Do you really need that? 5 questions to ask yourself before buying new tech

When it comes to tech, one thing that everyone should be able to agree upon is that there is an abundance of options out there: Many platforms to consider, brands to become loyal to, and tools to accomplish the same tasks, so it’s no surprise that business owners can become overwhelmed when it comes time to invest in new tech.

Making things more difficult, the investment in new technology has become more important than ever as we attempt to quickly adjust to the new normal of a digital world. Hybrid work, virtual client visits, and the ability to adapt to new regulations have become commonplace, and while a plethora of technology solutions have become available to solve these problems, it can be truly baffling to understand what’s available and what will actually help you.

When auditing your current technology and considering new options for your business, you should always start with the following five questions:

1. Does this technology make my business more productive?

When analyzing the importance of any tool for your business, productivity should be a primary concern. If you can be certain that a new piece of technology is going to help you and your staff get more done, it’s probably a good idea to pursue it.

In modern times, with people being physically separated due to hybrid work and virtual consultations, answers to this question could focus on the concepts of connectivity and reliability. In order to maximize productivity, your staff needs to be able to connect with one another wherever they are, and they need to do so with confidence.

2. Does my tech work well together?

The whole purpose of using tech in your business is to make things easier, right? So, in addition to getting the right solutions for your needs, you must also be certain that those tools work together in the best way possible. Rather than focusing on a single tool for each job, focus on a collection of tools that work together to solve a whole host of problems.

For example, you don’t want to get Android phones for your staff in the field and Apple computers for your in-office crew. While the technologies do work together, they are not optimized to communicate with one another. Bottom line here: When it comes to tech solutions for your businesses, think in terms of your tech stack, or the overall way in which your technology works together to accomplish business goals.

3. Am I aware of the alternatives available?

With the abundance of options out there, you need to ensure that you’re researching all available alternatives to see what makes the most sense for you. Don’t just go with a brand of laptop because you think it looks cool and you like its commercials, get a brand that fits your needs for the lowest cost. For this, price shopping from an apples-to-apples level (make sure the products you compare are actually similar from a technical specification standpoint) is always encouraged.

On the topic of software: For smaller businesses on a very tight budget, there are open-source options available that provide free alternatives to expensive programs. These open-sourced options may not include the level of support and performance as their paid counterparts, but for those organizations looking to operate on a shoestring, it’s important to know that those options exist. One great resource for comparing open-source and paid software solutions is GetApp.com.

4. Is this too much?

When it comes to the hardware and software that power your business, it’s easy to get carried away and subscribe for a plan or purchase a product that may be excessive. Understanding the level of technology your business needs is an ongoing task, and you always should check to see that your business activities get the most out of the products and services you’re paying for.

Not using all of the storage offered by your cloud storage service plan? Downgrade to a lower plan. Did you purchase or lease a tablet for every employee and are now finding that only one department actually uses them? Send the rest back. Always be prepared to adapt your tech purchases to your current needs, even if it means downgrading.

The same holds true when shopping for new technology. While it’s always important to plan for the future, you should determine technology purchases by the present. Knowing your business activities is paramount to deciding what technology and what level of performance is necessary for you. Before making any major technology purchases for your staff, do an audit of who needs what to best perform at that role.

5. Are we keeping things simple?

Finally, technology doesn’t help much if people do not want to use it, so your staff needs to be comfortable with the tech you’ve selected. An easy way to do this: Keep things simple for them. Your staff wants the tech you choose to incorporate seamlessly into their existing activities. Yes, there will be a learning curve with any new piece of technology, but you’re best served ensuring that curve is as slight as possible.

You need to have a plan for training your staff once new technology is incorporated into your operations. Nobody likes training sessions, but if it helps them understand a piece of technology that will make their lives easier, they’ll likely thank you for it.

Making your team a part of all new technology purchases is important. They need to fully understand and appreciate the tools you provide them in order to get the most out of those tools, so train them thoroughly, but also consult them before any major purchases to help them feel like they are part of the process.

Ensuring that you’re spending your money on the correct technology is an important way to maximize your ROI, but it is also a dangerous pitfall that can results in wasted spending. By asking yourself the five questions from this article before any major tech purchase, you’ll ensure the best decisions for your organization.

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How do you decide when you need new tech? Let us know in this forum post!