Did you know that the average small businesses owner uses 18 apps to run their company every single day? In this guide, we show you how apps can help to streamline business processes. This boosts efficiency by saving resources, cutting costs, and freeing up time for employees,Colm Stafford, Managing Director of an IT solutions company in Ireland called ERS IT Solutions Ltd. has sent this infographic called “How Apps Streamline Business Processes”
CWSI, Ireland’s most experienced enterprise mobility specialists, today announces the launch of a freely available mobile app for businesses, to help employees return-to-work safely according to Government protocols. The Safety Instructions app, which is available in multiple languages, including English and Irish, is free to download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
CWSI developed the app in conjunction with its partner, Netherlands-based enterprise mobility experts BLAUD, with the aim of helping Irish and UK organisations manage the safe return of workers to sites and offices as the economy opens up in phases, following the temporary closure of most businesses due to COVID-19.
The app was built on the insight that a safe and continued return to work requires strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between employers and workers. The user-friendly app was designed to help organisations easily communicate and explain workplace controls to comply with infection prevention measures to all relevant workers, contractors and visitors to the site or office.
Through the app, employers can easily and dynamically distribute safety information and protocols including detailed instructions on social distancing, site floorplans, evacuation procedures and emergency contact details. Data related to Government guidelines on COVID-19 – such as advice on hand hygiene and instructions on what to do if a worker develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 on-site – can be updated quickly and easily as the latest advice and instructions change.
Visitors to a workplace can access site-specific information via a unique QR code or via a map search feature. The app is available in multiple languages, including English, Irish, Flemish, French and Dutch.
Ronan Murphy, CEO, CWSI, said: “As the economy slowly begins the return to office and site-based working, health and safety protocols and procedures will be critical to ensuring a safe environment for employees and reducing risk for employers. At CWSI, we believe mobile technologies, such as the Safety Instructions application, can play a key role in helping organisations communicate safety measures clearly to staff to mitigate the chances of future outbreaks in the workplace.
“Our freely available app is a great example of how technology can provide employees with immediate, up-to-date information, helping to remove uncertainty around the return to work and alleviate the administrative burden on over-stretched HR and health and safety resources. With the right measures and the tools to communicate these in place, the economy as a whole can return to normal both quicker and more safely.”
The Safety Instructions app is available to download on the Google Play or Apple App Store or through the CWSI website (cwsisecurity.com/solution/mobile-workforce-solutions/safety-app)
Business has played a key role throughout the evolution of history. Merchants, salesman, and businessman have been around, and transacting for hundreds of years. As the times have changed, and evolved, so has business through the evolution of technology. As more and more new technologies have been created and developed, business has been at the forefront, trying to figure out various ways, strategies, and methods to move their businesses and companies along with it. Whether it’s been minor or major advancements, businesses have kept at the forefront of technological evolution by adapting and adjusting their businesses to new technologies.
One of the fundamental concepts and beliefs of a business is to find more ways to be more efficient and effective in its operations. Whether that means new systems, new products, new services, or new operations, technology is something that’s closely connected to business. Finding various ways to rise above their competition and fight for business, businesses have been motivated to be at the forefront of technological evolution, to service the ever-changing needs of their customers, and to explore new products, features, and services as they become available.
Years ago, people were focused on the basics and the essentials. They had to find ways to get food, shelter, water, and a way to make ends meet. The objectives were staying alive, finding what to eat, and having a way to make money. Since then, as times have changed, and the needs and desires of people have changed as well, so have the businesses and companies who provide them with goods and services.
Technology’s Influence on Consumption
As technology has advanced, and as civilization has advanced with it, the products and services consumed have changed as well. Customers have gone from needing a milk person, to needing a supermarket filled with multiple different options, multiple different brands, and different ways of even cultivating the food.
Technology and technological advancements have allowed people to become more specific and pickier about what they choose to consume. Because of the new technologies and advancements in farming, cropping, and manufacturing, you’re able to get several different types of each good, a selection of multiple different brands, and many different ways
It’s much more common to find someone who’s a software engineer, than someone who’s a blacksmith. Back in the old days, a blacksmith was high in demand because people needed the goods he produced. Today, software engineers are high in demand, because people are using computer and other electronics on an everyday basis, and in many areas of life.
It’s incredible to see the way the world has changed, the way society has become, and the way people have changed, as technology has enabled people to have larger selections, easier accessibility, and a wider availability of common goods and services.
