As a entrepreneur, your efforts should be spent on developing your operations and seeking new opportunities. By exploiting smart workplace technologies a startup can effectively manage the workplace, drive productivity, improve customer experience, boost security as well as free up invaluable time for developing new ventures.

Innovative technology and the internet of things (IoT) are not only making businesses more resilient to market fluctuations, they’re also being used to develop safety and security systems. QuoteMyEnergy has identified ways startup owners can benefit from smart technologies to overcome their adversities.

• Communication - “Communication helps relations” - For internal and client contact, utilising online communication platforms like Slack or Skype can help in everyday communication to ensure fellow workers are kept well informed about, feedback, updates and news.


• Customer Service - Providing exemplary customer service is central in building an organic relationship with your customers and clients. By using an automated platform such as Chatbot (free - £8 per month), you can direct clients/customers to the department they require.


• Task Management - Handling various tasks daily can become taxing and when combined with inadequate planning, can lead to slower productivity as well as sub-stand work. The Amazon Echo is a perfect way of taking back control of your schedule, as it has a reminder system built-in with task management functions, which corresponds directly to the Wunderlist task management app. Through the Echo you have access to your Wunderlist task list, to find out what is expected, overdue plus add tasks.


• Tracking analytical data - The intent of tracking data is to evaluate how your company is running at a more comprehensive level. We found that a percentage of businesses make the blunder of not tracking enough data or none at all. Varying from £34.99 to £49.99, the Amazon Echo, allows you to monitor data, news and logistics for your site. The device has the ability to draw in real time data from Google Analytics.


• Unexpected Energy Bills - Abrupt energy bills can mean that your companies finances are stretched. Installing smart tech like smart plugs or lighting, allows you oversee your energy consumption and manage the flow of energy to your devices.


• Security - There’s nothing is worse than having equipment or confidential files stolen or lost. This creates a problem in itself, furthermore it stems other issues such as; updating passwords, recovering lost data and replacements. Smart Locks (£20 - £200) assure that your items stay secure, by only giving access to who you allow authorisation. Some smart locks need a bluetooth connection from your phone while, others may require a FoB or a keyless contact from your smartphone.


• Time Tracking - It’s vital that businesses are able to diagnosis how and where time is being spent. Toggl and Tick are both tracking softwares. Tick is favoured for big projects that require you to manage a budget. Whereas, Toggl allows users log their offline time, syncs their data and can be used on Android and iOS.


• Managing Cash Flow - Major worries amongst businesses are clients staling payments, surprising outgoings or outstanding bills. So it’s vital that you’re able to audit your capital flow. Float (free - £199) and Pulse (Free - £199) are both cash management tools. Float provides you with a forecast tool, which shows your future bank balance, without the use of spreadsheets - it also allows connectivity with other accounting software. Whereas, Pulse, simplifies monitoring your finances by generating reports and tracking your income as well as expenses.


• Storing Data - The way your business determines how to store data is central to how you work in or around the workplace. Using cloud storage assures that you have access to all your files, anywhere. Inasmuch, a portable data storage unit like NAS system, provides you with large amount of data storage space and extra security.


• Transaction Methods - Being aware of which transaction methods are best for both your clients/ customers and business can be beneficial. Ranging from free - £2,000, every startup is able set up a secure payment channel. Some platforms are ready for you to set up transactions options such as Magneto or Shopify. Whereas, others like Toast is a POS System, which allows your customers to pay via tablets or smart phone and also generates a receipts. Another payment technical solution is contactless, which includes contactless cards, Android pay and Apple pay.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of where and what type of smart tech tools to apply and exploit can give your startup the competitive-edge it needs to not only survive but thrive.

You can see all the small business problems and smart tech tools which can help here.