Setting Up a Basic IT System

3. Business Benefits

With the right hardware and software, your IT can increase the efficiency of your business's internal operations. Always focus on what you want your IT to achieve for you, not just what hardware or software can do.

3.1 Email is a fast and inexpensive way of communicating with people including those in your business (see Email).

• Email is now at least as essential as post and fax, particularly for businesses selling to other businesses.

3.2 Word-processing software can help you to produce professional-looking documents and letters quickly and easily.

• Features such as automatic spell-checking can improve your accuracy and efficiency.

3.3 Accounting and payroll software can save time.

• Basic accounting software can simplify book-keeping and automate VAT returns and similar tasks.
• Payroll software makes paying staff easier, automating repetitive and sometimes difficult calculations.

3.4 Stock-control software allows you to predict buying or manufacturing needs to help drive efficiency, which in turn can provide customer-service benefits.

3.5 The Internet is a great source of business and market information. You can research market trends, customers and competitors.