How far have your IT systems progressed to embrace the 21st Century office?
TV programmes such as Mad Men based in the 1960s remind us how dramatically offices and the working environment have changed in the last 50 years.
PCs, Networks and the Cloud
In the 1980s PCs began to replace typewriters. As they became more sophisticated Networks enabled us to collaborate and communicate between departments.
In the 21st century companies are moving to Cloud based services, reducing capital expenditure and giving employees access to company systems from anywhere in the world. None of which would be possible without the evolution of the Internet coupled with increasingly faster broadband.
Mobile technology
Mobile phones became financially more accessible and therefore more common from the 1990s. This meant employees (the lucky ones that had them) were contactable even when out of the office. Something Don Draper and his associates would definitely have resisted!
Fast forward to today, Smart phones and tablets that connect to the Internet via wifi in a coffee shop have created the perfect office on the go. Companies are beginning to understand the benefits that BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) can bring to their business.
Mobile Apps have introduced alternative revenue streams, they keep companies connected with their customers, old and new and showcase products and services. But Mobile Apps are also being created for internal use, supporting the operational needs of remote staff to quickly and easily capture and return information whilst away from the office.
The future of the office
The office certainly isn’t dead. It’s a space where people can get together, meet and collaborate. Contact with others is a basic human need. Skype comes close but will never replace the ‘water cooler’ moments when ideas are shared and inspiration sparked.
However, the technology is there to allow businesses to be flexible. Working from home when the need arises, be it a mother with a sick child or severe weather disrupting commuters. The use of technology can have a positive effect on the moral and engagement with employees.
How far have you gone to embrace the office of the 21st Century?
- There are cost and operational efficiencies to be gained through adopting the Cloud
- Mobile Apps can increase the quality of customer service
- Flexible working improves employee morale
- Adapting office space can reduce overheads
You won’t be stuck in the era of Mad Men, but how far you gone to take advantage of the technology that is readily available to benefit your business?
What is your IT strategy for the next 3 years?
If you feel you could be making more of technology available to improve your business, give us a call on 01737 824 003 or email rod.bradbury@tlptech.co.uk for an informal chat.
