While it might not be on the calendar, there is an unofficial upgrade season for business technology. If you aren't actively executing your upgrades now, the start of the year is the perfect time to begin thinking about it. Planning and budgeting for these refreshes—which require not only money but also the people to implement the upgrade—is essential to keep your business running smoothly.
The Hidden Risks of Outdated Technology
When considering upgrades, you must ask two questions: are you being as productive as possible, and are you being as secure as possible? Ignoring outdated software and hardware introduces significant risks to both.
Impact on Productivity
A major challenge with older hardware is how devices gradually begin to work more slowly. The few seconds it takes to open something will get longer and longer over time, and because this happens so gradually, you may not realize the cumulative effect on productivity.
This delay adds up across many days and many staff members, significantly hurting productivity. Spending a few dollars to upgrade your hardware, however, can save you a lot of money in the long run by improving staff productivity. If you want to grow and plan for the future, it will require high-capacity devices.
The Crucial Security and Compliance Angle
Beyond obvious benefits like faster performance, one of the most critical, lesser-known advantages of keeping your technology up to date is cybersecurity.
Your cybersecurity must be up to date because it changes frequently and constantly. To be properly locked down and protected, your hardware needs to be running fast enough to keep up with incoming threats and the required security executions. Devices that make the best use of AI also often have upgraded CPUs.
Furthermore, many devices require an upgrade in capacity (RAM or CPU) just to be eligible for a software upgrade. For instance, Microsoft is now ending support for Windows 10, and if your device does not support the upgrade to Windows 11, it is time to get new hardware.
Navigating the Upgrade Process
Major software updates can feel overwhelming. The best way to prepare is to break it into pieces.
- Gather Staff Feedback: Talk with your staff and help them understand the changes. Their feedback on how they use the current solution can affect the way you implement the upgrade.
- Consult a Specialist: A specialist can help you plan how to execute the upgrade , test it to ensure past files will still work , and even evaluate whether it's time to move to a brand new product altogether.
When choosing new hardware, look beyond the technical specs like RAM and CPU. Consider how the system will work within your environment and the specific needs of your specialty software. For instance, many people in design or graphics stick with Mac because the software and hardware are better built for that kind of creative work. You want to avoid investing in a system only to realize later a different brand would have put you in a better position.
Aligning Technology with Business Growth
How do you ensure your technology investments align with your overall business goals and growth strategies?
The key is having a regular business review with an outside party. An external consultant can come in with fresh eyes to look at your systems, see where your data lives, and determine how best to tweak your workflow. This outside perspective can provide insights you may not see when you are in the middle of living it day-to-day, making a big difference in both productivity and security.
Partnering for Year-Round Support
While now is upgrade season, it's important to keep technology considerations year-round. A partner like Kehr Technologies can help businesses stay ahead of the curve throughout the year, not just during upgrade season.
If you don't know where to start, an expert can provide recommendations. Kehr Technologies offers a free assessment where they will sit down with you to discuss how you do your work, what you are trying to accomplish, and where your data lives. An outside party bringing new perspectives to your environment is a great way to ensure you are moving forward, and since the assessment is free, there is no risk to you.