Businesses Evolving with Technology
One of the key and early adopters of technology has been businesses and companies. In almost every field, finance, medicine, media, law, manufacturing, and many more, technology has influenced their business in one way or another. Whether it’s the finances, the infrastructure, the operations, technology has influenced almost every business and industry there is. As technology has progressed, and new electronics, applications, and devices have been created, businesses and companies have been at the forefront, trying to figure out various ways to apply them to their businesses and their bottom lines.
Corporations have used technology to help them increase production, to cut costs, and to enhance their operations. One of the major revolutions within technology in the last fifty years, has been the computer. The computer has been incorporated into almost every single aspect of business in one way or another. The amount of time computers have been able to save and the number of tasks it’s been able to complete, has revolutionized the way business has been conducted.
Another important technological revolution has been the mobile phone. The mobile phone has enabled people to conduct and do business anywhere they are. In the beginning, being able to reach anyone and anywhere was incredibly powerful. As time progressed, mobile phones developed into smart phones, which now have similar capabilities to that of personal computers. With a variety of different applications, software’s, and uses, smart phones have become key pieces of technology when it comes to business. Businesses have had to make sure their applications, websites, and platforms are mobile friendly, as more and more of the world goes to their mobile devices to find the answers they need and make their purchase decisions.
The Way Marketing Has Changed
As more and more of society has spent time in the digital world, whether it’s on their phones, e-mails, or computers, marketers have followed. In the old days, marketing was in newspapers, on radio, on television, and on billboards. Nowadays, consumers see advertisements and marketing campaigns in lots of different places, especially online.
Digital Marketing has been a place where lots of companies and brands have flocked to market their products and get the attention of their desired audience. By moving online, their able to direct their marketing towards their target markets and have more of an opportunity to get prospective customers to purchase through their online platforms.
With the changes in marketing, the way companies have measured the success of their marketing campaigns has changed as well. The metrics and analytics behind every marketing success has been changed to clicks, conversions, and impressions. A lot of what business analysts do, in regard to marketing, is to try and analyze the success of the campaign by seeing how successful it was, the amount of awareness it generated, and the type of leads or sales it generated for the company advertising.
Conclusion
Technology’s role within business has been incredibly important over its evolution. Business is heavily driven by the ability to produce goods and services cheaper, or at more competitive prices than its competition.
Advancements in technology has given more and more opportunity to the consumer. As a result of technology, consumers have gained bigger selections, more choices within brands, and easier availability to the goods and services they’ve needed. The more and more technology has become integrated with society, companies have had to follow and meet the demands and needs of their customers.
The way businesses have operated their operations, has changed with technology as well. Companies have been able to cut costs, increase efficiencies, and find new ways to increase revenue as a result of technology. It’s encouraged companies to shift their businesses to digital platforms, and to attract them through digital mediums. The way companies have marketed their products and services has changed along with technology and moved into digital mediums. Digital Marketing has become an increasingly important part of any companies marketing strategy, and a vital way to attract customers to their businesses.
All in all, business and technology have been interconnected to each throughout their history and evolution.
As you we all very aware now, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on local businesses throughout Ireland and it has been a challenging time and there is a long road ahead yet. To make it easier for businesses to keep customers fully informed during this time, Google has recently added a range of tools and features which allow them to add extra information to their Business Profiles
From today, Google will be rolling out support links for businesses which they can post directly to their Business Profiles on Google, allowing them to add such features as donation or gift card links to their profile. As part of this initiative, Google has partnered with PayPal and GoFundMe for donations, allowing merchants to link directly to the relevant page on their website or to their gift card offerings with one of Google’s eligible partners, which include Square, Toast, Clover and Vagaro.
Businesses will also be able to share personal messages in their posts to inform customers how their donations will be put to use.
As many businesses around the world currently require financial support, the initial launch of new features will begin with a subset of businesses to protect against misuse, with plans to expand to more countries, merchants, and partners in a safe and responsible way over the coming weeks.
The support links will be available to customers later this month. Google will not charge merchants or consumers any fees, however there may be partner processing fees associated with campaigns.
For more information on Google support links please visit https://support.google.com/business/answer/9872059
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement Microsoft has pulled off over the last decade has been making Windows far more user friendly. While cliché to say, it’s nevertheless a distilled report of UX from users. From its beginnings as a tech geek, relatively cool product that – at times – frustrated non-technical folk, Microsoft has clearly listened to consumers over the years. Today, Windows 10 epitomises the marriage of its technical ability with a far more intuitive end user experience.
