Although clumps of tangled cables and cluttered workspaces were common back in the day, nowadays that’s virtually unheard of. Instead, modern businesses use Wi-Fi, a wireless networking technology that utilizes radio waves to provide high-speed internet.
Wireless networks are a key component of small- and medium-sized businesses operating in any industry. They speed up important daily tasks such as sending email from mobile devices, providing customer support while employees are away from their desk, and keeping track of shipments and inventory from the stockroom floor. And in a digital age that constantly seeks to improve work processes, Wi-Fi is getting better every day.
According to the AT&T Small-Business Poll, upwards of 66% of small businesses surveyed would find it extremely difficult to operate without wireless networks. That may seem obvious, but the underlying assumption that wireless networks haven't changed since their popularization a decade ago is a bit skewed. Take a look at how far the technology has come over the years:
Fueling mobile workforces
The biggest advantage of a wireless network is enhanced business mobility. As mobile devices become more common, employees need to be able to freely move around the office and access files, data, applications and other business resources from anywhere, at anytime.
As another example, Wi-Fi allows staff to hold video conferences without being tied to bulky hardware. When managed by an IT provider, office Wi-Fi networks are far more secure and efficient than the internet that comes with a $5 latte.
Improving responsiveness
Up to 84% of customers get upset when customer service agents are unable to resolve their issues due to a lack of information. Sometimes it's due to a complete lack of mobility when responding to calls and sometimes it's due to slow or unreliable Wi-Fi networks. Whatever the case, 13% of customers reported that they recount positive customer service experiences to 15 or more people. Wireless networks spare your business from reputational damage by eliminating time wasted searching through file cabinets and by providing staff with the information they need to quickly respond to and resolve clients’ issues.
Providing free Wi-Fi for customers
Up to 62% of business owners report that customers spend more time in their business facility when free Wi-Fi is available, increasing the chances of closing a sale. Although bandwidth and security limitations of yesteryear made customer Wi-Fi inadvisable, creating quarantined networks for visitors to freely connect to Wi-Fi helps you outpace the competition in terms of better service and a more customer-centric office.
Increasing productivity
Not only does wireless technology allow staff to share and access information on-the-go, it also fosters more collaborative environments, resulting in better products, services and workplace satisfaction. With the rise of managed BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, a growing trend whereby IT providers secure Wi-Fi networks so employees can use personal devices, businesses make it easier to get work done. BYOD policies also reduce operating expenses since companies won’t have to purchase computing devices.
Simplifying network expansion
As a business grows, so does its supporting resources, including its network. Companies that frequently add employees or undergo office reconfiguration would benefit from the flexibility afforded by Wi-Fi. Desks could be moved at whim, and new staff members could be seamlessly added to the network because cables don’t need to be rewired.
It’s crucial for businesses to constantly evaluate their resources. To determine which ones are making money and which ones are missing the connection. If you’re looking for a wireless network provider but aren’t sure where to start, call Founders Technology Group. Ride the invisible waves to the shores of success.