Technology That Pays for Itself

If you own your own business, it’s easy to get confused by all the high-tech devices, applications, and SaaS offerings that promise to save you untold sums of money, streamline operations, and generally make life much easier.

A lot of those promises are empty and amount to nothing more than exuberant advertising pitches. But there are several relatively new technology solutions that really do get the job done within their field of endeavor.

For instance, HR departments have an ongoing love affair with applicant tracking systems while security-minded managers are adopting biometric screening tools at a record pace.

Whatever your company does, there’s a good chance that one of the following tech systems can help you work more efficiently.

Applicant Tracking

In the world of human resource management, the ATS (applicant tracking system) is now a central part of the hiring process.

These advanced computer programs allow HR workers to scan thousands of incoming candidates resumes for keywords and phrases.

Applicants know enough about ATS programs that they are able to carefully craft resumes that mention those important words.

In most cases, job candidates who understand how ATS works have a better chance of scoring a live interview, which is the goal of any resume.

Fleet Management

Under the general heading of fleet management, there are dozens of devices, apps, programs, and systems that reduce costs in several ways.

For instance, electronic logging devices (ELDs), are used to prevent violations of hours-of-service regulations. With an ELD in place, both managers and drivers never have to worry about going over the legally allowed time limit.

The devices are a low-cost way to make sure you’re compliant with the rules of the road. Additionally, other components within the wide realm of fleet management tech include high-definition dash cams, GPS tracking units that let managers know exactly where every vehicle is in real time, and advanced diagnostic systems that report engine problems.

Asset Tracking

It doesn’t cost much to tag and track valuable assets these days. Not long ago, digital tracking devices that operated on magnetic impulses were costly.

They were only used on high-priced items like manufacturing equipment, computers, and in-house vehicles.

Now that costs have come down, and newer tracking devices are tiny, companies are tagging just about anything that’s not glued to a floor.

The main benefit, of course, is a decrease in lost and stolen items from most workplaces. Not to mention the cost of clutter can be significant and getting organized via this technology can reduce that.

Biometric Security

Sometimes, owners balk at the cost of installing new generation biometric access controls on doors, gates, and high-security entryways of all kinds.

But, in addition to the fact that prices are declining, these clever devices tend to pay for themselves by greatly enhancing security in any area where they’re installed.

Office and apartment intercoms are also a great way to better monitor your space and level up your security.

Inventory Analytics

Mathematical apps, called inventory analytics (IA), now have the power to optimize inventory levels for companies of all sizes. Not sure how many widgets to keep in the warehouse?

Plug a few basic sales parameters into an IA app and it will tell you. Need to know when to order more of your top-selling item? An IA program can do that, too.