The first day of fall is just around the corner. It’s time to start pulling out comfy sweaters, fluffy blankets, and all of your spooky Halloween decorations.

Nothing screams “Fall” quite like pumpkin spice. Or, maybe you prefer apple pie spice? Have you smelled a brand-new computer fresh out of the box? We think that’s the best smell of them all, but we’re not here to choose sides. What we are here to do, is illustrate how you can spice up your existing technology infrastructure and boost your business productivity through the end of the year.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire technology infrastructure to see improvements. We’ve cooked up five ways to sprinkle in new technology and notice immediate results.

1. Upgrade Your Aging Microsoft Software

Are you still relying on old Microsoft software like Windows 7, Office 2010, or Windows Server 2008?

These products are about to reach their End of Support dates. In the Microsoft world, “end of support” is more critical to businesses than it looks like on paper. Sure, you won’t be able to buy additional versions of the product. You also won’t be able to contact Microsoft for product or troubleshooting help. You’ll also miss productivity, feature, and security updates.

2. Employ ERP Software

ERP software assists project-driven organizations in optimizing supply chains, financials, employees, and additional operational aspects for businesses.

ERP software combines productivity enhancing business applications in an efficient software package—it’s a suite, similar to how Microsoft Office provides tools for day-to-day business operations, but more advanced and focused on improving your business’s bottom line. In addition to providing a robust suite of applications, ERP software systems function as a central data storage repository. Each system has the capability to support multiple functions for different teams who use the same data. This functionality of ERP software ensures data integrity when siloed organizational parties depend on consistent operational data.

3. Conduct a Free Website Assessment

You’d be surprised at how effective a spiced up website is at cooking up new business. Technology is a fast-paced industry. Website design, search engine optimization (SEO), and content trends move just as quickly. Don’t settle for an old, outdated website. Stale websites can leave customers with a bad taste in their mouth.

It’s common to feel like your website is outdated, but not know where to begin. When analyzing existing websites, High Touch considers the following:

  • Security
  • Responsiveness
  • Analytics
  • Speed
  • SEO
  • Design
  • Branding

Schedule a free website assessment today, and we’ll help you identify ways to add new flavor to your website.

4. Explore New Hardware

Believe it or not, the fourth quarter is less than a month away. Does your company have some leftover funds in the budget? Consider taking advantage of the Section 179 tax break and peppering in some new business technology hardware before the end of the year.

Section 179 allows companies to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy or lease qualifying equipment, you can deduct the full purchase price from your gross income. Certain limits and restrictions may apply. Contact us to learn more.

Note: This article does not serve as professional tax advice. Please consult your trained tax professional before making a purchase.

5. Develop Custom Software Integrations

Do you feel like you waste too much of your day checking off repetitive, mundane tasks? Are you tired of copying data between applications?

Remember, your time is important and valuable. A custom software integration could be the missing ingredient from your productivity recipe. With custom integrations, High Touch can engineer a relatively small application or code to help you improve your business’s efficiencies, while maintaining your current applications and workflows.

When it comes to repetitive tasks, you’re introducing the potential for human error into a process. Custom integrations can help you prevent typos, accidental data loss, misplaced files, and more. One of our most popular custom integration projects focuses on making Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems work better for businesses.

Not Sure What to Do? High Touch Can Help.

With over 35 years of technology experience, High Touch can help you determine the most cost-effective way to make technology work for your business. In addition to the services listed above, High Touch provides consulting services to help companies make smart technology decisions. Contact us today to learn more.