Microsoft has dominated the working world for years, and for good reason. Even early critics of Windows struggled to find the kind of apps Microsoft had already made mainstream 30 years ago. Not only does Microsoft Office suite remain streets ahead of competition in enabling businesses big and small, but Microsoft’s enterprise-grade Server products have enabled network access and management for thousands of large corporations. Both user security and efficiency have driven Microsoft’s overall suite development in the new millennium.
A heads up for everyone still running Windows XP or 7: those Windows versions are unsupported now, which means no security patches or upgrades of any kind are in your future. Unfortunately for you, that means high vulnerability and low security for your PC. Windows 8 was an unpopular option for many, as it followed a touchscreen design layout; in particular, business users weren’t ready to abandon their familiarity with previous versions. Which brings us to Windows 10, and some good news – it’s the best Windows ever.
Here’s why.
Loyalties and bias aside, excerpts from a top IT concern in London covering What Are the Benefits of Windows 10 for Small Business? will win over many former critics. As a testament to Microsoft’s ability to respond to the market, they’re focus is on user experience, mobile access and the right box of tools.
Faced with competitors of various hues that included upgrades as a part of ‘maintenance’ at no charge, Microsoft has adopted a ‘software as a service’ (SaaS) approach, too. Facing the loss of consumer appetite for paid upgrades, Microsoft has reinvented its approach in line with such expectations. While small business users had to opt in and install Windows 10 when it arrived, future upgrades will roll out seamlessly in the background. In other words, they’ve taken the roundabout way of installing an OS and automated it.
A tiny tweak perhaps, but with huge implications for UX. Buying an installation disc or being billed for an online upgrade is over, too. The standard offering will be free, while users who employ more extensive versions or apps within Windows will pay per use.
Enterprise now has a clear legal responsibility in terms of GDPR. Personal data is regulated, and the onus on business to both safeguard against and react towards its illicit dissemination is clear, with punitive measures against those who are negligent in looking after users’ or clients’ data.
Today, it’s surprisingly best not to supplement the Windows Defender suite of programs with other antivirus apps. Windows’ in-house security is tight, performs alongside the best, and makes extrapolation of security measures a cinch when needed. In other words, having Windows Defender up and running as it should be on the OS covers business in terms of its liabilities concerning personal data. It makes small business compliant, identifies and secures individual app access, and can limit files that apps can access.
Enterprise users can expect to be forewarned of illicit activity around access, and Bitlocker makes encryption a standard possibility for business now – not just James Bond.
Sticking with user-driven common sense, the Windows 10 OS runs on desktops, laptops and tablets. It presents as a familiar face, with the design reminiscent of the older Windows the whole world became accustomed to over the initial years of use. That might seem unimpressive, but for working personnel, it’s the difference between feeling confident (in presentations or other participation where data needs to be shared) or feeling technically challenged.
As cloud computing becomes the norm, Microsoft’s OneDrive allows users to access data whenever and wherever. Being able to consistently access data easily between devices is now so commonplace that it might be overlooked as a new feature, but significant hard work went into making that possible.
In an emerging gig economy, many people take work home and work at all hours of the day and night. The ability (continuity) to do so is, again, something we all simply expect as a default; but that, too, is a new feature with Windows 10.
Transitioning effortlessly between devices while drawing files down from OneDrive makes working access simple, anytime. The Timeline feature enables a linear work route too, as scrolling back through chronologically listed file access makes locating specific information easy. Likewise, using the Files On-Demand OneDrive feature allows users fast access without relying on a slower local drive.
Apart from BitLocker, Windows Hello assimilates biometric data on users to grant access to files. Users typically encounter a two-factor authentication process that adds further security to business dealings. This might seem banal, but the reality is all these tweaks and touches have been modelled on user expectations and preferences, as well as the logic of easy, secure computing. Microsoft has become adept at imagining the experience of daily users, and designed Windows 10 in accordance with that.
Assorted local and networked resources can be accessed by identified individuals or groups. Managing access across a staff contingent, freelancers and clients has become a push-button process, as opposed to someone having to physically dole out and collect documents, or otherwise police company data. Office 365 Business and Enterprise users can also employ Azure Active Directory accounts to the same end.
Offering users software subscriptions has changed Microsoft product licensing to the benefit of users. Utilising a per month or per user billing model has made Windows significantly more scalable – and pleasurable to use – because of it.
Should a small business need to add new staff, whether freelance or otherwise, per user costs can be defined based on deliverables for any project. Decreasing the number of users is now a simple matter, whereas before customers were ‘locked in’ to Windows for a term.
