A customer popped into the office recently to settle a bill. “I never wanted to use the computer,” he told us forlornly. “It’s too complicated and does far more than I need. I only wanted a typewriter. My wife made me use the computer.”
Every day there are people suffering the trauma of trying to use a computer they do not understand or do not want to use? Why is a modern tool, built to make our lives easier, causing pain and despair?
Information Technology (IT) is an extremely broad industry that covers many professional disciplines such as software testing, database administration or engineering computer hardware.
Yet all the time the term is being misrepresented as simply the computer under your desk. Is it hardly surprising that IT is misunderstood and is the cause of so much grief?
So how can you save thousands using IT? This of course depends on who you ask. I would suggest you concentrate simply time and money, before making your IT investment and look at it again afterwards.
Invest time to your advantage beforehand and allow plenty of it: look at options, meet with experts and use your time to discover the best solution. Afterwards you should look for what time your investment has saved or created for you - if something takes longer to do, then is it really an investment?
Money is a bit trickier. Whilst you have to speculate to accumulate, you should avoid paying more than you need to, although remember “if you buy cheap then you pay twice”. Understand what problem you are trying to resolve, then consider your options and get expert advice.
A client of ours is a good example of this time and money principle. They operate their business from two sites that are 25 miles apart. The sales receipts from the second location were being re-entered into their Sage accounts at the first location by the business owner - essentially book keeping twice.
This client made the time to consult us and after an investment of £500 to cut down the data entry by half, the first year savings in time were valued at over £15,000.
Before spending anything on IT, take the time to clearly understand exactly what you are trying to do. Investing in IT isn’t about getting the cheapest deal, so get advice from your IT provider or a professional.
If you want my advice, ring me, 0845 004 3025.