5 Tips for Picking Startup Tech Equipment

One of the best ways to prepare a startup for success is to choose the best tech equipment. Investing in the proper equipment now allows your business to increase its productivity and reach customers exactly where they are now.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best tech equipment for your startup.

1. Create a Tech Budget

Startups are usually on tight budgets. Short- and long-term plans often factor into the decision when purchasing equipment for a startup. As such, startups need to carefully construct a budget. This budget allocates enough funds for tech equipment and supplies.

A tech budget estimates costs for tech equipment. This budget will vary depending on the work that the business does. Using this budget, you may explore which options are available to your small business. For example, you may find your budget allows you to purchase new equipment. Or you may consider renting equipment. The budget for every startup will vary. In short, be sure you understand exactly how much you are able to spend on tech equipment and supplies.

2. Determine What Each Department Needs

Each department in your startup will have different tech equipment needs. Here are a few common tech essentials.

• Communications. This includes equipment like smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, and tablets. In addition, it refers to compatible WiFi, audio visual tools, and conferencing equipment.
• Internet. Your startup needs to connect to high-speed WiFi. Determine which local network provider is best for your business. In addition to internet, you’ll need to seek out options for ethernet cabling, modems, and routers.
• Software. Various types of software help businesses to better manage every aspect of their company, from accounting to database management.
• Servers. A private server can safely store confidential company data and information.
• VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows for the delivery of voice communications over the internet. VOIP lets startups and their employees make and take calls from anywhere in the world. (In addition, it’s also a good idea to invest in a business telephone service system. Similarly, a local landline should be part of your tech equipment roster.)
• Backup Hard Drives. Do not rely on cloud storage alone. Regularly back up important information and files on a physical hard drive.

While some departments will have similar tech equipment needs, remember that the needs of every department are different. Avoid investing in outdated tech. Make sure the tech you invest in is updated and works well.

3. Conduct a Tech Audit

What’s a tech audit? A technology audit allows you to understand which tech equipment your startup needs most. Therefore, this allows you to better pick out the right products and software for the business.

Consider hiring a consultant who can help you assess your startup’s needs objectively. Having a third-party offers a better perspective. This helps entrepreneurs better determine the types of tech equipment they need that will help the business succeed.

4. Enlist Tech Support

In addition to getting a tech audit, remember to enlist tech support.

Hire a member of the IT team that may be able to assist with installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting as necessary. Make sure each member of your team gets the chance to meet with the tech team. If there is a process for addressing issues, such as submitting a ticket, ensure that each team member understands how to reach out accordingly to report any issues or problems.

5. Determine a Backup Plan

What happens if the startup faces a natural disaster or a business interruption that leaves the startup in flux? A backup plan, ideally a recovery strategy, must be put into place about what happens next.

Here are a few aspects to consider in a tech backup plan.

• Creating a disaster fund. The startup needs a cash reserve. This should be about three to six months’ worth of operating expenses. This fund helps cover expenses in the event of an income interruption.
• Backing up important documents. Back up documents in more spaces than the cloud and a physical hard drive. In addition, keep hard copies of these files in another, off-site business location.
• Create a tech emergency kit. Think items like backup batteries and power supplies. In addition, include hardware, chargers, and cloud storage capabilities.

In short, once you create a backup plan run through the recovery strategy with the rest of your team. This ensures everyone knows what to do. In conclusion, everyone will be fully prepared and able to overcome any hurdles.

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