Upfront costs have disappeared, and business accounting departments across the globe are loving the predictability of a per user structure, too. Any small business paying for Windows products can be assured that they are utilising the same platform expertise as any large corporation elsewhere. The inbuilt universality of Windows 10 means top drawer service and security to all subscribers – a nice touch by Microsoft towards a level commercial playing field.
Cortana is Microsoft’s response to Alexa and Siri – an interactive voice command feature, with personality! Having had the benefit of watching assistants like Siri roll out and noting where they stumbled, Microsoft’s Cortana has started out at a higher level. She’s almost a personality (she has opinions on general life, too) and definitely an aide that will become indispensable once a user starts using the feature.
Cortana is simple to use but not simplistic in abilities, and pleasingly responsive and intuitive. Full of a host of time-saver tweaks once engaged, Cortana is a genuine efficiency boost in a busy digital world.
Another major perk of Windows 10 is it’s the most enabling platform for any of the other Microsoft business suite products. Truly an undiscovered benefit until a company runs Office 365 or Microsoft Server, it’s often in expansion that a business realises what a hassle-free, empowering platform Windows 10 is. Microsoft Business Suite products are optimised on the Windows 10 OS in a manner that simply doesn’t happen any other way.
Windows 10 is a feel-good Windows version, and a smart response to user issues over the years. Microsoft has responded well – even critics grudgingly agree that many of their complaints are now addressed with this version of Windows. Security is still benchmark, upgrades are no longer a looming hassle, and the access and identity management of Windows 10 makes for pleasurable working. Any small business would be hard pressed to better enable business processes, resident and remote staff, as well as the overall demands of daily business without it.
Business continuity plans have come to mean instructions or procedures any business should follow in the face of a successful ransomware or other cyberattack. Although IT issues are often the most debilitating when it comes to getting things back to normal, ‘business continuity’ anticipates and includes responses to other disasters, like fire, flood and theft, too.
There are business processes, partners and suppliers, human capital, data and other assets to protect in the event of a disaster. While each dark episode in the life of a company will be unique in certain aspects, enterprise can avail itself of an essential toolkit – the business continuity plan – when things go wrong. Always variable and often unexpected, business calamities demand a strategy for the maintenance of business as usual, regardless of how unusual circumstances might be in the moment.
That strategy will optimise continuity and minimise negative implications, resulting in an overall minimisation of longer-term repercussions on business profitability. It’s often grisly and as often demanding of sudden decisions that are extraneous to the core plan, but the core plan is essential as a guidebook for the promptest and least stressful restoration of business, in order to maintain cash flow and overall profitability. Force majeure events (the Covid 19 lockdown is a classic example), physical destruction or damage to business premises, or a wholesale sacking of company data are all events capable of ending business for good. The stakes are high, and the fittest companies have a ready template of action for such dark moments.
Disaster Recovery (DR) centres on restoring IT systems after a ransomware or other cyberattack. Often confused with a business continuity plan, DR protocols may well be the most important component of a business continuity plan, yet they remain but one component of an overall plan.
With that said, it’s common to modern enterprise that almost nothing can be resolved without IT in place and running smoothly, hence the need to develop a reliable business continuity plan template with IT support well ahead of time. Business continuity is absolutely essential to map out while it’s still completely unnecessary. On the plus side, IT architecture lends itself to backup and security, and with typical Irish zeal and prowess in the arena, a detailed and ultimately successful continuity plan with adept DR protocols can be effectively formulated ahead of any possible disaster.
Disaster Recovery may be well-sorted by IT support in the event of catastrophe, but any successful, comprehensive business continuity plan has to factor in what happens with people and processes, too. Quite remarkably, the way in which a company performs under such adversity can often enhance client relations and go towards an overall greater profitability in the future. If ever there was a test of a business’ professionalism and real caring, it’s what it does and how it handles its clients in the event of disaster.
Effective disaster management can elevate a company’s reputation and generate an immense amount of goodwill, too. Being prepared and making the best of getting back on track can increase any company’s listed market value, plus boost customer numbers and overall confidence.
Such effective behaviour must include testing. Testing of a mock wholesale collapse of systems, testing of alternative (disaster) protocols, and testing of everyone’s ability to keep the wheels turning in a trial scenario. It might seem silly when everything is going well – much like those school drills that practise fire alarm responses – but testing a business continuity plan is as essential as formulating it in the first place. Companies that discover gaps in their contingency plans while suffering catastrophe are unlikely to be around afterwards. Testing allows for improvements and the fine tuning of the continuity strategy details.
