It's impossible to run your business without the right tech. How to choose the right computer equipment to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.
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Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
The computer hardware in your business has a huge impact on how you work. Having the right devices can help move your company in the direction you desire.
Your business will probably use many types of computer hardware. And some items of computer hardware require significant capital expenditure. For instance:
Conversely, some computer hardware costs little and can be incorporated into your operating costs:
If you lack technical knowledge, the process of comparing and evaluating computer hardware for your business can be daunting. Manufacturers express the capabilities of their computer hardware in terms of its features. However, your business needs to understand what those features enable you to do.
Your IT requirements are key when selecting computer hardware. You should aim to transform them into a minimum specification for the hardware you need, before deciding the best way to buy it.
If you lack technical knowledge, seek expert help - perhaps from your IT suppliers or a friendly business which has been through a similar process of selecting computer hardware
Although it's important to stay focused on what will get the job done, computer hardware typically lasts three years, so it's important to plan ahead when creating your computer hardware requirements.
The latest, greatest computer hardware always comes with a price premium. It can be tempting to spend more for 'future proof' computer hardware, but the extra cost for top of the range gear makes it unattractive for most businesses.
At the other end of the scale, entry-level computer hardware is often a false economy. It will date quickly and require replacing sooner. It's usually wiser to aim somewhere in between when selecting your computer hardware, striking a balance between cost and features.
Similarly, computer hardware from big name brands sometimes costs more than lesser-known equivalents. It's usually worth paying a bit more for these items but not a lot. Most computer hardware is built from similar components, so the benefit is likely to show through better support and service rather than in the performance of the computer hardware itself.
Some items of computer hardware, including printers and servers, will require regular maintenance and support to keep them running smoothly.
Settling on a standard specification for common items of computer hardware - like business computers - will help make these management and maintenance tasks easier.
