Expanding a business typically involves hiring more employees, acquiring more equipment and more methods of operation.
In the beginning, technology is somewhat basic. A few computers, a basic internet connection and a phone system may be enough. That same structure can begin to feel strained, however, once the company grows.
Additional staff access to files. There are more devices using the network. The coverage of WiFi has to be increased. Additional users are required for phone systems. More company information needs to be secured, making security more important.
That’s why growing enterprises should consider their tech before issues begin to show up.
Start With the Network
Almost everything else is connected to the network.
It can be used by computers, printers, phones, security cameras and cloud applications. When the network is poorly planned, the employees typically feel the impact of this very fast.
The strength of the WiFi signal can differ from room to room. A large file could take a long time to open. Video calls may stop working. The devices may lose connection periodically.
This can be remedied by adding another router or WiFi extender, but not always the actual cause of the issue.
As a company expands, it may require a network infrastructure that is properly designed with appropriate switches, access points and structured cabling. The appropriate equipment will vary based on the building’s size, the number of employees and the work being done.
The right planning from the outset can help expansion to be so much easier.
Think Beyond Computers
Business technology is not just about the computer and laptop.
One such example is phones.
Many companies are now adopting a VoIP phone system instead of a conventional telephony system. Usually managed by the internet, calls can be added, transferred between locations and phone services managed as the company grows.
There are the security cameras, access control systems, servers, data storage and backups.
Each of these systems serves a separate purpose, but may be mutually dependent.
A professional Business IT Services can come in handy here. Rather than considering technology in isolation, an IT provider can assist a business to grasp how the entire setup will work together.
Growth Creates New Security Questions
The security needs of a small company with a few employees can be relatively simple.
This changes as the business expands.
There are more employees with passwords. Increased visibility of company information.Increased visibility of company information. Staff may work from various sites. New computers and mobile devices are connected to the network.
Each new user or device leads to another thing to manage.
Simple measures like frequent software updates, robust passwords, secure user accounts and reliable backups take on greater significance.
It is also important for businesses to consider who needs to be given access to various information. One employee in a department might not have access to files of another department.
A good security is not a matter of making work hard. It’s about providing access to what people need, but ensuring that information is not used which they do not need.
It is a great time to plan ahead when moving office
When deciding to relocate your business or to build a new facility, it’s a good time to consider technology.
When an office is only half full, network cabling, WiFi coverage, security cameras and phone system installation planning are much easier.
This is the same in the case of a company that is renovating or expanding their premises.
Where are the desks going to go? How many connections will there be in the network? Do you have places where WiFi signal strength should be particularly high? Do new access control points or security cameras need to be installed?
It is important to get these questions answered early, otherwise there will be a lot of awkward changes later on.
It can also minimize the need for exposed cables, temporary equipment and ad hoc fixes.
The technology infrastructure should evolve with the business.
Businesses change. A company can expand, add more people or begin employing new software.
Technology needs to evolve and adapt in tandem.
It’s not about purchasing the highest quality equipment on the market. It is selecting systems that will satisfy the needs of the enterprise today and not unnecessarily restrict its growth in the future.
Having the right network, communication systems, security and back-up systems provides a company with a much better base on which to build.
Adams Networks Inc. serves the Tampa Bay region, including Apollo Beach and its surrounding areas, with their Business IT Services, such as Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Palmetto, Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg. Adams Networks Inc. offers 25+ years of experience with managed IT services, network design and installation, UniFi WiFi, structured cabling, VoIP phone systems, server support, data backup, security cameras, and access control, and has become an expert in the installation of Starlink.
