Brandon Cross Technologies Blog

In March of this year, when the world went into lockdown everyone thought it would be a temporary measure, but now we are in October and the working restrictions do not seem to be coming to an end anytime in the near future.

This has therefore led to a time of reflection for many organisations, as temporary measures now have to be replaced with short- to medium-term permanent measures. Add to that the drawing to a close of many of the government financial incentives some difficult decisions are having to be made.

However, such reflection does not have to be a negative thing, as it offers an opportunity to ensure your business is running in as efficient a manner as it possibly can.

We live in a world of so-called ‘fake news’, misinformation and airbrushed lifestyles. In the workplace many entrepreneurs have side-hustles and live multi-hyphen lives meaning they are a Jack-of-all-trades, but in truth are a master of none.

This can put pressure on small to medium businesses to offer more to their clients than their skill sets, and capabilities allow in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Saying “I don’t know” in a response to a client’s question is seen as being a failure, meaning a general lack of skills or knowledge often gets glossed over.

However, admitting you don’t know something is not a sign of weakness but a strength; knowing when to say, “I don’t know” or “I can’t do that”.

Image source: Alpha Stock Images - http://alphastockimages.com/

Whether welcomed by everyone or not, home working has been the modus operandi of 2020, with the UK Office for National Statistics reporting that in April 2020 49.2% of working adults were working from home.

Many companies are now considering the benefits of continuing remote working after the end of the current crisis. With the right infrastructure in place there is no reason it cannot be beneficial for both employees and employers.

Software development outsourcing is an excellent option to access skills that you might not have available in-house. However, this resource is only effective if you are able to communicate clearly what it is you want the software to do.

Woolly, vague explanations will simply result in a piece of developed software that doesn’t reach your expectations. In situations like this, it can sometimes be difficult to tweak and alter the project and could result in a time-consuming and expensive rebuild.

So, how do you ensure your bespoke software is built to your specifications?

In April 2020 the UK’s Office for National Statistics announced that 49.2% of working adults were currently working from home due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Whilst this may be seen as good news for employees who have more flexible working hours and conditions and no commuting times, and for employers who potentially have a more productive workforce and reduced overheads, it has increased concerns regarding cybersecurity.

In today's massively connected world, almost every facet of your business will have an IT element. For that reason, it's more important than ever to keep your sensitive data safe and secure. Quality security systems are a critical part of this – threats can come from multiple sources, and it's vital to meet and deal with them as quickly and effectively as possible. But there's more to keeping data secure.

If you're asking yourself, "What are legacy systems anyway?", then read on. The term refers to any equipment or technology you're using that's outdated or no longer current. It can mean computer hardware that's no longer in production and is impossible to replace if it goes wrong. It can mean software that's been superseded by newer packages. It can also mean systems that don't comply with the latest standards for things like data security.

Project management can sometimes get sidelined, or seen as too expensive and time-consuming to be worthwhile. In fact, the truth is the opposite: it's neglecting project management that is costly. Effective project management keeps everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, brings together employees and clients, and unites a team under a vision for success. It leads to a lean, focused team that encourages efficiency and direction from all employees. Let's have a look at some specific tips:

Charities will have different requirements for software from commercial businesses, as financial reporting requirements differ in this sector. For example, it's vital for a charity to keep track of which donations to its cause have made use of Gift Aid and so know how much it can claim, and to report accurately on how restricted funds are being spent. Charities also need to know how much specific fundraising events have raised.

Gamification is the art of applying concepts and mechanics found in videogames and boardgames to applications designed for another purpose. Gamification in a business setting often takes the form of incentivising competition, attainment, and productivity. Users are encouraged to meet goals and beat challenges to receive rewards. While the rewards might be superficial or cosmetic (such as points, achievement badges, or customisable options for the program), gamification has been proven to help boost employee productivity and competitiveness.