Digitisation of businesses has been occurring at a rapid rate in recent years, propelled forward by the pandemic and facilitated by the plethora of digital tools now available. That being said, there are also businesses that are being more selective about the technology they bring into their organisation, with a view in gaining a competitive edge.
Regardless of what type of business you run or which industry vertical you’re competing in, there are many ways to help gain this competitive edge. Approaches around speed to market, small delivery time frames, or competitive prices are all an option for this, but it can tail off quickly and become challenging to sustain over a long period. Comparatively, harnessing technology in an innovative way that works for your business can often be much easier to maintain.
This is because when you’re clear on what your specific business needs and strategic goals are, and proactively find digital tools that build greater efficiencies, enhanced security and improve the customer experience – you can stand a much better chance of seeing an ongoing return on your investment.
4 ways digital tools support a smarter workplace
Team collaboration software, workflow platforms, customer management systems and more – let’s explore the practical benefits of using these kinds of digital tools to give your business a sustainable, competitive edge.
1. Consolidates business communications
Using multiple types of communication methods lacks efficiency and can impact your team’s productivity. Rather than having separate systems for each communication need, using digital tools like unified communications (UC) allows you to integrate files, and access email, instant messaging, calling and more under one, centralised ‘roof’. Plus, UC platforms can often integrate with your existing business tools such as your task management software, content management systems, help desk management applications, and customer relationship management software.
Put simply, when you streamline communications, you can spend less time switching between platforms and your team can save precious mental bandwidth for other, more important business priorities.
2. Helps to reduce business costs
While business leaders understandably focus on how they can bring in more revenue, looking at ways to minimise costs can also help with profitability. When you look for digital tools that help to simplify your tech stack, you can reduce costs like the number of multiple, ongoing subscription fees, software licenses, phone bill expenses, and hardware costs. Plus, when your digital tools are the right fit for your business you can improve efficiencies, reduce lost work time and lower utility costs with more team members supported in remote working environments.
Furthermore, some digital platforms are flexible enough to meet your volume and user requirements without having to invest in additional equipment that may need to be configured and maintained. You should be able to expand (or scale down) your workforce as needed while keeping them connected.
3. Improves customer and user experience
Digital collaboration tools located under one platform means your team has easy, immediate access to business files and tools regardless of their location and which device they are using. This not only helps create greater efficiencies since your team is no longer searching for links or log-in details, it also crafts better customer experience, allowing for faster resolution to customer queries, and presenting a more professional, unified front.
4. Allows for greater automation
When your business undergoes a digital transformation, this can have a flow on effect to your business’s internal operations. For example, the right technology can help bring greater automation to back-of-house functions to make workflows better, faster and cheaper. This can lead to fewer IT issues, less need for full-time IT staff, and less chances of technical problems due to manual work errors.
What digital tools can you use in your small business?
Let’s look at some of the digital tools that could help to optimise your business operations.
Telstra IP Telephony
Telstra IP Telephony (TIPT) brings voice calling, video calling and instant messaging together all in one place. TIPT is good for businesses that need a highly scalable solution with either extensive vertical functionality for calling or the full breadth of unified communication options across a single platform, including file sharing. This also provides a central location for your team to more easily collaborate and the tools they need to help present a professional customer experience.
Cloud PBX Calling
Whether your workforce is on the move, or collaborating across different sites or offices, staying in touch is crucial.
From regular check-ins, to closing sales, this provides businesses with a robust, reliable calling solution. Cloud PBX Calling is a cloud-based, business-grade calling solution that means you can provide a unified customer experience, with a business phone line you can use in the office or on the road.
Telstra Calling for Office 365
Similar to TIPT, Telstra Calling for Office 365 suits businesses that need the full breadth of unified communication options in a single platform. You can make calls directly from Microsoft Teams, and collaborate with your staff and customers easily in real time.
Discover TBTC QLD South Coast’s digital tools
The team from TBTC QLD South Coast is ready to discuss which digital tools could help your business gain a competitive edge. We take the time to get to know your business, understand your priorities and goals, then help you identify the best digital tools to serve your employees and customers. Talk to us today, and let’s get solving.
