8 Ways Smart Technology Can Improve Your Productivity in the Office

Did you know that 93% of businesses use a smart technology feature? Staying up to date with recent technology can boost your productivity and fuel employee engagement.

Smart technology is the new way to improve business operations by supporting task management among employees and developing leadership skills in managers. Essentially, by leveraging smart technology to automate repetitive tasks, teams are able to concentrate on larger projects for longer periods of time to improve general productivity.

Being productive is what keeps the business functioning. Employees need to have a smooth workflow that allows them to manage tasks effectively. One way to do that is by implementing technology systems that automate, streamline and upgrade basic processes like data reporting and customer support ticketing to provide staff with more time to focus on complicated tasks. 

In this article, we provide 8 ways that smart technology can improve your productivity.

What is smart technology?

Smart technology refers to the self-monitoring, analysis and reporting technology that people can use to enhance business operations. This technology revolves around artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer software that cuts out the need for manual processing.

There are three types of smart technology that improve efficiency in the workplace:

• Internet of things (IoT) devices: A network of devices that use sensors, data, chips, software and processing abilities to connect or exchange data with other technologies. This example holds substantial value for people in supply chain management, smart buildings and customer service due to the increasing business opportunities.
• Smart-connected devices: These devices are controlled via remotes, Bluetooth or the internet. You can use physical products to earn greater convenience and control. Some examples include smart physical security IoT, smartphones, smart bulbs and smart cars.
• Normal smart devices: Regular smart devices use simple commands to offer unique personalized services. Certain interactive technical gadgets are used in everyday objects like coffee machines since this equipment doesn’t require an internet connection.

8 ways productivity increases from using smart technology

Data suggests that a growing number of business owners believe smart technology to be important to their operations, with 84% of small-business decision makers believing that investing in the right technologies will prepare them for the future. This is because everyone has the chance to grow their productivity using new software and task management systems. Below are some ways that smart technology can improve your productivity in the office.

1. Encourages more collaboration

There’s nothing better than having comprehensive brainstorming sessions that allow employees to share ideas. Smart technology, whether that’s note-taking systems or open-source editors, can instantly boost collaboration and improve work productivity during bigger projects.

Many smart tools also revolve around Google Meet, Zoom and Slack. This means teamwork is constantly operational no matter where team members are located.

You should use more collaborative technology to improve day-to-day productivity levels. Plus, you can ensure your entire workforce can stay engaged and motivated.

2. Supports project management

People are more productive when they understand their roles and responsibilities in a project - one person can focus on task A while the other completes task B and there’s no confusion about who’s doing what and how long they have to finish the whole project as a team.

Poor project management ultimately leads to failed productivity. Employees are bound to get frustrated and unmotivated as well, so it’s important to implement the right smart technology.

Consider task-handling systems that provide clear deadlines and delegations. Your productivity will quickly increase once you understand project requirements.

3. Automated time tracking

A business that uses time cards and manual timesheets is missing out. This time tracking method encourages more internal theft that costs businesses $50 billion a year.

Instead, automated time tracking decreases the probability of internal theft and actually saves time for HR managers who roll out payments.

You can gain insights into how the workforce is performing and how much time you’re spending on each project throughout the day. This allows for stronger project planning, leading to better employee productivity overall.

NVR for security cameras allows you to store digital video information to confirm time tracking details. Using video technology can improve your time tracking processes and keep your employees accountable, allowing your HR team to observe how employees are using their time.

4. Maintains open communication

Smart technology keeps lines of communication open for all team members. The more employees can communicate, the more productive they become.

Cloud and mobile technologies can help the team stay connected, even when people aren't in the office. Most cloud-based programs keep you engaged with colleagues by receiving phone calls via the internet instead of using traditional phones that don’t pick up a good enough signal.

5. Simplifies small tasks

People do small, mundane tasks that take a few minutes. Once they’re completed, they never think about them again, but what you don’t realize is that the time adds up every month. Smart technology can reduce this unnecessary time and simplify tasks in a matter of a few seconds.

For example, there are password management systems that grant team members access without the constant need to fill in passwords every minute. Additionally, visitor management systems can be used to automatically sign guests into businesses without manual paperwork.

Other small tasks that can be improved with smart technology include:

• Automated customer support: AI chat bots and algorithms can be developed to provide automated responses to frequently asked questions
• Accounting: Repetitive tasks like payroll, filling out expense reports and bank reconciliation processes can all be automated to reduce staff workloads
• IT: Numerous IT tasks can be automated using smart technology including scheduling system updates, backing up files, completing data entry and managing support tickets

This increases your productivity since you don’t have to pester others for information. Some smartphone features like reminders and to-do lists also ensure you’re getting to tasks right away without feeling lost in the office.

6. Provides more education

There are staff development systems that encourage employees to improve their skills. You can take leadership programs or basic productivity tests when sitting at the computer. Learning management software empowers team members to grow their knowledge and specific talents.

7. Allows strategic planning

Strong time management ensures everyone manages their workload effectively. Certain applications can help you set goal times for each task to keep you on track. Planning your goals for each day encourages more motivation and accountability when completing projects.

Managers are also using time-based software to see how each employee is performing. This helps them to see what tasks are priorities and need more team effort.

8. Improved employee engagement

Almost 50% of workers claim that using the right technology improves their productivity, with over 20% stating they’d be more inclined to stick with their employer if they’re provided with smart technology to improve their jobs. Improving employee engagement and productivity in this way can have a direct impact on how staff work and manage their time between tasks.

Smart technology has engagement tools like surveys, polls, and open anonymous feedback channels to give people the recognition they deserve.

Even sending funny or cute pictures via smartwatches can increase business morale.

Final thoughts

Smart technology can help boost employee engagement and improve workflow among team members. Integrated software and open-source applications are just simple ways of promoting long-term productivity in the team. Make sure the business has operations that automate, streamline, or upgrade when it comes to task management and projecting planning.