5 Ways to Future-Proof Your Business With Technology

The way we work has significantly changed in the past decade due to workplace trends and technology advancements. Most would agree that the most significant changes occurred in 2020 when the COVID-19 crisis brought about years of change in the way companies in all sectors and regions do business. Employers were caught off guard by the pandemic and scrambled to shift their workforce efficiently to a remote environment.

COVID-19 presented an opportunity – and a need – for many companies to build digital competencies. According to McKinsey Global, the impacts of the global crisis on businesses have led executives to recognize the strategic importance of technology as a critical component of an organization, and not just a source of cost efficiencies. 

Many employers are looking at digital transformation to future-proof their businesses. They are implementing technologies to make their organizations agile, so when unforeseen changes occur in the future, the business will be ready to adapt. 

Here are 5 ways to future-proof your business using modern technology:

1. Go paperless

Moving from hard copies to digital ones enables your employees to easily access everything at their fingertips. With a remote workforce, digital collaboration tools make it easier to conduct teamwork, plan and transfer information faster. Paperless accounting is huge and allows companies to send and receive invoices, payments, and handle general accounting functions without the risk of losing, misfiling, or mislabeling financial paperwork. Going paperless puts all of your content online, instead of having the bulk of documents in your workplace.  Plus, it’s good for the environment.

2. Reimagine the day-to-day work process

Nothing compares to having work processes that save time and increase efficiency. Business functions like onboarding new employees or resolving everyday customer-service issues are made up of hundreds of smaller processes, such as opening a service ticket or submitting a laptop request for approval. By identifying which existing processes would benefit from a digital overhaul, your employees will have an easier time keeping track of things and working more efficiently.

3. Leverage automation

Running a business in today’s competitive world requires gaining an advantage and operating efficiently. To support your growing business and unique process, businesses need the ability to integrate and automate critical applications whether they’re in the cloud, on-premise, or on-device. By leveraging an integration platform – such as Claris Connect – businesses can orchestrate tasks and create highly efficient, streamlined workflows. 

4. Invest in customized software for scalability

According to research by Accenture, one of the main reasons digital initiatives don’t succeed is that they don’t scale adequately beyond initial pilot projects. It’s important to plan how the technology you use will grow with your business. Customized software solutions can scale to account for the current and future requirements of your company.

5. Make cybersecurity a priority

The threat of cyber attacks against modern businesses is increasingly relevant both inside and outside of the office. Particularly in today’s work-from-home environment, employees are working in a variety of unsecured locations, presenting business-sensitive data to a plethora of potential cyber threats. Cybersecurity strategies should include antivirus, encryption, software updates, and vulnerability scanning on mobile devices as well as mobile-specific security awareness training for relevant employees. 

 

Even when you know future-proofing your business is essential, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options offered on the market or get caught up in pursuing “the next big thing,” Before investing in or upgrading your business technology, it’s helpful to assess your current operations and identify the needs that most impact your organization.

FUSION OF IDEAS’ Solutions Mapping Services does just that. Whether you have a full technology plan but need help refining the strategy, or you need step-by-step guidance on how to begin your digital transformation journey, we can help. For a free initial consultation, contact us at 949.453.0740.

The HomePod mini and AirPods Max Brand Experience

Two new Apple products have taken the music listening experience by a storm: HomePod mini and AirPods Max. These devices feature room- and ear-filling sounds, and are the latest technology in the Apple product lineup. 

Doing what they do best, our production and design teams used our laser and direct printing process to create brand experiences for the devices.

HomePod mini

HomePod mini is the latest smart speaker that packs a punch with its unique design and powerful sound. The device can be personalized on the display top using direct color print on clear StealthArmor, a fitted protective film that offers a semi-permanent branding solution. 

AirPods Max

We use laser etch for permanent branding of artwork or your company logo directly on the aluminum cups on the over-ear headphones. For gifting, we offer a custom device sleeve that fits snugly over the original device box, personalized insert cards and custom gift wrap.

Check out the AirPods Max unboxing experience:

For more gifting ideas, visit www.fusionofideas.com/gifting.

2020 Holiday Gifting Highlights

Customized wireless earbuds…smart speakers…UV smartphone sanitizers… wireless phone chargers…

Personalized insert tags with thoughtful messages from company leadership…

Individual shipping of gifts directly to recipient’s doorsteps…

 

These are just some of the creative and thoughtful gifting projects we worked on over the holiday season. We continue to be inspired by our clients.

Click on the video below to see a few highlights from our 2020 holiday gifting season.

For more on our Corporate Gifting program, visit www.fusionofideas.com/gifting.

Tablets That Bring Hope to Teens

“…He wasn’t thinking about gaming or social media. He was just relieved to know that he would no longer have to struggle to find a way to complete his online school work.” 

