5 Common Technology Problems Small Businesses Have

Small businesses often experience digital issues, mainly because they lack the resources of large companies that can buy the best technology and hire the best firms to take care of their technological needs. However, that doesn’t mean that small businesses can’t provide an excellent digital experience for their employees as well as their clients. We’ve narrowed down the five most common technology problems that small businesses suffer from so that you can be aware and potentially head off these problems before they arise at your company. 

1. Data Protection Issues

This is foremost the biggest problem haunting small businesses and their owners as they try to digitize. No company wants to see their clients’ information leaked, hacked, or lost. This is easily prevented with the proper knowledge of encryption and other techniques used to keep client information safe. Whatever kind of business you have, whether you’re a retailer or private company like a doctor or lawyer – you want your clients to be able to make appointments, access their account information, and send emails with private details without the fear of losing their financial information. You’ll need a good antivirus program to prevent hacks, spyware, and viruses. You can also hire an IT expert to ensure that your website is properly encrypted and can withstand cyber attacks. 

2. Lack of Data Backups

If the worst does happen, such as a cyberattack that erases all of your company’s information, it is vital to keep up-to-date backups so that your businesses can rectify and keep going. Backup services are available from plenty of trusted companies, and you can keep that information securely stored on a cloud so that you can access it from anywhere. Keeping a backup on a machine can be dangerous, as computers break. Floods, fires, and earthquakes can easily cause a small business to lose its files, which is why you should keep them stored digitally.

3. Integration Issues

While some small businesses are slow on picking up digital methods of working, others are way ahead of the curve, which can also be damaging. Using too many new technologies or introducing a new program or app can confuse things. Not all programs work well together, and some overlap, causing you to have information stored across various programs – which doesn’t make things easier or save time. Proper planning is necessary before installing or changing a program, otherwise, you risk various inefficiencies. 

4. Hardware and Software Problems

Without an expendable budget, it can be hard to stay current on technologies and services and cut down on service problems. However, it is a necessary investment. Small businesses often deal with issues like internet outages, or slow and outdated computers and machines. Whether it’s the copy machine or the computer running slow, these problems can be handled. It requires the right kind of planning to make sure your internet provider is solid and your office has the infrastructure necessary for an uninterrupted work day. Buying newer and better computers as the budget allows is important as well. Investing in certain apps and programs can cut down on other technology costs. For example, apps allow you to scan and make copies without the extra hardware, and free apps like Skype and Zoom allow you to have meetings without spending too much on a phone bill. Assessing your current technology and your capability is the first step.

5. Lack of Knowledgeable IT Personnel

With a small operation, many businesses cannot have their own in-house IT department. That means that the IT role is often left to various employees to fill, who might not have the expertise necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Investing in an IT company, however, can help you avoid all of the above problems and keep your company’s digital assets safe and running smoothly so that you can focus on running your business. Good technology means faster service, improved customer service, more accurate invoicing and better bookkeeping. It means that you know your website will be up and running smoothly for new clients to access at all times. 

If you need IT services, call us at Internal Computer Services, at 804-672-1057. Our experts can personalize a plan to fit your needs and your budget. We’ve serviced clients big and small for 30 years, making sure that each business has the digital resources they need to compete.