Wireless Alternatives for Small Businesses
Wireless alternatives for small businesses are numerous. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) want to conduct transactions on a wireless platform in today's digital age. The benefits that result from the use of these technologies necessitate small business owners investing in them and expecting substantial returns. Perhaps the benefits of doing transactions on a cellular platform outweigh the drawbacks. The post examines some of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting wireless in a small business.
Improved Accessibility and Efficiency
The use of wireless technologies in business improves accessibility and efficiency. The enhanced efficiency levels support real-time customer interaction and this enables easy interactions between the seller and the buyer. By incorporating other appliances such as iPads and other communication gadgets; interaction between the customers and the seller is enhanced (Little, 2015). The palm-held devices have a better advantage of interconnectivity with other portable devices connected within the same wireless networks.
Increased Market Accessibility
Going wireless has the benefit of increasing the levels of market accessibility. Given that not special installations would be required to interconnect with individual potential customers, the technology enhances the marketing practices. The business is able to reach out to as many customers and market its products efficiently. Given that most of the potential customers would be connected to similar wireless networks and possibly using the same hand-held devices as the seller, it would be more efficient to communicate the business products to the customers more effectively.
Cost Reduction
Wireless practices reduce the cost of doing business. For instance, cost-savings would be realized along the supply chain in any business entity. Communication in a wireless platform becomes cheaper than physical interactions among the members of the supply chain. This reduces the overall cost of doing business. For instance, a supplier can obtain order placement notifications and documents without having to access the physical message collection units such as physical mail. In addition, the processing and all the other communications take place instantly. This reduces the costs involved in the supply chain process and has an overall effect on the total cost of business. Consequently, the profit levels rise steadily.
Improved Access to Quality Information
Improved access to quality information is another benefit derived from going online in a business. Through the wireless arena, businesses can conduct sufficient research and development programs. By benchmarking into various organizations and institutions within the same networks, data and information sharing is enhanced (AT & T, 2011). These can be used to facilitate sound decision-making and can influence the development process within an entity. By establishment of a wireless platform within a business, the trader is assured of quality data and information from varied sources.
Security Risks
In spite of its benefits, application of wireless technologies and subsequent incorporations of devices such as iPads has its shortcomings. The most prevalent of all the risks is that of data theft, hacking, phishing and other threats. An online exposure also threatens the security of the business entity. In the 21st century, the most valuable asset for a business organization is information. Cyber threats arise with increased exposure to wireless platforms. This makes some businesses reluctant in going wireless in their operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, business should apply wireless business concepts. Given the benefits of high quality data access, reachability, increased market access and reduction of costs, the technologies support modern-day business operations. Appropriate measures should, however, be taken to reduce risks such as those related to online security threats.
References
AT & T. (2011). The wireless advantage. Retrieved from https://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/Wirelesscasestudies.pdf
Little, A.D. (2015). The business benefits of 4G LTE. Retrieved from http://www.adlittle.com/downloads/tx_adlreports/ADL_UK_Business_Benefits_01.pdf
