep sensitive information secure.
7. Cloud-Based Data Storage
Cloud-based data storage refers to storing data on remote servers maintained by a third-party provider and accessible via the internet. This differs from traditional storage methods using local hard drives or devices.
Cloud-based data storage offers a number of benefits to small businesses and startups. Cloud storage eliminates the need for expensive hardware and IT infrastructure, allowing small businesses to save on capital and operational expenses.
It allows employees to access data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for remote workers or those on the go to stay connected to the business. When data is stored off-site, it can be easily recovered in the event of a natural disaster, power outage, or other emergencies. Companies such as Corodata, which specializes in off-site storage and records management, can help your small business.
Cloud storage can be easily scaled up or down according to the changing storage needs of a business, making it a flexible solution for startups and small businesses.
Final Thoughts
The type of your business, size, predicted growth, and initial budget will all inevitably affect whatever digital technologies you choose to invest in.
However, assessing your technology needs and choosing the appropriate tools for the right job is imperative before selecting tools and technologies for your business.
The technologies listed above are cost-effective and help organizations improve workflow efficiency, reduce the risk of errors, decrease operational costs, and conserve vital financial and human resources for business development.
