Business operations and workflow management has drastically improved thanks to advances in cloud computing. From virtual file storage to collaboration tools, a cloud-based IT infrastructure and more, key components of business administration have improved. No more on-site data storage rooms; forget the worries of losing precious and valuable data such as payroll, customer data, and digital files. Cloud technology is here to stay.
Furthermore, as Forbes contributor Joe McKendrick explains, “The potential of cloud computing extends far beyond the walls of the IT department, report’s authors, Dr. Saul Berman, Lynn Kesterson-Townes, Anthony Marshall, and Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, all with IBM, suggest. “Our survey results suggest that organizations are just beginning to understand the power of cloud to help drive business innovation. Only 16% of survey respondents currently utilize cloud for sweeping innovation, such as entering new lines of business or industries, reshaping an existing industry or transitioning into a new role in their industry value chain.”
Ultimately, improved business efficiency is the highlight of cloud service. So, if you haven’t yet fully embraced cloud technology here are a few examples of what you could be missing:
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Mobile Phone Workflow Opportunities
Cloud technology makes it possible for workers to review, edit, and complete assignments from smartphones or tablets. Most mobile phones are still not powerful enough to use for major software downloads that require a lot of disk space and CPU memory. Thanks to cloud storage, mobile phone users can quickly run applications that don’t need to be downloaded onto internal device storage. With touch screen technology, mobile phone and tablet users can easily make useful inputs for projects involving scribbling, drawing and other similar virtual impressions. The cloud can also store advanced graphic editing software that would otherwise be too burdensome on mobile platforms.
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Payroll Management Efficiencies
Your payroll department can efficiently compensate all employees thanks to cloud services. For instance, ADP.com (a payroll services, employee benefits administration and human capital management solutions provider) is a good example of just how many companies are starting to incorporate cloud services. Linked to cloud-based databases, automatic attendance systems are programmed to report the number of hours each employee completes in a given time frame. Managers can then remotely access time clock information and electronically transfer salaries into bank accounts of workers. Cloud technology can also be used to generate virtual payment stubs to be viewed by employees for personal reference. Such technology eliminates the need to mail out paper pay stubs multiple times per month, cutting down on internal administration costs.
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Remote Working Capabilities
Cloud technology creates a continuous time clock for employees to complete projects and tasks. For example, if an employee leaves the office on a Friday evening, they can still work on time-sensitive assignments without physically being in the workplace. The flexibility of project deadlines may be necessary in various industries. Meanwhile, employees might take advantage of the opportunity to finish cloud-based projects and earn bonus compensation for overtime, when applicable.
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Decreased IT Costs
Cloud services help businesses minimize costs on IT operations. For instance, there is no need to install in house servers and hard drives when cloud based storage is used. Virtual storage of files also eliminates stacks of paper documents that take up important physical space in an office. Files that are organized virtually in the cloud can be accessed from any Internet enabled device. By contrast, traditional local area networks in offices only allow computer users within a physical boundary to access files.
This article has been edited and condensed.
Chaleigh Glass is an NYC-based freelance writer and e-commerce entrepreneur. She writes about anything from small business marketing techniques to how to spice up your love life, or how to live off the grid. In her spare time she likes to golf, snowboard, and take lifestyle photos.
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