Toys for Hospitalized Children gifts Apple iPad with customized content to a teen patient at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Mich.
Toys for Hospitalized Children gifts Apple iPad with customized content to a teen patient at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Mich. Photo credit: Toys for Hospitalized Children

This testimonial came from the director of child life services for Hurley Children’s Hospital in Michigan after gifting a personalized Apple iPad to an in-patient teen through the Toys for Hospitalized Children’s Tablet for Teens program.

In addition to the tablet itself, the teen was also gifted with a subscription to Hulu, which he can watch movies on his iPad to keep him entertained while in the hospital. He was thrilled to be able to easily access his school work and stay connected with friends. 

This year, Toys for Hospitalized Children is prepared to give several iPads to teens at Hurley Children’s Hospital. Home and lock screens are customized on each tablet with the organization’s eye-catching logo.

“We began the Tablets for Teens program last year and saw first-hand how much the teens’ moods and spirits were lifted through the gifts we brought,” said JJ Hecht, president at Toys for Hospitalized Children. “The teenage demographic can often be overlooked when it comes to visits and presents in the hospital. Because of this, we are inspired to give more and this year, we customize the tablets to make them more personal.”

Toys for Hospitalized Children has partnered with more than 70 hospitals throughout the country to bring happiness and healing to children suffering from illness. Through their Tablet for Teens program, the Flint, Mich.,-based nonprofit organization helps teenagers “cope through scary, painful or stressful experiences” through gifts that keep them entertained and connected.

Customized home and lock screens were customized on tablets to offer a personalized experience.
Customized home and lock screens were customized on tablets to offer a personalized experience.
Recipient of Toys for Hospitalized Children's Tablets for Teens program in 2019.
Recipient of Toys for Hospitalized Children’s Tablets for Teens program in 2019. Photo source: Toys for Hospitalized Children

7 Habits of a Thoughtful Gift-Giver

If you’re wondering whether or not a corporate gifting program is appropriate for this odd year, the answer is yes! 

In today’s times of working from home and virtual conferences, it’s more important than ever to create personal connections and engage your clients and employees. They want to know they are being thought of and that they are appreciated. 

For many businesses, planning the annual corporate gifting program can be stressful. There are many things to consider such as budget, the gift itself, and even the logistics of how gifts will be delivered, particularly since the workforce may be remote this year.

But it’s important to remember that in corporate gifting, the gift itself is never the principal message. Rather the gift is a tangible asset that helps communicate the message of appreciation, thoughtfulness and connection. It’s not surprising to hear that when recipients note a business gift as memorable, the gift’s return on investment increases by 40 percent

As we enter this gift-giving season, we want to share 7 habits of thoughtful gift-givers to help your company stand out from the crowd:

Plan ahead.

Simply put, don’t wait until the last minute to plan and execute your corporate gifting program. There are two main benefits to planning ahead: you have more gift options to choose from and you save on budget by not having to utilize rush shipping. If you haven’t gotten started on your gifting program this year, begin now.

Don’t focus on the cost.

Consider how much you routinely spend taking a client out for a nice meal or entertainment. Yet, when it comes to gifts, businesses tend to figure out how little they can spend. Particularly since many companies are forgoing large holiday gatherings this year, use that budget toward “first-class” gifts for your employees and VIP clients.

Consider the usefulness of the gift.

A practical gift is one that shows thoughtfulness because it can be used year-round. Our best advice: Avoid poor-quality items that can easily break or one-time use products and your gift will be repurposed throughout the year! 

Make it personal.

If you prefer not to put your company logo front and center on a product, you can still offer a gentle reminder of who the gift came from by adding your logo on a subtle location on the gift. Another way to personalize and make the recipient feel special is by printing the recipient’s name or family name on the product. Personalization shows that you took time to personally think of the recipient and that gift is not part of mass distribution.

Think about the presentation.

Creating a memorable unboxing experience shows that you put thought into the gift from beginning to end. How the gift is presented to your recipient is just as important as the gift itself. Many components go into the presentation of a gift, from the packaging to gift wrap and even a personal greeting or tag.

Make it easy to receive.

Because many in the workforce are still working from home, getting a pleasant surprise in the mailbox or on the doorstep can make a person’s day. Using a shipping partner to deliver your gift directly to the recipient pays off as it shows consideration and thoughtfulness. 

Enjoy the gift of gift-giving.

A thoughtful gift giver does not think about what he or she will get in return. Gift-giving is about showing that you thought about them enough to take time and money to purchase a gift. You do it because you want to show your gratitude and not because you expect something in return.

For ideas on our highly-rated business gifts for 2020, visit our Corporate Gifting site at www.fusionofideas.com/gifting.