Workplace Software Solutions: Where to Start

As the much-anticipated new year has kicked off, challenges from 2020 haven’t magically disappeared. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that business will continue adapting to the new normal of working remotely.

Virtualized workforces are becoming more comfortable with their day-to-day routines, individuals are becoming more productive, and somehow, someway, it’s working. The creative “fixes” we implemented on-the-fly have gotten us through. But, how stable are they?

As we plan our next steps for surviving 2021, the projected economic challenges mean that our technology needs to be stable and intentional.

Fortunately, we live in the age of Software as a Service (SaaS). Even the smallest businesses have access to robust software solutions that at one point in time were reserved for Fortune 500 companies with deep pockets.

Being nimble, now more than ever, will empower businesses to prevail. Whether it’s processing purchase orders, posting payments to vendors, or approving claims, the speed of processing is projected to be king¹.

This is where SaaS comes into play. Solutions can be more easily identified, proof of concepts can be conducted quickly, and implementation times are minimal since infrastructure needs are null.

Determining the right solutions to the right problems can be a daunting task.

There are numerous software suites available that range from broad in application to incredibly specific and specialized. While some have become household names and are heavily marketed as “THE solution to your business’s problems,” one size does NOT fit all.

To determine the right solution, let’s first define what challenges are the most harmful to your business by answering these questions:

1. What are three manual or repetitive processes that divert time from your organization’s primary focus?

2. What can and cannot be automated?

3. Is the same data being entered into a system or application repeatedly?

4. Were any business processes disrupted when your teams were virtualized?

5. Where is the paper in these processes coming from?

6. Where is the paper in these processes going?

7. Is there an approval process that requires signatures (wet or electronic)?

8. Do you have a dashboard or system of reporting updates for projects that you manage regularly?

9. Is your customer data in a central repository secured by permission levels?

Review the data gathered and determine how technology can be used as an equalizer in your business.

1. Make a list based on your answers to the questions above.

2. Prioritize challenges based on the total number of staff hours required to complete the necessary tasks

3. Consider risk factors to the business for errors or delays in critical processes; assign a monetary value to them.

4. Define the benefits of overcoming the challenges you outlined above; assign a monetary value to them.

5. Establish a budget that is reasonable, and makes your business more equitable

6. Determine the required stakeholders, create the project plans and provide the support to get it done

The next step is leveraging a trusted advisor in the tech industry. Toshiba has a long history of being on the cutting edge of business technology and trends.

Our Professional Services Team operates as a consultative service to help identify gaps in your business workflows, then design and configure intelligent software solutions.

We’re here to help!