It may seem obvious that technology can impact a business but how many businesses actually assess what impact poor or failing technology has cost their business. Without wishing to be controversial I’d estimate that less than 1% of SMEs understand the financial impact. Technology can be a fantastic enabler but it can equally be a train on costs without you even noticing.
I came across the following on a website called SmallBizod and it demonstrates the point very well. A link to the full article can be found at the end of this posting.
“The number of days lost as a result of problems with IT or failing technology is double that lost to employee sick days adding up to a big headache for UK small businesses according to a study conducted by O2.
Nearly half (49%) of the 500 firms that took part in the research said they’d lost business as a direct result of malfunctioning technology or internet outages. In addition 43% said staff frustration at IT issues had lowered productivity.
Taking this lost time and productivity into account 22% of SMEs assessed the total annual cost to exceed £5,000″. Web link to SmallBizPod.
This a scary piece of analysis and I’m sure that every single business would want to save the £5,000 rather than simply let it drift away.
The simple fact is that technology needn’t be a financial drain and can be setup to work in a way in which the business gains. A good IT support company with a history of saving businesses money will be a good place to start if you want to save your £5,000.
If you need any advice then please contact me at david@bgcit.co.uk
Problem free computing will be a reality.
