How Cloud Technologies Can Streamline Your Business Processes
Cloud technologies have transformed the way people live, work and play. As new applications emerge, businesses can embrace them to establish parity with large rivals and gain an edge against other competitors. In this article Joe Peters looks at how you can use the cloud to benefit your business.
Cloud technologies have transformed the way people live, work and play. As new applications emerge, businesses can embrace them to establish parity with large rivals and gain an edge against other competitors.
From time management to logistics and everything in between, you can use the cloud to improve every part of your business. In particular, you can use cloud-based systems to streamline your operations in the following ways.
Automation
Even if your business adopts cutting-edge technologies it probably still relies heavily on manual processes. For example, your team may have to enter the same data into multiple systems, wasting time and setting the stage for errors.
By moving to the cloud, you can choose cloud-based applications that share data with each other. This helps to eliminate repetitive entry while improving accuracy. You can also automate many marketing, sales and product management tasks.
For instance, you can improve sales performance by automatically sending customers reminders about items left in their cart. Cloud-based automation can also send personalized messages to customers on special days such as birthdays to make them feel appreciated.
Scalability
As time passes, the needs of your business can change. New competitors may emerge, economic conditions can change, and customer behavior can evolve. If your business depends on legacy systems, you and your team may not be able to respond effectively.
Cloud-based systems give you the flexibility you need to scale with changing demand. For example, you can get additional processing power and file storage space with just a few clicks of a mouse.
Similarly, if you need to add users to a software package, you can do so without getting locked into expensive upgrades. Meanwhile, you can downgrade your cloud services at any time during periods of slow sales. The cloud can even simplify changing your business model or product line.
Survivability
In the past, a single failed server or crashed hard drive could bring your business to its knees. After all, you probably couldn’t afford to buy the backup systems you needed to survive.
Now, you can use cloud technologies to store all your business data. Your service providers have redundant systems in place that ensure that you never lose your data. Even better your data resides off-site, so if your facility is affected by fire or theft, you can still operate.
Even if you lose your computer or device, recovery is easy. All you have to do is acquire a replacement and re-download your apps. In a surprisingly short period of time, you will resume productive work, without losing any of your files.
Mobility
The cloud can put mobile technology to work for you. In the past, you may have felt as though being productive required you to be chained to a desk. Now, you and your team can work from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.
This means that you can accomplish more when you visit customer sites. You can also bring your systems with you if you choose to sell at nontraditional locations such as flea markets and community events.
Additionally, the cloud makes remote employment possible. Your team members can access all the tools they need from their home office, making the daily commute unnecessary. Also, by offering remote-work arrangements, you can attract high-quality employees from anywhere in the world.
Communication
Cloud technologies can streamline your business processes by supporting enhanced communication and collaboration. You can access tools such as VoIP telephone services, live chat and video conferencing through the cloud.
You can also save time and travel expenses by replacing your traditional sales meetings and product launches with virtual events. Cloud-based applications exist that can automate functions such as meeting invites, attendance tracking and follow-up conversations.
By using cloud-based collaboration tools, you can eliminate information silos from your organization. Since everyone has access to the same information, projects and customers can receive a proper amount of attention without depending on a single employee.
Final Word
Regardless of what you have already done with the cloud, chances are that you can do more. Every level and department of your organization can benefit from the flexibility and security that the cloud makes possible. After learning from the above tips, look for more ways to streamline your business processes.
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