Amount it will take to set up a digital office

Almost everything we do revolves around binary systems of computing. Talk financial transactions, human-human communication, and so on…

Conclusively, we can say:

Any time we have one reason or other to get something thorough with, we will at one step of its execution require specific devices or solutions to be deployed in completing the task.

Although, it is quite understood that digital systems needed to solve any task no matter how complex it may be will vary across industries. Nevertheless, it is interesting to know here that there’s a converging point where everyone and all industries imaginable come to share the same very essentials of a digital system.

So, having a well set up digital office will require you to checklist on the following items in each category of a digital setting.

1. Data storage solution: what influences the budget

Just as we humans, there has always been a need for us to securely retrieve data and store data as at when it is most required of us.

From industry to industry, the capacity of storage devices that should be procured will largely depend on the organization’s strength and its nature.

  • On the organization strength:
    A multinationals company would need a more dedicated storage center to help bring about synergy around its centralized or decentralized departments across all its branches and sub ventures. While a new business owner may just require a 16 Gigabyte drive to save organization files, documents, and relevant day-day operation records.
  • On the nature of the organization:
    Businesses that are more data-centric like that of a bank will require storage solutions to store hundreds of terabytes of customer details, daily transaction records, log files, that should be in their control domain. This may not be the case for Agro related enterprises that may not need to handle as much data as that of the banking sector.

The core things to thoroughly think through here are

Datacenter: are the room spaces or buildings where an enormously huge size of data is stored and secured.

Cloud storage: They are similar to a data center in the sense of storage capacity and structures. However, they are usually accessible to several businesses that are more comfortable with their data being warehoused by a third party. So, whenever you need to store or retrieve data remotely, a cloud storage solution will serve you well.

Back up devices:
Are personal storage devices that are portable and more robust in handling data in a more convenient fashion.

2. Task and operational systems setup cost

The major functions of these utilities are to help perform the basic execution and to make the organization more productive.

The essential items most relevant here are

Desktop Computer: these are electronic devices designed to be stationed on a desk. They are used for creating, processing, editing, and transferring documents. They serve as a medium of conversation, networking, and project collaboration.

Laptop: the function of a laptop is just the same as a desktop. However, if your office is more about agility, then going for a laptop will be your best bet.

Printers: crucial documents or files may be required to be in a hard copy. When this is the case, printers are employed to print out a replica paper copy of the original digital version.

Scanner: Now, you’re faced with having a hard copy of an object to be made into a digital version. The best option you’ve got is to scan it. There are several forms of scanners. But the ones most relevant to a digital office are document scanner and barcode reader scanner.

It is also important to know here that most printers have document scanning functionality.

Projector: for regular official presentations, a projector does the job perfectly well

3. Networking and connectivity set-up

An office without an outside connection is likened to an office thinking inside the box. We can’t just begin to imagine a system completely brick-walled from speaking with another, or communicating with a printer, or accessing the resources of an external device… That’s just horror in the office! (I guess we’ve got us a film title coming up there)

So, to start making your office remotely meaningful to you in this digital era, the following utilities are things to be prioritized

Routers: these are indoor networking hubs to help interconnect your devices to one central base so as to make it more convenient to share resources with one another. They can be wired or wireless.

WiFi: are wireless accessories that can be used to link up devices with inbuilt wireless connectivity. With connections like this, a user can tap from the internet of another user having hotspot features. Most internet connection are now accessed through WiFi or MiFi (a more advanced form of WiFi)

Modem: are look-alike of USB flash drives. However, these dongles are designed to serve as an internet enabling device.

Dial-up Desktop Phone:
Who are really those still finding this useful these days when you can make use of your phone? Yes, they are desk office staffs that need to make use of official numbers to pass crucial information to staffs, supplier, and customers

Managers also find this useful when they have to communicate with other staff on the second floor as fast as possible. Although, Desktop phones as such can just be multiplex (in few cases), and that doesn’t make it less useful.

