Are you familiar with the 1993 movie “Ground Hog Day“? It’s about a weatherman covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who becomes trapped in a time warp, where he is forced to relive February 2nd repeatedly until he learns from his mistakes.
In a business, the Ground Hog Day metaphor can be applied to situations where progress seems impossible, or problems persist despite efforts to resolve them.
Here’s our top list of 5 common technology-related “recurring issues” and the consequences of not addressing them:
1. Discussing a cybersecurity plan without implementing it.
Not implementing a cybersecurity plan exposes an organization to data breaches and the loss or theft of sensitive information, like financial data and personal information of employees and customers. This can devastate an organization’s reputation and lead to costly fines, legal fees, and remediation costs. In addition, cyber attacks can cripple operations and lead to expensive downtime, or worst case, threaten the organization’s existence.
2. Using an on-premises IT infrastructure instead of the cloud.
Having an on-premises IT infrastructure requires organizations to take on the responsibility of securing their physical environment and technology. This can be time-consuming and requires a significant investment in security measures. On-premises IT infrastructure can also be inflexible, making it difficult for organizations to scale to meet changing demands.
3. Utilizing paper processes instead of going digital.
A significant downside to using paper documents is the possibility that they will get lost or misfiled. They also take up space and can be hard to find, organize and store, especially in a busy office environment. Paper documents can be difficult to share or collaborate on, as they must be physically handed off between team members.
4. Hiring IT staff instead of outsourcing.
The costs associated with hiring and rehiring IT staff, such as salaries, benefits, and training can be high, and the cost of employee turnover can also be a significant issue. Additionally, an in-house IT team, especially in a small business, may need more resources to keep up with the latest technology trends or cyber threats.
5. Unmanaged printing vs. Managed Print Services.
Unmanaged printing can result in increased costs due to inefficient printing practices (i.e., printing in expensive color when black and white would do), unnecessary printing that results in wasted paper and toner, and difficulty tracking costs and identifying areas for improvements. In addition, unmanaged access to a printer can also pose a security risk. In general, an unmanaged print environment can be costly, inefficient, and a security concern, leading to wasted resources, decreased productivity, and difficulty controlling costs.
When it comes to technology-related issues, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, use the same technology, and follow the same processes you always have, even when it’s not in your company’s best interest. However, ignoring these problems is not going to make them disappear! The good news is that you can break the cycle by taking a proactive approach. Even small changes can bring you closer to your goals!
How many times have you tried to find solutions to these problems? Give your advisor at Allied Business Solutions a call. We can help identify the problem and develop a unique solution for your business. Let’s work together to make your technology work for you, not against you!
About Allied
Allied Business Solutions is a leader in digital business solutions with offices in Idaho, Oregon and Utah. Allied’s stack of services includes Managed Print, Document Management, Managed IT and Security and Unified Communications. Technology products include Office Printers, MFPs and Digital Copiers, Production Printing Systems, Wide Format Printers, Computer Hardware/Software, Mailing Systems and SMART Boards.
For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit Allied’s Resources page.