A decade ago, once every few years, new technologies and technological solutions developed, and small business owners could simply remain on top of them. Now, the rapid pace of technological progress is so prominent that the way we do business causes tremendous changes every year.

As a small business owner, the technology you invest in is probably the most important choice to make. It can significantly improve your performance and eventually improve your profitability by identifying those business processes that can be streamlined, enhanced, or rendered more effective through technology.

When looking to update the technology you use, careful planning is key.

You should never invest in software or hardware just because it is causing a lot of hype. Alternatively, and like any business decision, the technology you use should be adopted on the basis of your strategic business purposes.

The right technology can make or break your business!

Here are the main technologies that are a must for small businesses

Artificial Intelligence

Most people feel constrained by terms such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. However, while the concepts at the core of these technological innovations are complex and difficult, that doesn’t mean that small businesses can’t take advantage of them.

Artificial Intelligence allows business owners to incorporate autonomous systems that can enhance a range of internal processes and customer-facing activities. Benefits include improved customer journeys, simplified procedures for employee management, automated technology data synchronization, and more.

Chatbots

Chatbots integrate with messenger apps like Facebook and Whatsapp and replicate human interactions. They have lots of functions and allow companies to provide support, process acquisitions, and notify clients of relevant updates. Because chatbots are available 24/7, they’re also very helpful.

With an increasing number of people opting to make purchases through messaging apps, small business owners must invest in chatbots.

Deep Analytics Tools

Small business owners and entrepreneurs frequently struggle to keep up with the massive volumes of data, particularly in the manufacturing sector, where production line IoT sensors and supply chain data signals can instantly turn into overwhelming firehoses of information. In most cases, it is not feasible to hire a dedicated data analyst, and outsourced services are expensive.

So how, when making significant decisions, can small businesses leverage data?

When it comes to designing relevant, measurable conclusions from huge volumes of data, analytics apps do the heavy work. And we’re not just talking about simple functionalities of reporting that tells you about your total conversion rate and traffic on the website. These systems process large amounts of information, covering every part of your user experience, staff activities, and the entire business environment, providing practical insights to achieve positive outcomes.

Whether you want to enhance the efficiency of your workshop floor, identify pricing trends before it’s too late, or even make logical sense of all your production data, deep analytics tools make it easy to win with data-driven management approaches even for non-technical users.

Automation

People who work for small businesses typically spend many hours on basic and repetitive, but completely essential tasks every other week. This could include items like data entry, appointments planning, help for customers, and so on.

However, new tech developments have made it easier for small companies, even without in-house expertise, to take full advantage of automation tools.
These simple tools will allow you to create a completely integrated software system that can manage a variety of daily activities without any direct input from you or your staff.

Remote working

In terms of remote work, the COVID-19 pandemic behaved as a trigger for what was already a rising trend. A variety of advantages have been identified by businesses that allowed employees to work from home, including reduced office costs, higher efficiency, and improved well-being.

You should think about letting your employees operate remotely if it’s possible, even if only for a few days per week. Also, small companies can develop software that allows staff to collaborate regardless of location.

Besides, as flexible working conditions become more popular, businesses will need to reflect on how they can place themselves on the job market to attract and retain top talent.

Data Security

Digital breaches can cause major trouble for business owners. End-to-end encryption programs, robust firewalls, cybersecurity solutions, and so on, comprise worthy data security for small businesses.

Cyber technology solutions for small businesses help protect their classified data, corporate data, and future business procedures. Invest smartly in value-for-money malware solutions that offer multi-layer cyber protection.

You can read more about the importance of cybersecurity: Cybersecurity in 2021 – What You Need to Know

To conclude

While transformation can be difficult and challenging, it also creates opportunities.

When it comes to technology, this is especially the case. A myriad of positive results can be obtained by small companies that incorporate emerging technologies successfully. These include more effective, smoother procedures, higher-quality customer experiences, and satisfied workers.

To gain a competitive edge, the implementation of emerging technologies in your small business can do wonders.

If you are looking for a team of professional developers to help you with the implementation of new technology for your business, look no further! WebChain can help you find the right solution for your business!