Top tips for efficient IT systems in 2022
We highlight 6 key areas for businesses to prioritise to ensure reliable, secure and efficient IT systems in 2022.
The post-pandemic workplace is a very different place to pre-Covid. The last two years have highlighted the importance of accessible technology and flexible working as more people have successfully worked from home. Hybrid working looks set to continue for 2022 and beyond, which means that technology will continue to play a key role in keeping people connected. For businesses, this means having systems in place to support virtual collaboration, flexibility and accessibility, whilst remaining secure. This is a challenge for all businesses, however big or small.
We highlight 6 key areas for businesses to prioritise to ensure reliable, secure and efficient IT systems in 2022.
1. Strengthen your IT Security
Prioritising your security will remain critical in 2022. 92% of all UK businesses suffered some form of cyber-attack in the last twelve months, with 40% of them losing more than £50,000. The pandemic has made UK organisations even more exposed to cyberattacks, as remote working has introduced new security risks. Ensuring your users can connect to your network securely using VPN is essential. Equally important is ensuring you have the right level of access for each user, implementing multi-factor authentication, regularly patching devices and educating employees. Read our top tips to secure your remote working environment for more information. In addition, we recommend businesses look to become Cyber Essentials Certified. This is a UK government-led framework which sets out 5 key security controls that can prevent around 80% of cyberattacks. Certification starts from as little as £300+VAT and can help you meet your GDPR compliance requirements.
2. Invest in modern technology
Technology can help businesses work more productively and efficiently. However, it does not last forever and at some point, the cost of using old technology outweighs the cost of updating your network. As a rough guide, we recommend updating your technology every 5 years. Many businesses however keep their equipment much longer than that. This creates a whole host of potential issues as highlighted in the costs of using old and outdated technology. New equipment provides a better and faster experience for your staff and customers. If your business has older PCs or laptops, it might be worthwhile buying new devices with Windows 11 installed on them. Windows 11, Microsoft’s new operating system, was launched in the UK in October 2021 and is Microsoft’s most significant update since Windows 10. Microsoft have pledged that it will be the most reliable, secure, connected, and performant Windows operating system ever. However, always check for any potential compatibility issues with existing software before deciding to upgrade.
3. Move to the Cloud
The way people work has changed, and IT systems need to evolve to meet these changing needs. At the heart of this change is the desire to work anywhere, anytime and on any device. From an IT perspective, this means having the tools to be productive, collaborative and secure from any location. This is embodied in the concept of the Modern Workplace. Ensuring your business is accessible from remote locations and backed up to the Cloud provides optimal productivity. For most businesses, moving to the Cloud provides increased flexibility and accessibility, whilst reducing capital costs. Moreover, migrating a physical server to the cloud can be one of the most cost-efficient and scalable IT upgrades for your business. Cloud solutions have feasibly given many businesses the option to go serverless in 2022. From a productivity perspective, many businesses have already moved to Microsoft 365. If you have yet to do so, 2022 should be the year for you. Microsoft 365 is an integrated Cloud solution that gives you access to the familiar suite of Office software, including Outlook, Word and Excel, from any location, any time. It also provides cloud-based storage for your files and folders.
4. Increase remote collaboration
Ensuring you have effective remote collaboration tools in 2022 will remain paramount. We strongly recommend implementing Microsoft Teams. It comes as part of the Microsoft 365 license and enables video conferencing, instant messaging, making calls and the ability to share screens for collaborative working. You can also make and receive external voice calls anywhere from within Teams with TeamsLink. Teams fully integrates with Microsoft 365, and combines chat, meetings, notes and attachments. Important files, apps and meetings are all accessible from a single shared workspace, providing a streamlined and simplified user experience. Employees can easily reference a past conversation, share a document or ask a quick question from within the platform.
5. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools help businesses of all sizes improve their processes, boost their productivity and achieve greater efficiencies. Functions such as invoicing, payroll and accounting can be significantly streamlined or even automated with the right tools. Automation increases your productivity and reduces the likelihood of mistakes, thereby reducing costs. It also frees up your time so that you can focus on running your business. This is highlighted as one of the Top 5 Features of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
6. Proactive Management of your systems
It is important to regularly monitor and maintain your systems to minimize the obstacles of non-performing IT. These include downtime, loss of data and security breaches. Part of this management includes;
- monitoring the compliance and integrity of systems
- controlling network security
- regularly testing backups
- rolling out software and hardware patch updates
- developing a disaster recovery plan.
In order to better align your 2022 business goals with your technology, IT management needs to be a priority. This is where employing a reliable IT support company can really help. They will not only provide the proactive monitoring and management, but also offer strategic advice to improve the performance and reliability of your systems.
Summary
In summary, using the right technology can drive efficiencies and improve productivity. Having reliable, accessible and secure systems will save you time, streamline your operations and allow you to focus on running your business. All these factors will help drive your business growth in 2022. If you need any further information or would like to discuss any of the points above with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
