Technology is more powerful and accessible than ever.
What a gift. Technology can give businesses powerful tools to increase productivity, make more informed decisions and boost competitiveness – but only when it aligns with wider business goals.
You can’t focus on growth if the technology is unsuitable for your goals. This article highlights the importance of getting things right now to avoid pain (and greater costs) in the future.
Technology Should Enable Growth
For a business to grow, its technology infrastructure must be robust, scalable, and aligned with its strategic goals. Technology supports almost every business function, so it’s crucial to get IT right.
Here’s how a robust, scalable IT infrastructure supports businesses:
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
One of the primary ways IT supports growth is by streamlining business operations. Automated processes and integrated systems reduce manual effort, minimise errors, and accelerate workflows.
For instance, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate various business functions, such as finance, human resources, and supply chain management, into a single platform. ERP systems improve data flow – all data being in one system means no friction or risk of incompatible files – and gives decision-makers easy access to all the information they need.
Supporting Data-Driven Decision Making
In the digital age, data is a critical asset for businesses. IT supports growth by enabling data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics and business intelligence tools.
For example, predictive analytics can forecast future market trends, helping businesses anticipate customer needs and adjust their strategies accordingly. Real-time analytics mean businesses can monitor their performance continuously and make adjustments to optimise outcomes.
The ability to harness data effectively empowers businesses to innovate, improve their competitive position, and achieve long-term growth.
Enabling Innovation
IT fosters a culture of innovation by providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to develop and implement new ideas. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer new capabilities and opportunities for innovation.
Look at how AI assistants like Copilot are already revolutionising workplaces. 70% of users are more productive, with 68% seeing an improvement in the quality of their work.
One of the best features of generative AI is that it supports so many tasks, whether that’s document creation, writing emails or catching up on meetings. Using AI saves time for employees to spend on more creative tasks.
In turn, employees become more capable as AI gives everyone the ability to write code, design websites or analyse data. The power of modern technology lifts productivity (and growth) to new levels.
Facilitating Market Expansion
E-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, and online payment systems enable businesses to reach a global audience and operate easily in multiple countries – even without having a local physical presence.
Additionally, IT solutions such as language translation services and localised software applications help businesses cater to global audiences.
IT supports the integration of international operations by ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across different locations. Video conferencing, project management software, and cloud-based document sharing enable teams to work together effectively, regardless of their geographical location.
This connectivity and collaboration are essential for successful expansion and sustained growth.
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