Any office needs good quality electronic equipment, especially as the digital world has taken nearly 60% of the office load. Whether a small one-man office or a large bustling commercial enterprise, the use of a range of electronic equipment in the workplace can help streamline operations, improve working practices, release much needed floor space, and help reduce office overheads.
Technological innovation has boosted productivity in operations of all sizes and has been an important factor in turning small local businesses into global empires. The decision to fully stock up an office with the electronic equipment requires a lot of planning. Each business has different needs when it comes to technology, but if you are starting from scratch, you should start with the bare necessities.
Pieces of Tech Equipment Every Office Needs
Business processes have changed dramatically over the years. Businesses of today simply cannot function without the help of technology, so the purchase of new office equipment should be considered an investment in the total productivity rather than a plain expense. Not every ‘latest and greatest’ gadget is necessary, but don’t fall into the trap of avoiding equipment purchases simply because the economy is tough. The right equipment can improve your processes, productivity, capacity to innovate and bottom line. If you are setting up a new office, focus on functionalities and features, and start with essentials.
Computer
Computers are used in every aspect of business operations, from product creation to marketing and administration. They are an essential tool in both internal and external communications via email, messaging systems and conferencing. Regardless of the type of business you run, a computer is not an expense you should skimp on.
Desktop vs. Laptop
Business desktop PCs usually offer a lot more power for a lot less money than laptops. They are more comfortable to use than a laptop, and can be easily maintained and upgraded. If your team is on the road a lot, and they require something portable, laptops are the better choice.
Business Software
The success of your business depends on your business operations, and with the help of tools and applications, it’s easier than ever to run your business with efficiency. Choosing the right kind of software is essential for your organization’s success, so before you make a decision, be sure to carefully weigh all the available information and consider all the implications of the purchase.
Printers
There will always be a need for documents to be printed for one reason or another. Printers are necessary for making hard copies of files and documents. The right printer can help you save time and improve work efficiency. The first step in choosing a new printer for your office is choosing the right type. There are so many choices to make: ink-jet or laser, single or multi-function printer (MFP), color or black and white. Just like with any other piece of tech equipment, it’s best to start with a research to make an informed decision that will make your investment worthwhile.
Scanners
In today’s business environment organizations operate across multiple sites and locations, so the ability to capture, digitize and share data and information is vital. More and more offices are looking at paperless functionality that relies on a scanner. Most scanners on the market today can handle day-to-day office tasks, but they come in various types and sizes, fine-tuned for different purposes.
There are flatbed, drum, photo, and portable scanners, and most of them work with PC and Mac.
Copiers
No matter the size of your business or which industry you’re in, you need a reliable office copier to to replicate reports, scan in account information, and handle admin work using paper. Today’s copy machines are a multi-function printer-copier-scanner-fax units. There used to be a major distinction between printers and copy machines, but today,most office-focused printers are digital and multi-functional. They can scan, copy, print, fax, download and email.
Projector
Making presentations are an integral part of any office work whether it is building a strategy, providing training to employees or even making a business proposal. Also known as business projectors, office projectors can help those in the work place to close deals and create effective marketing proposals. The office projectors category includes projector technologies such as LCD, DLP, LED projectors, multimedia projectors, and digital projectors for the workplace.
Communication System
The communication is the key to successful business operation, whether it is the employee- employee communication or business to client communication. A modern business cannot go without a private communication network. Most of the businesses now choose a VOIP service because of its various benefits over traditional phone lines by a local service provider.
Paper Shredder
When its time to declutter the office space by destroying sensitive documents, old paperwork, unwanted magazines and any other type of paper waste, a paper shredder is a necessity. Since paper shredder is made for one task, there are not many things to consider when choosing the right device. Still you need to think about few thing such as sheet capacity, bin capacity, run time and the level of security. The best office shredder for your business should fit your company’s needs without breaking the budget.
Wireless Technology in the Workplace
Wireless technology has become so ubiquitous in our lives that is hard to imagine how we used to do anything without it. Therefore it’s no surprise that many businesses are starting to embrace office environment free of cabled and cords, and embracing the so called ‘wireless workplace’
Wireless technology is evolving daily — becoming more and more secure and more and more reliable. Going wireless means that you can greatly cut down on the use of wires in your business. Everything from mice, keyboards, printers, speakers, headphones, and phones are now wireless. Wi-Fi provides a more flexible working space, giving staff an opportunity to move and work from different places inside an office.
Office Electronics Buying Tips
Whether you are looking to replace outdated office equipment or are in the market for the latest and greatest in new business technology, it is important to choose carefully and ensure you get the best value for money possible. Here are few foolproof ways to make sure you get the best ROI:
1. Choose the right items
Costs of electronics items such as computers, routers, printers, scanners, etc. have in recent years gone way down, as the new models drive down the prices on the older ones. Many new entrepreneurs choose to buy older models in order save money. However, despite the appeal of lower prices you should still ensure that the equipment you buy is modern. If your employees do not have the technology they need to deliver what your organization wants, they would become frustrated, and productivity would suffer
2. Purchase from reliable sellers
It is also strongly advised that you buy any electronics for your office from a reputable seller. This is the way to insure against buying counterfeit products. It also reduces the chance of returned items. You must ensure you get the best value for your money, so buy products only from suppliers that provide after-purchase customer support
3. Be smart about your purchases
Save space and money by purchasing multi-functional equipment, but make sure not to double up on devices that basically do the same job
4. Get warranty
When you make a major purchase, the manufacturer or seller makes an important promise to stand behind the product. It’s called a warranty. A good warranty on a tech equipment should cover drops and spills — two of the most common causes of damage or destruction.