Office technology is a term used to describe any technology that can serve a clear purpose in an office environment. While many think about workstations, printers, and copiers, this tech category contains more tools than many realize.
With the advent of hybrid workplaces, tools like phone systems, software, and leveraged and managed services of various kinds have become office technology. They can support businesses in one or more ways by bridging the gap between remote employees and on-site teams. Some tech tools are crucial for running an efficient hybrid workplace.
Top Five Office Technology Solutions to Consider
The following five office technology solutions can benefit small, mid-sized, and enterprise-level companies and organizations. Whether for improving client interactions or employee collaboration, these tools can only make things better.
Automation Tools
Remote work helps employees be more autonomous and independent when creating and managing their work environments. But that doesn’t necessarily benefit small to mid-sized businesses.
Self-reporting, self-organization, and other independent administrative activities can stress remote employees. The more they need to manage, the less time they have to stay focused on the job and be productive.
Collaboration can suffer if remote workers aren’t as well-organized and monitored as everyone else in the office. Outsourcing administrative automation to managed service providers with the right office technology tools can be one of the best decisions for today’s business owners.
Third-party administrative monitoring can help keep track of performance, accounting, collaboration, and various other activities of all employees – both on-site and working from home. Automation helps relieve people of administrative duties so they can focus on bottom-line tasks. No matter how small, distractions from their main business contribution can add up and hurt productivity and engagement levels.
Introducing scheduling apps, time trackers, expense trackers, and the right team can help bring hybrid workplaces closer to benefiting both employees and companies.
Cloud Solutions
Not everyone thinks of cloud storage and cloud computing as office technology. But these tools are some of the best resources for modern businesses. Many companies switch to cloud platforms for various operations and processes.
The reason is simple. Cloud technology connects devices and people over the internet regardless of their location. For instance, people working from different cities can contribute to the same document in Google Docs within a matter of seconds. They can share files on Dropbox or access a dedicated storage drive from anywhere to upload their work progress.
Cloud computing platforms can eliminate the need for providing high-end devices to remote workers without compromising productivity or limiting accessibility. Virtual tools are as much a part of modern office technology as anything else nowadays.
Even remote workers can operate an office printer from home, provided they have remote access. They just need to coordinate with an on-site coworker to retrieve the output from the device.
Network Security Tools
Communicating with someone outside the company’s private network can leave unencrypted messages vulnerable to interception from cybercriminals. This is a common concern when exchanging emails, making VoIP calls, and sending messages on social media.
But you can’t stop remote workers from communicating with on-site employees. The productivity would suffer, as would client relationships. Fortunately, hybrid workplaces can be secured by deploying the right network security tools.
Cyber security and office technology go hand in hand these days. With more equipment being connected to the Internet of Things, the need for security has never been greater. Partnering with an experienced managed IT service provider can benefit your business immensely.
A professional managed IT service provider can help you encrypt communications, lock down network access points, and implement more efficient authentication protocols.
Every modern workplace needs a variety of office technology, from antivirus software to malware trackers to firewalls and everything in between. Hybrid workplaces and remote teams need security more than others because of the constant online interactions from different locations and devices.
Digital Phone Systems and VoIP
Remote workers don’t have access to internal phone lines. They rely on virtual office communication methods. However, you can’t always solve problems via chat or hope that your Zoom conference goes without a hitch.
Upgrading the existing phone system to a digital phone system can be a step in the right direction. Digital phones have better audio quality and greater functionality. And a key ingredient to successful hybrid workplaces has a flexible communications system in place.