Lesson 3: Define Business Technology

As technology advances, businesses have more tools available to them to improve their operations.
Unfortunately, with the seemingly endless options available it can sometimes be confusing to hear talk
of "business technology." There are a number of different types of technology that can be of use to
business owners. Some are nearly essential to all businesses, while others are only useful to companies
operating within specific niches. Developing a solid understanding of business technology and the
technological options available to different companies can help you figure out just what sort of
technological upgrades your business might need.

What Is Business Technology?

Not all technology is considered business technology. So, what is business technology, then? Simply put,
business technology is any form of tech that is integrated directly into the operation of a business.
Having a TV in your waiting room likely wouldn't be considered business technology, but a streaming TV
channel that your company develops and distributes the content for very much would. The difference
lies in the business integration; it's the difference between a piece of technology being present at your
place of business and a piece of technology being an active part of your business. If this seems
confusing, think of a few examples of technology and how they're used in business to clear things up.

a. Internet and Networking

The internet has become an essential part of almost all points of modern life. Almost all businesses use
the internet for communication, software updates, data syncing and placing product orders. Many
companies even use the internet as an incentive for customers, offering free WiFi as a means to draw in
customers who might otherwise go to places who don't have it. The larger a company is, the more it will
rely on the internet for a wide range of purposes. Almost all data reporting, credit card batch processing
and general corporate communication is done online these days.

Almost as important as the internet is the network that supports internet access. Not only does
networking connect computers, cash registers and other essential hardware, but it also provides
protection against hacking and data theft. Technologies such as virtual private networks (VPNs) are used
to securely connect offices in different physical locations over the internet, and server networks allow
access to data that's stored on multiple physical servers. There are very few modern businesses that
could continue their operation as though nothing happened if their networks and internet access were
shut down.

b. Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing

Another major implementation of business technology comes in the form of what's known as business
intelligence (BI). BI is a major business field that uses computer software to sort and manage huge
amounts of information to make it available to users when it's needed. BI is useful for small companies,
but where it shines is the big multinational corporations that have a presence all over the globe.

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Without a BI implementation, there's no way that these companies could keep track of all of their data
without a significant effort and a lot of wasted time and money.

One aspect of BI that's used by a lot of companies is the concept of data warehousing. Instead of
keeping all of a company's data in one location and making the entire bit available to everyone in the
company, data warehousing sets aside select portions of the data in a smaller database and makes it
available to those who need only that data. These speeds up the process of data access and modification
since users only access the warehouse database that they need and don't have to sort through data that
they don't use. The warehouse databases sync with the main company database to keep all information
up to date, but users never have to mess with the core database in its entirety.

c. Web Presence

Though the World Wide Web and the internet are often used as interchangeable terms, they're actually
two different things. The Web is accessed through the internet, but it isn't actually the internet itself.
The Web is everything that you want to access on the internet, including all of the websites and other
content that you use on a daily basis. A business transferring data over the internet doesn't involve
accessing the Web at all, but setting up a website, online store or social media account does.

Because of the large amount of time that consumers spend online, having a Web presence is all but
essential for businesses these days. Online shopping is a growing consumer trend, so companies that
rely on consumer sales need to have some way to tap into that market. Social media is a major
advertising venue that many turn to before choosing one company over another; ignore it at your own
risk. Businesses need to have a web presence beyond just a social media account or static web page, and
those companies that embrace the Web are often much more successful than those who don't.

d. Automation, an Emerging Technology

Automation is an emerging technology that has multiple uses in business. Manufacturing embraced
automation years ago, but a wide range of automated options are available for companies in pretty
much every field. These include sensors to detect hazardous situations or leaks, automated security
systems and even sensor-based lighting and thermostats to help your company save money on its
electric bills. Some restaurants have embraced automation for tasks such as filling fry baskets or cooking
common foods that need to fry for a specific period of time. Even time-lock safes represent a form of
automation that takes safe control out of the hands of the manager as a means of deterring theft.

e. Storefront Hardware

Cash registers and other storefront hardware have come a long way from the clunky mechanical units of
years gone by. The majority of cash registers now have computer monitors and custom point-of-sale
(POS) software running them, often with integrated features such as credit card processing and one-
touch coupon or discount options. Some cash registers have even been replaced by tablet computers
running POS apps, reducing the entire footprint of the register to the size of a tablet stand. Theft-
prevention technology, security systems and other examples of modern technology have also become

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integrated into the storefront to the point that stores without several examples of technology are
almost impossible to find.

f. Office Technologies

If you step into any Office, you'll likely see a number of types of technology. Even small backroom offices
tend to pack in a lot of tech, especially if there's a significant amount of technology elsewhere in the
store. Offices no larger than a walk-in closet often contain computers, small servers or backup systems,
routers or other internet hardware, security equipment and other technology such as fax machines or
copiers. There may also be equipment to manage customer-facing technologies such as satellite radio
systems or television broadcasts, though those aren't necessarily express examples of business
technology.

