Photo by Bruno Kelzer on Unsplash
Whether you’re in the market for the latest and greatest fleet camera systems, tax preparation software, thermostats, or office equipment, it’s critical to seek modern versions of the products. Using outmoded goods in all four categories can lead to multiple problems, including angry customers, unsafe truck fleets, high energy costs, and aching backs. Try to be an informed shopper when investing in the tools that you use in the everyday operation of your company. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Fleet Camera Systems
Professionals who are responsible for overseeing the daily operation of vehicle fleets can’t afford to rely on outdated equipment, systems, procedures, or concepts. For that reason and many others, fleet managers turn to the latest camera systems for constant visibility into real-time operations. For most, that means using sophisticated NVRs (network video recorders) to get the job done.
What is that job? It consists of many components, including maximization of efficiency, always keeping drivers safe, and maintaining a high level of security for cargo and vehicles. However, it’s essential for supervisors and owners to know how to evaluate the products that are currently available. Diligent managers need features like top-line IP cameras, remote anytime access to recorded footage, the latest cloud-based storage systems, as well as VMS (video management system) capability.
Tax-Preparation Software
Tax preparation software has come a long way in the last decade. All of the top products for business use are highly sophisticated, help improve business finances, are more user-friendly than ever, and feature legal databases that can be constantly updated to stay abreast of ever-changing taxation law. Unfortunately, it’s easy for preparers and accountants who work for small firms to fall for low-cost, outdated offerings.
If you are looking for a tax prep software solution that can get the job done for your clients, be careful to ask reps about features like real-time connection to legal and government databases, user-friendly input, state and federal capabilities, scenario testing, and any other specific tools you need. Don’t fall for bargains that seem too good to be true and avoid using any product that was released more than one year ago and has not been updated since then.
Office Furniture
Independent owners and entrepreneurs tend to omit the category of office furniture when they make lists of innovative products. But for those who spend a significant amount of time sitting down, keyboarding, and working with computers in any fashion, ergonomic office chairs and tech-friendly furniture are a necessity. Outmoded goods can lead to eye strain, mental fatigue, neck soreness, long-term back problems, body aches, and postural difficulties. Too often, when owners decide to skimp on an expense category, they choose furniture because they mistakenly believe it doesn’t impact their bottom line. The good news is that the latest lines of ergonomic chairs, desks, and other furniture items are competitively priced.
Office Thermostats
If you haven’t shopped for thermostats in the past few years, get ready to be amazed. Not only has the technology advanced by great leaps, but prices have come down on some of the top-rated models. To avoid getting older versions of the devices, check online stores for the newest thermostats, paying careful attention to features, ease of installation, price, and consumer reviews.
On one of the largest retail websites, there are no fewer than 30 different models from an assortment of global manufacturers. Prices tend to be well under $100 for fully programmable thermostats that are suitable for practically any type of office. However, some listings receive uniformly low buyer ratings, include blurry photos, and don’t describe all the features in detail. Limit your search to four-star and five-star products that have at least 1,000 verified reviews. Likewise, only consider thermostats that are user-friendly and match your level of technical comfort.
