Getting the most out of your IT budget: 5 tips to save you money

Budgeting is an integral part of business operations. Without it, you may not be able to adequately manage your finances. Within your budget, you should include any IT costs. Setting an IT budget can help you to choose services accordingly. However, it can be important to figure out how to make this money go further to maximise your services.

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Train your team

Your team can only make the most of your IT services if they know how to use them. While offering initial training for new starters is important, you might not want to overlook your more seasoned employees.

Training your team on the latest IT software and updates can help to save you money in the long run. If your employees know how to properly use your systems this can result in fewer issues and errors arising.

In addition to this, all members of the team may benefit from annual refresher training which can help to reinforce the proper working methodology of those systems. Any requests from your team for further training and guidance should be listened to, as these could affect how that individual performs.

When you’re paying for certain IT services and systems, training can allow you to get more for your money by enabling your team to use them to their fullest.

Utilise cloud services

One issue that many people run into can be a lack of storage space. Over time, your computer hard drive may slowly fill up with all of your documents and programs required. While these may be essential to your business, they can greatly impede PC performance.

A great workaround can be to use part of your IT budget to implement cloud services to store your documents, meaning only essential programs are kept on the machine itself. Cloud storage is included with Microsoft 365 packages for businesses, allowing you to curate those documents and store them remotely. This also makes it significantly easier for working remotely or on the move.

Within this, you can also set file permissions for different members of your company. This means that each individual’s cloud storage doesn’t get clogged up with irrelevant files, and only those who require access may be able to see certain items. When using cloud storage systems, it is vital that you set a secure yet memorable password to maximise security and prevent file loss.

Shop around

Whether you’re looking for IT support or some new parts, it may not always be a good idea to stick with the same supplier. Some companies may reward returning customers but a lot of the time you may be able to find cheaper deals elsewhere.

The time of year can also greatly impact the price of your IT parts, meaning you may need to use up more of your IT budget in some months than others. You may find it more lucrative to buy new parts around December, especially if you prefer to shop from major retailers.

It could also be beneficial to speak to your existing supplier if you find the same products cheaper elsewhere. Some may honour that cheaper price, allowing you to stick with a supplier you trust and get your items at a lower price.

Monitor performance

There are several ways you can monitor performance when it comes to IT.

Firstly, it can be good to look at your hardware. Running regular checks to see how each PC, laptop, tablet, and even business smartphones are performing can allow you to figure out when parts, or the entire system, may need to be replaced. Due to the cost of doing so, it is better to know as soon as possible so that can be factored into the remaining IT budget for the year.

Secondly, it can also be crucial to consider how your software is performing. Staying up to date with the latest technology can help you to remain competitive against similar businesses. However, if these systems aren’t being used to their fullest or bringing a positive impact to your business this could be money wasted. Cancelling any redundant plans and removing that software can save you money and space.

Review your IT budget regularly

Although this may require more work on your part, it is important that you regularly go through your IT budget to figure out where changes can be made. Costs and needs may vary each year, so you cannot simply assume that last year’s budget will be sufficient for the coming period.

Using both your previous expenses and expected outgoings this year you can create a new budget that will see you through the next 12 months. You may also want to categorise certain expenses based on whether they are needs or wants. This can help you to reduce costs and maximise your IT budget by avoiding any unnecessary outgoings.

Support with your IT budget

Your computer systems play a vital role in your daily operations. Therefore, you may want to give greater thought to how your money is spent. Utilising the IT Strategy Services offered by Syn-Star can enable you to make smarter financial decisions regarding your business IT.

Whether you need to figure out how to set an IT budget, or where your money is best used, Syn-Star can help you to maximise your potential and make the most out of the new technologies available.

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