How Digital Technology Is Shaping Small Business for the Future

For the small business owner in today’s economy, the choice to either resist technology

or adapt with it can often mean the difference between thriving and closing your doors.

The rapid expansion of the digital marketplace has created an opportunity that savvy

owner-operators have embraced. The initial investment of a digital document

management system, for example, is swiftly recovered through savings in other areas.

Additionally, keeping up with contemporary business trends makes it easier to work with

other modern organizations, and it projects an image of efficiency, responsibility, and

capability. This document will examine some of the business tools that are currently

available and detail the advantages that these tools can offer to the modern independent

business owner.

It is increasingly more necessary for businesses seeking longevity to implement

innovative and efficient processes into their daily tasks. Consequently, many

organizations are boosting efficiency by converting to a paperless office. With paperless

workflow software, companies can better serve their customers and vendors by routing

information through automated commands. Additionally, paperless digital filing software

saves money on paper, equipment and storage.

Business workflow solutions such as Square 9’s SmartSearch, which just released its

v4.0, help small business owners by allowing them access to their information and

business functions from anywhere. This global, round the clock accessibility is

paramount for the independent owner-operator that wants to be productive without

having to be tethered to the office constantly. SmartSearch offers Document Versioning,

Check In/Check Out functions, and a global file sharing system that utilizes and

integrates with DropBox, GlobalSearch, and other document storage systems that help

obliterate the restrictions of the physical office.

Digital filing systems are also far more environmentally friendly, which not only benefits

the world at large, but allows small businesses to easily adhere to necessary ecological

standards, and qualify for eco-conscious programs, tax breaks, and awards. There is a

growing trend in legislation at federal, state, and local levels that rewards forward-

thinking green businesses and punishes ecological offenders. Going paperless is not only

the right thing to do for our planet, it’s a proactive choice that has positive consequences

from a business standpoint.

The consequences that come with not adapting, however, can be swift and brutal. Many

businesses have already seen their operating costs rise while their client bases dwindles,

abandoning them for their competition because of features like mobile accessibility,

improved transparency, and an ecological conscience. It is up to every individual

business and every individual owner operator to understand what tools and programs are

right for their organization. Every industry has its own unique requirements, strictures,

and business cultures.

The digital revolution, however, is never going away. The tide of technology continues to

progress, and to resist it is to actively fight against the tools and technology that your

customers and your competition are currently embracing. Ignoring the evolution of

technology will cut you off from all the impacting opportunities that these new tools and

strategies offer to the independent business striving to succeed in today’s marketplace.