The Bay Area IT Experts

Identifying Trends 

To be the best business you can be, you need to be able to identify trends inside and outside of your business. Up until recently, decision makers just went with their gut, but today there is empirical data that can be sifted through that will answer tough questions for you. The best way to do that is to use data to identify trends in your business. In order to do that, a business has to amalgamate relevant data and use third-party tools to determine what actions your customers are making. Once you know that information, you can use it to guide your company’s decision-making. 

Improving Operational Effectiveness

Your organization’s data is useful for more than just marketing and identifying trends. It can really help you improve the way your entire operation works. For manufacturers, embracing smart technology to provide a constant stream of data can help decision makers maintain efficiency, while in the retail sector, analyzing sales data can work to optimize inventory control. 

Revenue Generation

You are in business to make money, and today making data a big part of your business model is en vogue. Through marketing, operations, and other ventures, the data created can go a long way toward providing decision makers the information they need to make business decisions on the fly. This allows for better revenue generation either through efficient use of resources or streamlined procurement. 

Some say data is becoming a commodity, but for the small business it isn’t so. It can, however, be the key to building the most effective business possible. If you would like to learn how your business can use its data better, call the IT professionals at 415 IT today at (415) 295-4898.

#1 - Plan Out File Storage

To collaborate successfully, things have to be simple. Files need to be accessible and ready to be accessed by multiple people at any given time. This makes it a bit more difficult to know exactly what you need off the cuff. Some of the features of a comprehensive file sharing platform are:

• Shallow folders - The deeper your folders are, the more apt you are to lose track of data. Keeping it to three folders, if possible, can go a long way toward keeping data retrieval efficient. 
• Coordinated filings - Nothing is worse than going to a folder to find a file that is supposed to be there only to find out that it is kept in another folder. If you have shared resources between projects, make copies and file them along with the other project files. 
• Relevant naming - When naming folders, it is important that, if someone were to have to search for it, that they can find it. That is why you want to name folders and files according to their practical purpose.
• Consistent use of file types - Have you ever gone looking for a specific file only to find out that the file you were searching for is a completely different type of file? It’s frustrating. Save file types in the manner in which works best for everyone. 
• No trash - A folder can get very sloppy very quickly. If a file doesn’t belong in a folder, don’t save it in the folder.

By having a system in place, you (and your team) will find it much easier to find the documents and files you are seeking. Speaking of being collaborative...

Be Collaborative, but In Control

Look, collaboration is the name of the game nowadays. With margins shrinking by the day, people need to work together to fuel revenue generation. That’s why it is important for decision makers to have a plan in place regarding access control. Not everyone on your staff needs access to all information. In fact, if you give people free rein of your file systems, files will be left in places they don’t belong, time will be wasted, and negative situations can happen. Be sure to set permissions on your file sharing system to keep people in their lanes and working efficiently. 

Prioritize Data Security

While simplicity and access control will go a long way toward keeping your file sharing platform secure, for it to be truly safe, you might need external tools. Encrypting your drives will keep your files more secure. For companies that feature remote workers, the use of a virtual private network to send and receive files will keep them from being intercepted. 

If you are looking for ways to improve your organizational file sharing, call the IT experts at 415 IT today at (415) 295-4898.

This is actually perfectly possible, through the implementation of a VoIP solution.

What’s VoIP?

VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is the technical way of saying that your phone service is delivered through your Internet solution, rather than the antiquated telephone lines outside the office. Many companies and businesses have found that a move to VoIP is their best option, and that they need to make minimal adjustments to do so. Businesses often don’t even need to increase their available bandwidth to leverage VoIP solutions. VoIP generally comes in different tiers, with smaller businesses frequently finding that the base tier provides for their needs sufficiently. 

Using a VoIP system can frequently provide a business with a variety of operational perks:

• VoIP is easily manageable - Your VoIP solution will either be hosted on your in-house infrastructure or in a dedicated cloud server. Either option will make it simpler for you to manage, with reconfiguration possible in just a few clicks.
• VoIP enables mobility - A VoIP system doesn’t restrict your employees to only using their business telephone while at their desk. While it will work with a dedicated business phone, your employees can also leverage a mobile device via a dedicated application.
• VoIP provides cost reductions - One of VoIP’s most attractive benefits is how it can scale back your communication costs - in multiple ways. VoIP eliminates the need to pay for phone services on top of your Internet service, and most “premium” features are generally included.
• VoIP incorporates integrations - Any software-based system inherently has the potential to play nice with your other software. VoIP solutions are included with this, as you can attach your CRM solution to make calls directly, and you can keep better track of business phone users. 
• VoIP offers advanced features - Finally, VoIP has some built-in options that make managing your incoming calls much easier, and that your contacts will expect a business to leverage. From call waiting, voicemail, call routing, and many more options included for no additional investment, VoIP can offer a business a lot of utility.

Naturally, higher-tier plans will have a greater selection of these features available, allowing you to boost your operations even further. For example, top-tier plans often include video calling features, turning your phone conversations into a form of “face-to-face” ones. 

Implementing VoIP in your business is more than likely the right move for your business. Interested in learning more from our professionals? Call 415 IT at (415) 295-4898.