Technology is developing like never before, and with so many new gadgets being introduced all the time, it can be hard to keep up! New devices are generally cost-efficient in the long run, save us time, and help us to be more productive, in both our personal and professional lives. From complicated gadgets to workwear such as waterproof salopettes, advancements in technology continually deliver better equipment.

Additionally, the changing landscape is compelling businesses to reassess the essential equipment they need to satisfy their customers. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional businesses have at least tried to go online, many have introduced cashless payment methods, but there are others that continue to struggle because they were too late to react to new trends.  

8 Essential Pieces of Equipment You Never Knew Your Business Needed

Don’t get left behind – instead, take a look at these 8 essential pieces of equipment your business needs in 2022.

 1. Contactless Card Machines

Before 2020, most businesses could do without contactless payments. However, cashless payments have now become the top priority of most customers in the context of the ongoing pandemic.

In today’s hyper-vigilant world, consumers look for zero-contact services. We’re now aware that objects and surfaces touched by large numbers of people can harbor not just the COVID virus, but a range of other germs. Payment technology has stepped up to the plate, offering a range of payment options that customers can use without touching anything at all.

Depending on your business’ needs, you can select from a variety of card machines including portable machines, mobile machines, countertop card machines, and contactless card machines. Embracing the latest contactless technology will make your customers feel safe and encourage more sales.

2 . Integrated Software Suites

Gone are the days when you used one program for data management, another for invoicing, and yet another for creating documents and preparing presentations. 

The latest software suites integrate different processes in real-time, allowing your team to handle multiple functions concurrently. Staff can use the same software package to update and share files, compile reports, create invoices, manage inventory, and more.

You can either opt for a pre-built suite or have one customized to your business requirements.

Here are some of the best pre-built integrated software suites currently available:

•   Google Workspace
•   Microsoft 365 Personal/Microsoft Office Professional
•   Zoho Workspace
•   Apple iWork

This saves a lot of time as the staff doesn’t have to shift from one format to the next, sorting files and organizing them manually. The suite itself organizes everything efficiently and team members can easily update and review the latest version. This makes work much more efficient, freeing your team up to work on projects and innovations that will help to make your business more successful.

3.. Multi-Function Printer

Don’t overlook the importance of a multi-function printer! This handy piece of office equipment can handle multiple tasks, including scanning and photocopying in addition to printing documents. You can connect your multi-function printer to the local network so that multiple systems can use the equipment at the same time.

This means that you don’t need a separate desktop printer at every workstation, greatly reducing your outlay on equipment. With this in mind, you may want to compare the cost of printer leasing with the cost of buying equipment outright, to see if you can further reduce expenditure. The best thing about these high-end machines is their exceptional speed and quality, offering a far superior performance to most conventional printers.

4. Projector

Even if your business is delaying your return-to-office plans, now is the perfect time to prepare your office for your staff’s eventual return to onsite work. Presentations and meetings are still very important, and clients and teams expect you to have the last equipment like high-quality projectors.

Presenting with a projector will clarify important points and make things more understandable for your staff attending the meeting from home. You can also opt for a large LED TV since its picture quality is top class and this type of equipment has the least glare and reflection. You can make use of the TV’s HDMI ports, alternatively, casting technology lets you wirelessly connect different devices.

5. Branding Equipment

If you run an e-commerce business or any other business which deals with orders and shipping, mailing equipment is a must. This is a growing need for many businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since the start of the pandemic, many businesses which previously operated purely as physical store has moved to online orders. Others have stepped up their online operations to meet growing needs.

Although online orders offer a wealth of opportunities for all kinds of business, from retail to catering companies. However, outsourcing packaging, label printing, and envelope engraving can be expensive. Alternatively, you can make use of mailing equipment to easily dispatch mail and packaging.

The best mailing equipment also offers opportunities for exceptional branding. After all, packaging and envelope presentation will be your customer’s first impression of your brand – so don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a good impression! You can use packaging and mailing to not only look professional but also convey your brand story and values.

6. Order & Invoice Printer

If you are selling products online, you also need a way to handle your orders and invoices, and simple printing receipts is not enough! Running an eCommerce business involves stock control, order management, and accounts. 

Maintaining proper order and invoice documentation is an essential part of keeping good records, which is in turn critically important to running your business well. Luckily, you can take advantage of all-in-one printing apps and machines to take care of multiple tasks including invoicing and accounts management.

If you have a store on Shopify, you can use the Shopify Order Printer application which lets you easily print traditional packing slips, invoices, and receipts for all your orders. Better still, you can use the app to make custom templates, though you’ll require experience with liquid and HTML to be able to do this. This technology keeps your accounts up to date and greatly reduces the time you have to spend checking and verifying orders and invoices.

7. External Hard Drive

It’s important to keep safe and secure records in your business. The days of filing cabinets full of documents and files are long gone, and these days all our records are kept on computers. 

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that their safe: computers are vulnerable to viruses, equipment failure, and even theft. You don’t want to lose your important and sensitive business data to any of these culprits, so backup is essential.

You essentially have two options when it comes to data storage: store your data in the cloud, or back it up physically. Cloud storage is a reliable, secure, and convenient way to store your business’ confidential data. On the other hand, it can be expensive, depending on the amount of data you need to store.

Arguably, the best practice is to pair cloud storage with physical backup. Larger businesses may need a server to store all their data, by smaller businesses can usually get by by using an SSD or external Hard Drive. 

Physical storage options are affordable and convenient, but they do come with security concerns. Make sure to always store your backup drives securely to protect your business and your client’s confidential information.

8. Air Quality Sensor

Many businesses are now realizing the importance of monitoring air quality. Having this sensor on your premises will not only protect your staff and visitors but also gain your customers’ trust. As people become increasingly health-conscious, they’re more aware of why air quality is so important.

Indoor air can contain a range of toxins and pathogens, from dust and pollutants to radon. Contaminants can come from sources inside such as construction in the building, or be brought in from outside through air conditioning systems. In either case, harmful particles can build up inside and accumulate to dangerous levels which can cause health issues such as respiratory illnesses over the long term.

That’s why an indoor air quality sensor is so important – it will notify you when contaminants reach concerning levels so that you can address the issue immediately. 

Building a reliable real-time air quality monitoring system is relatively inexpensive and represents a good long-term investment. You can buy Open-Source Single Board Computers such as Raspberry Pi, sensor chips, and OLED modules to build your own, affordable system.

Final Thoughts

Problems have always inspired new inventions, from the stone age to today, and this ensures continual advances in technology. These days, technology is developing faster than ever before, with new innovations being released all the time. These innovations make our lives easier and help businesses to be more efficient and more effective.

Whether you run a large company or a small eCommerce business, keeping up with the latest advances in technology is essential. Old and outdated devices will not help you to be competitive. Instead, adopting the latest equipment and applications will make you more productive, more efficient, and ultimately more successful. Keep an eye on the latest trends and be the first to gain the edge over your competitors. 

Additional reading:

• Basic Office Equipment Every office needs To Have
• What Type of Equipment is Needed to Accommodate Employees with Hearing Impairment?
• These 4 Technology Trends Could Reshape Construction In 2021