Keeping Up to Date With Your Technology’s Software Enhancement

If that headline hasn’t grabbed your attention, then we’re not sure what will!? Software may not sound sexy to lots of you but when you’ve got to grips with it – it becomes really exciting.? So, you see that’s one of the reasons why it’s important to stay ahead of the game and understand what’s happening to your tech. It never stays the same. That way, you can continue to always get the best out of it, and it will make your life easier too.? It’s a win-win situation.? It’s not hard to do either; it’s about being disciplined and organised.

Software Has Moved on Leaps and Bounds

Since lockdown, software has really advanced, especially in the financial services sector.? There’s more choice available and existing software has undergone a bit of a facelift with extensions, updates and tweaks that are there to get the most out of your tech.? Whatever software you use in your financial business, I bet it’s been updated or it’s undergoing an update.? Stay abreast of the situation because the industry has been busy.? By keeping yourself up to date, you’ll instantly see the benefits that it most likely will bring to your business, but, how do you do that?

No one has time to trawl through technology blogs, search software in the news or read the online manuals every day but everyone has time to slot in a half an hour here and there.? Plus, I promise that staying in the loop will allow you to reap the benefits of those software updates.? So, put together a timetable, perhaps weekly, maybe monthly or if you’re really time-poor, even twice a year.? Make a diary note of it (set it up as a recurring task) and don’t put it off!? Some businesses use Friday afternoons to deal with admin tasks and “paperwork”, it’s just an idea to put in some time on a Friday every now and then to learn more about your tech software updates and development.

Where is the Information?

That’s all good but then you might wonder how you’ll even know if your favourite software has been updated?? Well, the time you’ve scheduled can be put to good use!? Maybe there’s been a short video release? ?Have a look on YouTube or the software company’s website. Often these software companies put together a web page or perhaps you have an account manager who knows your business and will understand what’s relevant to your needs?? Alternatively, good old Google is always a brilliant source of information! There’s a saying in the tech industry “You don’t know what you don’t know” and that couldn’t be truer!? Tech moves so fast; everyone needs to at least try and keep up.

If you’re unconvinced, look at this example.? In the past year I’ve seen lots of software development that’s resulted in more integration.? This stops you having to rekey endless data, it’s timesaving and reduces risk of error plus it streamlines your technology.?

Integration updates have really improved and lots of software programmes now talk to other software programmes. There are also situations where you might need to record some client data but there’s nowhere specific to put that data.?

Well, nowadays I’m seeing more software that allows you to add your own bespoke fields too. The whole idea is to make your life easier and free up your time a little more so it’s always worth your while to adopt the updates.? I’ve also seen lots of progress on automated processes and the intelligence of the systems is so sharp that errors or duplicates can be instantly noted.? This saves time, money and reduces risk in an area where you need to be compliant!

To summarise, here are my top three tips on what you might want to do next:

• List your key three pieces of technology.
• Put a half an hour (or more) aside to work out when they get redeveloped, updated, released and where that information is stored (website, social media, Google, through an account manager…).
• Have a regular diary entry reminding you to go and have a look at the frequency of what’s changed.

That’s it for this now, I hope I’ve piqued your interest in researching your technology’s latest software updates!