Mark Joynson column
Jun 7 2007 By Mark Joynson, The Journal
They're described as a business's greatest asset, but sometimes people are overlooked when it comes to buying office technology.
We've all heard the horror stories where software and hardware are imposed on staff without consultation, leading to a big mess.
It needn't be like this, of course. Smart businesses talk to their people about the technology they need. And people who play a part in this process end up being more productive, committed and successful.
Our message is simple: That "one size fits all mentality" doesn't do. Buy the equipment to suit individuals and provide software that helps them do the job better. Talk to your people.
Firms such as Microsoft try to understand our minds to create more intuitive and productive software. They call this "people ready" software. Apparently they've used hundreds of anthropologists to help test their new products. "By understanding how people do things, we can make software easier to learn ... and easier to integrate into our businesses," they say. It's common sense really. Recently TSG, partnered with HP and Microsoft to show how "people ready" software and systems could transform the way businesses operate. Our presentations showcased products including Microsoft Vista and Office 2007. The feedback was incredibly positive because the theme was more about how people work than individual product features.
Using actors - playing out a small drama - we showed how a traditional car component company could boost profits and productivity using the latest software and IT gadgets.
Our focus wasn't to talk techie and blind people with science.
We wanted to show the impact the right IT solutions could have on the people in a company; how the right software can help you boost profits - and even help you get a better job in your company.
It's my belief that the wealth of the North-East is significantly dependent on the health and wealth of SMEs.
I'm also very clear that those who focus on people - and make technology fit their people - will be the ones to prosper.
So the next time you're upgrading your IT, talk to your people - several hundred anthropologists can't be wrong!
Mark Joynson is regional managing director of Technology Services Group. TSG provides consultancy, computer networks, software, training and service to over 1,000 businesses across the North-East. www.tsg.com 0845 155-0180.