How relevant is smartphone to a digital office?

Essentially, phones are invented to make communication easy on a personal level. However, over the year, it has greatly seen a major upgrade in functionality. The phones we are now seeing have become smarter that they can make the work of a device with a single task almost redundant… Some of these devices that have become almost relegated are the camera, modem, e.t.c

Related: 13 superior advantages of iPhone smartphones over android

Although, it does not mean that these devices have become irrelevant due to the integration of their features into smartphones. No, that’s far from it. It’s just that smartphones are here to complement them.

In the aspect of cheapest internet connectivity and sharing of files with other devices, we can’t agree more that smartphones can serve as an excellent substitute to modem, WiFi, and desktop phone (to some extent).

4. Security system integration pricing plans

Assets without systems in place to be a watchdog over them is food waiting to be devoured by anonymous ghosts, vandals, and thieves.

It is interesting to now know that you can start securing your belongings by simply implementing a robust security outfit to counter any threat or future breach. It is important to clarify that security implementation can be physical or indirect. The physical aspect can involve employing security personnel or another mechanical approach, while the indirect aspect usually involves just the setup of a digital monitoring system.

The major components of this type of system are

CCTV camera: these are camera installed in a strategic location to help capture every event happening at the site of interest

TV set:
They’re just the big screen which aids in making it convenient to view several events happening at several CCTV locations at the same time.

Burglary alarm:
This is useful in ringing out very audible loud sounds to dissuade a robbery operation in progress. It is also useful in alerting the concerned victim or security agency of what is currently happening.

5. Management and power system setup plans

All tools, utilities, and accessories needed to set up a digital office are almost all electronics by nature, which implies that they will need a constant supply of power to function 24/7 without any form of interruption.

Aside from powering the digital systems of an office, there is also an effective management system you also need to put in place to maximize the benefit of a digitally inclined facility.

Here are the ones that can do justice to this area of importance

Generator: Although, generators may not be that eco friendly, but it is really that efficient for a backup power

Inverter: from the standpoint of end-users, inverters have invariably become the second choice to go with for electrical energy source.

Employee register: How about clocking down who comes late to work, who isn’t turning up to the office? That’s a great idea! Digital registers can make employees turn rate efficient.

Access control utility:
Level clearance is important for an institution prioritizing an excellent organized setting. And to be candid, you will find it more interesting to know how far technology has come to make this easy.

Cash counter: You deal more with cash? I got it, that’s just the nature of business you found yourself in… It can be stressful and time-consuming without making use of a cash counting machine designed to handle such a rather tedious task.

Management software:

are more business-oriented software suites you can access as a standalone or Software As A Service (SAAS).

Related: 9 ultimate reasons you should consider branding

You might still be wondering…

What is the difference between a standalone software suite and SAAS?

To clarify what distinguishes them from each other, one has to understand the relevance of SAAS technologies in optimizing for higher digital conversion.

When considering features the former affords an enterprise, we can conclude that in most cases, you only do a one-time payment. Although you may be required to pay a fee for the upgrade.

As regards the latter, you’re charged to access and make use of the software suite on a subscription basis. Renewal may be on a monthly or annual payment cycle. In most cases, SAAS solutions are cloud access level processed i.e every task is done at the server end.

CRM:
Is an acronym for customers relation manager. They are useful for managing teams collaborating on a project, organize the workflow of tasks assigned to employees, and to also coordinate the internal day to day operation of an organization

Account software: Taking stock of an organization’s assets is recommended on a daily basis. Doing this routine task daily has become hassle-free these days. A credit of accounting software.

Inventory and POS:
Products and services come in and go out. In a situation like this, there have to be proper checks and balances to ensure any single item is properly accounted for (even to the smallest needle you are selling). When you consider the time waste and human-prone errors, you can’t but acknowledge the beauty you find in deploying a sophisticated inventory and POS to get your business in shape and order.

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