Today, any company can use IT more effectively to capture customers and increase sales, and do so on virtually any budget. Sharing resources, outsourcing development and creating smaller projects can help your business use technology to outpace your competition.

Four key factors
In order to get technology on your side, you need to make sure that you look at four key factors that can determine the success of any new endeavor, while keeping costs manageable and delivering results. These factors are: identifying a clear need, designing a solution, getting a budget and timetable, and determining training needs.

Start with a need
No technology project, regardless of budget, should start with a new technology. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. Try to determine what would be better if you implemented a new solution, and how would you know. For example, if knowing when your customers last ordered from you would help you retain customers, then developing a system to track purchases makes sense. Understanding the value a project can deliver also helps you better determine a budget for the project.

Design the solution
To help control costs, write down specifically what you want your new solution to do. Not only will a clear set of specs help you lower the amount of hours (expensive, billable hours) needed to complete the project, but it will help you better understand your needs. Don’t worry about buzzwords or technical jargon. Just focus on what you need the program to do.

Once you have outlined your needs, look for off-the-shelf software. A simple program that meets your needs will be easier to maintain and afford than a custom solution. If nothing is available, then a custom application makes sense. Finally, describe the type of computer you will be using for the program. The type of operating system and network are important to know upfront.

Getting a budget
Determining a budget is easier with off-the-shelf software,. Don’t forget to determine if new computers or upgrades will be needed. For a custom application, ask for a total project cost. Hourly fees are good to know, but many projects run over the estimated number of hours to complete. Who is responsible if it takes longer to build the project than expected?

Of course, if your needs change half-way through the project, you will incur more costs. But if the specs are accurate, you should not be responsible for a bad estimate. Make your estimate includes any necessary additional software or hardware you will need. Also, ask what the rate will be for maintenance and upgrades. Also make sure you actually own the software you pay for, and are not just licensing it for a period of time.

Don’t forget training
Remember that people use technology, so don’t neglect to add in time and expense for training your employees who will use the new application. If employees do not understand or like the new application, implementing even the best software can be difficult. Getting your employees online with new application early will increase your chances of success.

When well-thought out and planned, technology can strongly enhance your marketing efforts and increase sales and profits.

360 Business consulting can help with all of your technology and marketing goals, so click here for more information.

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