Over the past 10 years there have been vast amounts of research by leading technology research agencies focused on telling businesses how much money they will lose if they don’t spend €xxx amounts on new technologies or new tools that are specifically technology focused.

I have no argument with improving one’s business, if there is direct evidence to prove that specific technologies will drive the business forward faster and quicker. I do, however, know from years of involvement with varying technologies that recommending a technology and making it work to one’s advantage are two very different propositions.

Here are a few pointers for small businesses, when either starting your business or developing it further, to bear in mind about installing or choosing a new piece of technology to utilise in your valuable business.

• What specific, and evidence based, purpose will it serve within your business and will it assist you in doing less, working faster and more efficiently and thereby freeing up your time to focus on developing and growing your business. If the answer is no, then think very carefully about why you are looking at this technology in the first place when it that could well prove costly.

• Will the technology impact your customers and make them have to do what it wants rather than you doing what serves the customer. Also bear in mind if your customers are at the behest of this technology then it had better be 150% fool proof or sooner or later the customer will tell you in no uncertain terms what they think of it, usually by going elsewhere.

• Do not believe what is written on product promotions, new technology can be expensive both in terms of time and cost to the business. Businesses today are no longer prepared to rip out old tools and install new ones without excellent justification, both in terms of cost, time, risk, efficiencies, benefits and ease of use.

• Do lots of research into your chosen technology before you buy it. Obtain independent advice and ensure that you receive a thorough understanding as to how the technology will work on a daily basis and specifically what tangible benefits it will produce short term and long term. Don’t just rely on the person promoting it or what their literature tells you. Read online reviews of the technology and then ask for clarification from the company.

• Ask for their references and if can speak to 2-3 people to whom they have supplied the product, then prepare a list of your most important questions and ascertain their experiences with the technology.

• Shop around for price and after sales service to ensure you get the best on both counts, unless the kit is bespoke and only produced by one company.

• From experience there are many different tools often accomplishing the same objectives. If you are in retailing its a good idea to attend some trade expos to understand new trends and know what you should be looking for in a new piece of vital technology. Utilise where appropriate, comparison research to understand specifically what you are getting and what you will not receive as this will assist you in making an informed decision.

• Finally everything is negotiable, work hard to obtain what you want at the budget you can afford.

If you're having trouble evaluation software Leaping Ahead are available to assist you to ensure that you spend your money wisely.

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