- We've spent a lot of time talking about software.
But it's not just software and online tools
that boost collaboration.
There are some hardware tools in technologies
that also make a big contribution
towards being able to work with people virtually.
Actually, we've already talked a little bit
about voice over IP calling.
Now there's a big software element to this, of course.
But hardware result is also a factor.
If a company doesn't have a robust
enough network infrastructure,
they won't be able to support this or much else.
But aside from that, it's little things like
headsets with microphones and computer cameras
that are an absolute essential.
Of course, these days there's the option of having
a video-enabled phone actually sitting on the desktop.
There are a few different manufacturers
who've made these available.
Rather than routing calls through a computer.
But it's not just for the individual.
What about video-enabled conference rooms?
Technology has come a long way here.
The best video conference rooms now include multiple screens
so that people can call into the meeting
from different locations.
Sound quality has vastly improved
over the last few years, too.
It's way better than the old speakerphone on the desk.
Modern video conference rooms have integrated sound systems
that pick up people's voices from all over the room.
Rooms can now be so smart that they'll turn themselves on
and do all the connections automatically
based on a calendar event.
When the organizer walks into the room,
the system goes ahead and calls some or all of the listed
participants based on their location and availability.
Pretty cool stuff, isn't it.
I think I mentioned digital whiteboards before.
You may have experienced someone using one from
their computer during an online meeting.
But did you know that there are also full-size
physical whiteboards that can be shared digitally.
This let's people in scattered locations all participate in
collaborative brainstorming sessions live and in real time.
When the meeting's over,
whatever's on the screen can be saved as a digital file.
Or even sent to a printer.
There's something I want to back up a little bit for you.
This may sound obvious.
But the very first bit of collaborative hardware that
any employee needs to be effective is a solid computer.
You'd be surprised at how many company's miss this.
I understand part of it, of course.
There is an expense involved in buying
everyone new, beefy and fast computers.
And do you buy laptops or desktops?
And how often do you refresh them?
Now these are real concerns.
But I wanna make a stand on something.
However much money companies are saving on buying
lower capacity machines or waiting to refresh computers.
I think they're probably losing at least
that much on lack of productivity.
Between things like just taking too long.
Time spent on hold with the help desk.
And general frustration.
I think it's penny-wise and pound foolish
not to invest in the best possible equipment.
Now that's not to say that everyone needs
the same super-deluxe computer.
Certain jobs can be done on less powerful machines.
And if an employee doesn't work remote,
a desktop can be one-third the cost of an equivalent laptop.
Of course, this means companies have to understand the jobs
that their employees are doing and make the effort to match
technology appropriately with the demands of the role.
This is frankly not done as often as it should be.
But when it is, it can make a very big impact.
Not only in productivity, but overall morale as well.