How IT Hardware Updates Can Improve Your Productivity

Since the financial crisis, the issue of productivity has dogged the whole UK economy. Experts have talked about the ‘productivity puzzle’ that has seen this country fail to improve in this regard, in contrast with other advanced economies.

The reason it has been seen as a puzzle is that there is no clear consensus over what the solution (or solutions) are. However, in some cases, there are some obvious ways in which firms can do more to work efficiently and generate greater income for the same amount of work.

For companies using a lot of IT applications, the introduction of new hardware to increase efficiency, speed up communications and enable functions to be carried out at greater speed offers a clear route to more productivity.

Hardware That Can Make A Difference

As AV Access notes, sometimes the simplest factor in determining productivity when using IT hardware is having a “cluttered or outdated” workstation.

Clutter means you are simply not using the physical space efficiently, whereas it highlights devices that improve productivity as being those that create greater physical comfort (enhancing concentration over long periods), help with multitasking, and ensure better and more reliable connectivity.

As such, obvious improvements might come with better Wi-Fi or remote connections to prevent downtime or disruption to functions, or simply enable you to juggle different tasks with less downtime or time wastage.

AV Access suggests five particular ways in which hardware can have a positive effect on productivity.

·       Dual and ultra-wide monitors: This enables workers to have split screens so they can juggle different functions, but also compare two documents at the same time, speeding this task up.

·       Ergonomic hardware: More comfortable and adjustable chairs, wrist-friendly keyboards and standing desks all add to comfort and enable people to work for longer without strains or distractions.

· High-speed network hardware: New and better routers and switches can increase IT efficiency by eliminating downtime when using data or holding online meetings.

·       Docking stations: These make it easier for hybrid workers to connect laptops to monitors without the need for lots of mobile devices

·       KVM docking stations: As above, but a more all-in-one solution to fit any laptop or monitor.

How To Work Out Your Hardware Priorities

These ideas are not the only suggestions for increasing efficiency and productivity. Tech Confident advises that before you choose particular devices, you take stock and assess what your needs are and where you should prioritise.

Such an assessment includes thinking about what sort of work your team does, what software they use, how many devices they need now and might need in the future, as well as whether you need items to help support people undertaking hybrid or remote working.

It went on to advise firms to consider issues of compatibility (no use buying new fancy gear if it doesn’t work with what you have), scalability (especially if you have ambitious growth plans that these new devices must fit with), IT security and cost.

This is quite a list to consider, but in doing so, you may accurately identify where your priorities lie and, therefore, what opportunities this presents for improving productivity.

When you have done this, have a look at our range of products to see which ones we can offer to make the difference at your firm and help you solve your productivity puzzle.