Whether you work for a multi-national corporation or run a startup, every business requires an effective workflow to enhance productivity. No matter the scale, industry, or niche you’re in, a productive team and workflow can be challenging to attain. However, once acquired, you can see its impact on your revenue, quality of work, and employee satisfaction.
Though there are many ways of enhancing productivity in a business setting, the following tips focus on incorporating technology for a productive work environment.
Use a digital asset management software
When the pandemic struck in 2020, many businesses shifted to the hybrid working model. Employees working from home required access to data and files stored on the company’s server or some standalone platform. Inherently, all organizational information (files, audio, graphics, applications, databases, etc.) are digital assets.
And, like other business assets, digital assets also require a proper management system. To access digital assets, employees must go through multiple channels and enter passwords. This tedious process wastes time and isn’t productive.
Apart from that, when various departments within an organization collaborate, they must familiarize themselves with each other’s workflow and make sure necessary data is in one place. This way, work is delayed as information collection takes time that could be otherwise spent working. In that case, a digital asset management process can streamline workflow. A digital asset management software like Widen allows storing these essential files on one platform to be accessible to everyone. It also makes it easier to monitor who has access to sensitive information and keep a record of asset information like product inventory or content lifecycle.
Use project management tools
Whether working in a hybrid environment or in-office, project management tools can help maximize productivity and reduce task delays. Project management tools make it easier to delegate tasks, track employees, and keep everyone updated on task progress. It is often helpful for those working in large teams or employees from another side of the globe. You can also set project milestones, share files or media, and sync project management tools with other productivity tools like digital asset management software or an online calendar.
Use employee engagement software
Many corporations use employee engagement software (EMS) to track employee performance, work history, and other records. An EMS helps eliminate time, money, and effort spent on manually recording employee information and data regarding workflows. It also helps ease the burden of maintaining employee data for managers, supervisors, and HR personnel. An EMS can enhance your business’ productivity through efficient and accurate information flows, the absence of manual errors, and boost profitability. EMS is also beneficial when gathering payroll information and keeping track of business expenses.
Time tracking tools
Other than employee engagement and progress, time tracking tools are essential for enhancing worker and business productivity. Through such tools, it is easier to monitor working hours, which help assess performance and come in handy during payroll. Such tools make employees more conscious and aware of their duties and help them remain productive. Time tracking tools are specifically helpful if you have freelancers or remote workers on your team. Employer productivity is key to business productivity and efficiency.
Use a customer relationship management (CRM) software
If you work in a B2C business, your organization already has a customer relationship management (CRM) system. It could be a standalone platform, a manual record, or, even better, a CRM software.
Customer relationship is an integral component of a successful business. Building meaningful relationships with your customers is essential, especially in a world where they feel overstimulated with information. You can gather consumer data through various channels and integrate it within your company’s marketing strategies or inventory management through a CRM.
A CRM will also streamline your business’ sales process. Since all customer information is available on one software or platform, it becomes easier for various departments to collaborate, track information and retrieve data as and when needed. Though every CRM software differs, some offer analytical tools as well. Such analytical tools will take your business productivity one step ahead. Instead of importing raw data into analytical software, you can access CRM software analytics, saving time and effort.
Use integration tools
Automation is a technological practice that many use without realizing it. Automation helps integrate various tools and services used by your business for a streamlined workflow. Automation is when you flag an email and automatically end up in your task management software to remind you there’s a business meeting. You have seamlessly integrated your messaging provider with task management software. There’s no need to enter every task now manually. Automation gets things done in a hassle-free manner. It can also remove the mental clutter and prevent employees from doing repetitive tasks like responding to every customer message. With an automated response like “we’ll get back to you soon,” you won’t have to reply to every message or mail. With integration tools, spend time doing tasks that require the most attention.
Automate marketing for your business
Simply coming up with a stellar business idea isn’t enough to get you sales. In the past, it helped to create brand awareness by promoting what you’re selling. Marketing has always been a vital component of every business and while traditional marketing strategies and techniques still hold, they require much more manual work, money, and time to attain fruitful results. Often, there is no guarantee that a traditional campaign would bring positive results. But now, you can automate business marketing. Through tech tools, you get insights on what keywords your potential customer is searching, what queries they want answers to, and how they interact and engage with your brand. Previously where manual data collection took up lots of time, now marketing tools provided data with a single click. You can also use tools for scheduling social media posts in advance or editing sales copy with the help of AI.
Marketing tools also help create a buyer persona of your ideal customer through data they’ve provided on the internet. Such strategies make it easier for businesses to generate ideas, relay tasks, and have better click-through rates.
Open communication channels
Communication is an integral part of human life – whether business or personal. As more and more organizations are shifting to hybrid models of work, there is a need to stay connected. With open communication channels, especially those integrated with cloud-based technology, it is easier to relay information, delegate tasks, have meetings, and stay productive. For instance, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone system helps stay connected with clients and team members in different locations. Moreover, other communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom help conduct video conferences or meetings. Collaboration and communication are easier with such tools and boost productivity.
Conclusion
Technology can make businesses more productive in many ways. These are some ways to get started on automating your business tasks, relaying information quickly, or managing digital assets.
