Technology keeps getting faster and faster, but still there are jobs that simply can’t be done by a computer. Human workflow is one of the most important priorities of any business. Used in the wrong way, technology can distract your employees and bottleneck your company’s workflow. Used right, technology will boost your workflow, improving the satisfaction of both your employees and your customers. Here’s a couple of ideas on how you can be sure your technology boosts your company workflow.

1. Time Tracking Tools

Almost everyone works with the internet nowadays. The internet is a technological essential for practically every workplace. It’s insanely useful but employees can also get distracted by social media, email updates, cat videos, etc. Luckily there are programs your can get to help curb unnecessary distraction, like Escape, Proud, Flowstate, etc. Most of them work simply as a way for your employees to be accountable to both you and themselves for the time they spend distracted. In the digital age, with an ever-growing entertainment industry, we all need a little help staying on track. Every company, maybe every individual, should take advantage the time tracking tools to improve workflow.

 
2. Communication is Key

“I didn’t know” is a terribly common, terribly slowing, and often a terribly valid excuse for a workflow problem. Emails get lost, texts go unanswered, one person is absent from the meeting and it causes all sorts of setbacks. Adding a communication platform to your technology arsenal is a great way to avoid the deadly “I didn’t know”. Don’t worry there are lots of options, Slack, Rocket Chat, Ryver, etc. By setting up this system, your employees will know that you are serious about prompt, effective communication. There are lots of options, so pick the communication program that best suits your company’s specific needs and atmosphere.

Taking things a step further, there is technology that can help with collaboration as well. Having to coordinate schedules, locations and schedules for brainstorming can really slow you down. Luckily, cloud-based note taking and project management apps will help you cut out the need for manual file sharing and other collaboration roadblocks. Large companies have reported significant rises in workflow as a result of using good collaboration technologies.

 
3. Consolidation Tools

Communication is about access to information. Consolidation is about access to resources. Including technology like print management solutions, password management solutions, payroll process streaming, or human resource pages will streamline your workflow. This one is especially important for companies who have employees on the move, going from department to department, floor to floor, or even city to city. This kind of consolidation centralizes the management of workplace resources, makes it uniform across the company, and so makes everything more accessible. This way your employees won’t get tripped up trying to figure out how the printers in one place work differently than those on their usual floor, and they won’t have to fill out another, different form for their human resource concerns. Also, consolidation will help save money on training time and materials.

 
4. Customer Services

Speaking of streamlining, use technology to keep your customers happy. Digital and robot-driven FAQs will make it easier for your customers to solve their own problems, make orders, reservations, etc. No robot will ever be able to answer all employee questions, but a lot of customer service issues can be fixed with the right technology.

 
One of the greatest mistakes a business, or individual, can make is to fail to take advantage of the resources available to them. Business success depends on leaders who know how and where to sacrifice now in order to secure greater benefits in the future. Don’t let the inconveniences of a little research and downloading deter you, once it is all set up technology can optimize your company’s workflow, bringing you the business the success that you’ve been dreaming of.