The computing era has seen technology rapidly transform business, and few businesses can operate today without investing in technology. However, many business owners and managers fail to realize just how much investing in the right technology can improve their operations, and investing the right way can lead to more effective management. Here are some ways to better manage your business by turning to technology.

Consider Cloud Computing

Traditionally, businesses would pay for powerful hardware and software licenses to get work done. Today, however, many are turning to cloud computing, which makes it easier to manage your software and hardware. Instead of investing in the latest office software, consider instead turning to online office programs, which typically have a monthly fee but allow you to work through a web browser. The cloud can go much further; cloud-based networking management, for example, can mitigate the need to invest in expensive networking hardware and spend time fixing problems that arise. Although cloud solutions often have ongoing fees, many businesses see substantial savings and improved efficiency when making the switch. Furthermore, cloud operations typically offer better speed and flexibility when compared to older solutions. Before settling on a traditional solution, check to see if there's a cloud option available.

Cut Back on Paper

The truly paperless office might remain a dream for some time, but many businesses can save money by moving to digital operations. Furthermore, cutting back on paper shifting throughout the office makes it easier to manage day-to-day operations. Again, cloud options can provide solutions: Cloud-based communication software can eliminate the need to send paper memos through the office. If your business regularly sends invoices to customers, consider providing an online-only invoicing option where you send out emails to customers who enroll. Keep track of your printing. Tools such as Print Audit provide a means to track all printing in your office, and examining this data lets you identify paper use than can be replaced by digital counterparts.

Communication and Collaboration Software

Often, the best way to manage your business is to delegate to other employees. Instead of having to meet with employees charged with particular tasks, consider using communication software to keep up with your employees during the day or week. Furthermore, collaboration software, which lets users work on documents simultaneously, eliminates the need for micromanaging parts of a project. When employees are able to communicate with a few clicks, they've often able to manage themselves more effectively than a boss ever could. The more employees are able to manage themselves, the more time you can spend on other management tasks. Furthermore, communication and collaboration programs let you gauge progress more easily, letting you spend less time asking for progress reports from employees.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

As anyone who runs a business knows, labor is expensive, and adding more employees to your business raises the management burden significantly. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence let businesses cut back on labor hours by automating a broad range of tasks. Historically, computers struggled to recognize patterns, but modern AI tools have proven far more powerful than their older counterparts, making them surprisingly capable at automating tasks. Analyzing your business operations is critical as well, and modern AI tools are great at finding information that traditional statistical methods would lose. Make sure to also look into the Internet of Things. By purchasing relatively inexpensive sensors, you can better manage your operations and find areas for improvement.

Managing a business is a difficult task, but new technologies make it easier than ever before. If you find yourself overwhelmed with managing your business, take a look at cloud solutions, automation and ways to move your operations from paper to computers. Empowering employees to manage themselves is a great way to use everyone's time more efficiently.