A business's IT practices are crucial to its smooth operation. We are increasingly integrating technology into our personal and professional lives, so ensuring your IT practices serve your business well is critical. There are many ways you can streamline your IT practices, and it is vital to regularly review and improve where possible.

Technology can change day to day, so keeping up to date on the latest trends and best practice is key. This article will explore some of the best ways that small business can streamline your in-house IT practices and see incredible results throughout your business.

1. Work with a trusted IT partner

The number one tip would be to work with a trusted IT partner and outsource as much as you can. There will come a point as a small business where the costs and time of managing your IT yourself are outweighed by bringing on a trusted supplier freeing you to work in and on your business. It is my experience that finding a partner that can grow with you as your needs grow will reap long term rewards.

2. Centralise Your Business Communications

Centralising communications can boost collaboration in the workplace. Important information can fall through the cracks when a business uses multiple communication platforms. It is far more efficient for your employees to have one centralised communication platform for each type of communication needed.

For instance, you could choose an instant messaging platform, a video conferencing platform, and an email provider. This way, your employees will only need to check one place for various types of communication.

3. Provide High-Quality Training

Educating your team about what is expected of them in terms of IT is crucial. This should include comprehensive cyber security training. For the technology you use in your business to be most effective, your team will need to understand the best ways to use it. Whenever you implement new practices, ensure you educate your team thoroughly to empower them to make the best use of them.

4. Use A Quality Security Management System

Choosing an overarching security management framework can be a fantastic way to streamline your practices. You should use a framework that is internationally recognised and utilised to get the best results. ISO 27001 is a widely used system that standardises cyber security within a business. There are companies that can help you to implement ISO 27001. High Table is an excellent example of what to look for, offering ISO 27001 Templates to make implementation easy and effective.

5. Update Your Equipment Regularly

Keeping your technology updated is crucial to ensure it runs smoothly. IT best practice is updated every day, as is the most cutting-edge hardware and software available. It is vital that you keep things updated to get the most out of them. You should do careful research to identify the best replacements for hardware and software. It may help to consult an IT expert to help you make the best choices.

6. Make Best Use of The Cloud

Cloud computing can be a game-changer for any business. It allows instant access to important documents and information wherever you are and is particularly beneficial for companies with multiple locations or remote workers. You should choose a reputable provider to ensure your data is secure.

7. Review Processes Regularly

Reviewing your processes is critical to getting the best out of them. You will need to be agile and change with the times to get the most out of your IT practices. It is a good idea to review your IT processes every month. It may help to subscribe to publications that will give you the latest information to inform your processes. There are many journals, magazines, blogs, and websites dedicated to bringing the latest in technology to businesses of all industries.

Author: Stuart Barker | Director at High Table the ISO 27001 Company: https://hightable.io