The bare essentials: Five hardware technologies every office needs
What types of hardware do you really need in your office? In this post, we’ll take a look at the five technologies that make up the backbone of daily operations. Any other gadgets are nice to have, but not entirely necessary. Instead, invest your money into this hardware.
Desktops/laptops
At the heart of every office is the computer. These are the workhorses of the digital age – they can be used for an array of tasks from graphic design to data analytics to writing emails.
Desktops tend to offer more robust processing power for heavy-duty tasks. Laptops, on the other hand, are excellent for teams that require mobility – employees have the option to work from home or take their work to meetings with clients and suppliers.
Of course, not any desktop or laptop will do. It’s important to choose reliable models from brands like Dell or Apple that will provide the compatibility you need, while also lasting for many years. Features to look for include 8GB of RAM, SSD storage and strong processors.
Business phone system
Next you need to consider communication tools. You need a phone system that can handle the volume of calls you receive, as well as being suitable for your team structure.
Modern business telephone systems can be set up to provide multiple extensions on different handsets, as well as allowing business owners to create phone menus and phone queues. VoIP phone systems have become particularly popular as they use the internet instead of a landline, allowing calls to be answered from any other device in any location (including out of the office).
Think about what type of hardware is best for your team. Some companies like traditional handsets, while others have shifted to hands-free headsets. There are even some companies that rely entirely on smartphones for full mobility.
Wi-fi router
To keep you connected to the internet, you need a Wi-Fi router.
This should ideally have a range that covers your entire office building, as well as having enough bandwidth to cover all the demands of your business (video streaming and large transfers will require more bandwidth).
Don’t skimp out on poor Wi-Fi, as this could greatly harm productivity by causing lagging and slow loading times. Make sure your Wi-Fi’s firmware is regularly updated and turn the firewall on to keep your connection secure.
Commercial security system
For providing physical security, most modern businesses can benefit from installing a security system. This should primarily involve a coded door alarm, but could also include CCTV cameras and biometric locks.
A high quality security system will keep burglars away. Make sure that all major entrances are covered by this security system. Smart security systems are worth looking into as they can provide control and monitoring from an app on a smartphone or computer.
Printer
Many companies are now striving to be paperless, and printers are starting to see reduced usage. But they often still come in handy now and again for contracts, reports and marketing materials.
When choosing a printer, look for a wireless option that can handle the demands of your business.