Larger offices obviously have more examples of technology, including more advanced computer
networks and other equipment. That's not even getting into the various pieces of software that are
present on all of those computers. In addition to the operating systems and productivity suites installed
on the computers, many have specialized software for data synchronization, commissary ordering and
other business-specific tasks as well.

g. Accounting and Payroll Software

Technology is often used to automate accounting and payroll as well. Long gone are the days when
paychecks are signed by hand; most companies track payroll using specialized computer software, either
hosted on their own servers or accessible through an accountant. The software does the heavy lifting of
tracking hours and calculating taxes or other deductions, leaving accountants more time to perform
payroll audits and make sure that everyone is getting paid what they're supposed to. When errors are
found, the software makes it easy to look up the problem and track down its source without having to
shuffle through stacks of paper or folders full of records.

In many cases, even clocking in and clocking out has been shifted to technology. While there are some
businesses that still use old-fashioned time clocks and physical time cards, it's much more common to
swipe a card, scan an ID badge or clock in using a computer touch screen. This not only feeds the
information directly into the accounting system without someone having to manually enter it, but it also
saves a lot of money on time cards and other supplies as well.

h. Manufacturing

As mentioned before, manufacturing has embraced automation and robotics to increase precision and
general productivity on the assembly floor. There's more to manufacturing technology than just robotic
arms, however. Advanced technology allows manufacturers to test circuits or assembled pieces more
quickly, while computer-aided design (CAD) software makes the early stages of product design much
more efficient than they were in the past. Manufacturing is often much faster to adopt new
technologies than other types of business, simply because the net gains of technology are most readily
apparent in this field.

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 i. Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing

Though 3D printing is most widely used by manufacturing and industry, a large number of business
sectors are embracing the technology for different purposes. A 3D printer can make physical
representations of products as mock-ups or prototypes well before they're ready to enter the
manufacturing stage. A 3D-printed model also gives executives a better idea of what a final product
might look like than sketches or computer-generated pictures would. In some cases, 3D printers can
even be used to make replacement parts or custom tools used to complete specific tasks within a
company.

As 3D printing technology advances, so do the potential uses of the printers. Syringe-based 3D printers
can pipe frosting or chocolate to create custom desserts that wouldn't be possible using standard
means. Laser-based printers can fuse tiny flakes of metal together, creating complex parts for engines or
other equipment that are more efficient than traditional parts. While 3D printing isn't an essential
business technology in many sectors, there are some sectors where it's already changing everything.

j. Emerging Business Technologies

Technology is constantly evolving, producing new options for businesses on a regular basis. Some new
technologies make a major splash in the business world, while others are only useful for specific
applications and don't have a widespread impact. Still, it's important to keep abreast of new and
emerging technologies to evaluate their potential use in your business. This doesn't mean you have to
jump on every new product that comes about, of course.

When something new hits the market, take the time to evaluate it and ask some questions. What is the
purpose of the technology? How does it differ from existing options that are already on the market? Will
it significantly improve the operation of your company? Not every new technology will hold up under
scrutiny; to be honest, most won't. Still, that technology you pass on today might be perfect for your
business in a few years after the price drops a bit. By staying up-to-date on business technology and
making smart tech adoption decisions, you'll stay ahead of the curve without breaking the bank on
unnecessary tech.

What Is Needed to Setup a Small Business Network?

To set up a small business network, you'll need a combination of hardware, software and a certain level
of computer expertise. While it is possible to setup a network yourself, you may want to consult with a
small business networking expert to do the job right the first time. Once it's installed, you'll see
increased efficiency and cost savings and will only have to deal with periodic maintenance and upgrades.

a. Routers and Switches

Routers and switches are what enable all components in a network to be connected. Routers allow all
computers on the network to share the internet line, and you'll need at least one with enough ports to
accommodate all connected computers. In larger networks, multiple routers may be necessary to

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increase performance. You also need switches to connect peripheral devices to computers on the
network. With a switcher, all computers can share a common networked copier, printer, fax or scanner,
saving you money on multiple devices for each workstation.

b. Computers and Servers

You need computers for each workstation and at least one main computer server. A server is the
primary computer in the network, stores and transfers data to and from connected computers, and acts
as a "clearing house" for all internet data travelling to and from the network. Larger networks will have
two or more servers, with some even providing primary processing power for computer workstations.

c. Software

Each computer and server on the network must be equipped with network-capable software. Most all
modern operating programs for Mac, PC and Linux platforms are network compatible. You also need
primary networking and protection software for the server. This software enables the entire network to
communicate and function, and protects data and connected devices form security threats via firewalls
and anti-virus detectors.

d. Cables

You need cables to connect every piece of hardware in the network. Even in wireless networks, you still
require cables to connect computers and devices to wireless units. You've invested time and money on
your networking hardware and software, so don't skimp on cables. Use the highest quality cables
available for best results and long life.

BSTM-III APPLIED BUSINESS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES Tuesday/Friday (10:30-12:00)

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