It would be hard to argue with the fact that modern technology has completely transformed our lives. From smartphones to Fit Bits to online streaming services, technology has become a central part of how we organize our days and enjoy our spare time. However, while personal technology has become commonplace, advanced technological solutions have sometimes been taken up less quickly in the workplace.

Despite this, recent studies have illustrated that implementing technology has an incredible impact on productivity, efficiency, and success. A staggering 92% of employees report that good technology helps them work efficiently and improves work satisfaction. It’s clear that efficiency not only affects the consumer but is also crucial for a business’ success.

If you think your workplace could benefit from some helpful software to boost efficiency, here are six examples to give you some inspiration.

1. Apps on tablets for retail and service industries

For those in the retail and service industries, customer service has traditionally been centered around the customer and the employee, face to face, with no technology. While it’s easy to assume this interaction wouldn’t benefit from technical interference, some stores and restaurants have begun to implement the use of app-based technology on portable tablets.

For servers in restaurants, for instance, a tablet allows the server to enter an order that is sent directly to the kitchen. This takes out the additional step of bringing a piece of paper to the kitchen, plus, it minimizes the chance of error. In retail shops, tablets can be used to take payments, search for available items in stock, and even retain customer data securely.

2. Click and Collect technology for delivery service

Click and Collect technology is fairly new to the scene. It’s also known as BOPIS, which stands for “buy online, pick up in-store”. This technology not only helps the customer make their online shopping experience quick and easy, but it can also improve productivity on the retailer’s end. Instead of dealing with a customer by email or by phone, this technology automatically places an order and sends a message to the shop to prepare the order to be collected.

Tools like HubBox are making this technology widely available for retailers across the country. So, regardless of whether you operate a large department store, or you have your own e-commerce business, you can provide click and collect options for your customers, minimizing the need for dealing with customer queries about stock availability.

3. Accounting software for small businesses

Small business owners tend to be artists and innovators rather than accountants. Nevertheless, every business needs to pay its taxes and deal with their own tax deductions. Business accounting can be time-consuming and stressful. With new accounting software, don’t need to worry about keeping track of invoices and expenses.

There are plenty of apps available that have the power to consolidate and sort your accounts for you automatically. Some can even deal with payroll for your employees. A recent study has suggested that digital accounting can save business up to £17,000 a year, or, the equivalent of 27.6 days. This extra time will give you a chance to focus on other aspects of running a successful business.

4. Customer relations support software

As a business, providing excellent customer support is crucial if you want to encourage customers to make a returning purchase. 89% of businesses claim that they compete with other businesses based on the quality and level of customer service they can provide. However, pouring through complaint emails and organizing a support network without tech no logical support can be time-consuming.

New apps such as ZenDesk have streamlined the customer support process for countless businesses. This app integrates mobile, web, and social media, making it easy for customers to contact your business. It uses a ticket system to organize and sort complaints and queries, making it easy for the support team to work in an efficient manner and keep track of their milestones.

Some businesses are also implementing AI software on their websites as a first level of support. By offering virtual support, businesses save time and money by minimizing the strain on their support teams.

5. Company-wide communication

The days of the office email chain are largely a thing of the past. Sometimes, it becomes essential to send a real-time message to the entire company or to share large documents with your team. While emails can be effective, they are not always as quick as they need to be.

Using cloud-based technology allows companies to communicate internally quickly and seamlessly, no matter what information they need to share. This type of technology makes office-wide communication efficient so that employees can get on with their more important tasks with external clients or creative projects.

Findmyshift’s online bulletin board allows you to highlight important notices for all employees, while you can also send text and push notifications with a few clicks.

6. Schedule coordinating tool

Have you ever had the annoying task of organizing a team meeting? It usually involves dozens of emails and messages sent back and forth between you and other members of the team comparing schedules and looking for a gap that suits everyone. Think of all the time that could be saved if technology could do it for you.

Luckily. Apps like Calendly offer an excellent service that streamlines the entire scheduling process, from finding a time and location to notifying employees. With a schedule coordinating app, businesses save plenty of time, and can even minimize the need for additional PAs and EAs to organize executives’ schedules.

Now, Reap the Rewards!

When it comes to productivity, time really is money. The more time that can be saved on menial tasks, the more time employees have to do their actual jobs. Plus, this saved time also equals saved energy, which results in a higher quality of work.

The six tech solutions for businesses listed above can dramatically change the way a business operates on a daily basis, resulting in faster and happier working conditions. By implementing these tools carefully and thoughtfully, a business can streamline operations and see a massive increase in workplace productivity.