The business impact assessment informs the drafting of the business continuity plan. That plan contains the DR component and goes on to address all aspects of the business. And it’s in the testing – regularly and repeatedly – that an enterprise will ready itself to survive even wholesale shutdowns or failures, and go on to a better future.
Dell Technologies has today unveiled tips to help businesses make the transition to a remote business model successfully at this time highlighting that the successful management of a remote workforce will be key to a positive outcome. With many businesses now working in the new reality that their entire workforce is operating from home, Dell Technologies has outlined the critical importance of connecting technology, security, workforce flexibility, data and leadership to help build a remote business model that remains competitive at this time.
Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland said: “The future of work is transforming before our eyes. In a matter of weeks, businesses have found themselves in a position of having their entire workforce operating from home. With no time for on-the-job learning, this transition can pose a major challenge.
“Remote working and flexible working have been fundamental elements of our business and culture at Dell Technologies for over 10 years. Over that decade of our teams working in a remote capacity, we have learnt some important lessons that others can benefit from to create a workforce transformation strategy fit for our new reality.
“Technology is the foundation stone for large-scale remote interaction and engagement and must be at the centre of a remote working strategy and business model. But successful remote working takes more than the right technology. It requires a security-first approach, rooted in data, with flexible HR policies and leadership from the very top.
“It will take time for companies to find the right approach to shape the supportive culture that meets the needs of every member of the team. Today we’re are sharing some tips that we believe can help businesses to safely navigate the move to remote working now and into the future.”
Technology
Security
Human Resources
Data
Leadership
Successful remote working has been a multi-year journey for Dell Technologies. As many Irish businesses look to keep their remote workforce connected for the coming weeks and months, it is important as a first step to identify what capabilities are already in place in your business which can be scaled, what transformations you have started that can be accelerated and identify smart investments that protect the health and safety of employees.
For more information on these tips and supporting resources create a remote workforce, log onto: https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-ie/connectedworkplace/index.htm.
The Coronavirus outbreak and the worldwide reaction to the pandemic will force companies to radically rethink how they operate and embrace technological investment, states global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.
In its new white paper, Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets, ABI Research Analysts look at the current and future ramifications of COVID-19 across technologies and verticals. Analysts also offer recommendations to weather the storm and strategies to help companies rebound and prosper after the pandemic has slowed.
“To effect change, there must be a stimulation of a magnitude that means companies cannot do anything but make bold decisions to survive. COVID-19 is that magnitude,” explains Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research.
Bold decisions and technological investments could lead to outcomes such as:
“Before we feel this potential long-term impact, there will be some serious short-term implications. Contractions in consumer spending, disruptions to supply chains, and reduced availability of components will create a rough sea for all boats,” Carlaw says. “In the short-term, there will be a retrenchment in outlooks a reduced investment in modernization, as survival instincts trump the drive to prosperity.”
For a clearer picture of the short- and long-term global impacts of COVID-19, download the whitepaper Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets.
At the beginning of the week, we found out that the South Korea company had bought the audio leader Harman for about $8.0 billion.
Paying $112.00 per share in cash, the well-known phone and electronics manufactures decided this November 14th to enter on a definite agreement with the audio expert.
The connected car solutions Harman offer and well-known for everyone and gives Samsung access to JBL, Harman Kardon and others.
“HARMAN perfectly complements Samsung in terms of technologies, products and solutions, and joining forces is a natural extension of the automotive strategy we have been pursuing for some time,” said Oh-Hyun Kwon, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Electronics. “As a Tier 1 automotive supplier with deep customer relationships, strong brands, leading technology and a recognized portfolio of best-in-class products, HARMAN immediately establishes a strong foundation for Samsung to grow our automotive platform. Dinesh Paliwal is a proven global leader and, in our extensive discussions, we have developed deep respect for him, his strong senior leadership team and HARMAN’s talented employees. HARMAN’s sustained track record of rapid growth fueled by technology leadership and an unmatched automotive order pipeline reflects its commitment to innovation and customers.”
Samsung is aiming really hard at the automotive market with this deal, but we can expect some proper audio expertise on the company connected home and mobile technologies.
There are several expectations on the automotive, audio and connected technology part about it. All of which can be read on the link at the end.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Samsung is going to improve the sound quality on its products? Or is just going to focus on the automotive market?
Sound off below and let us know
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