Business technology is the collection of hardware and software supplemented by techniques, methods, processes and skills of the workforce used by the business in the production of their products or service. It is there to support and enable this process not delay, hinder or make it overly complicated.
Farming has always had an important relationship with technology. Here are some tips on how to gain the most from your IT:
1. Wireless technology
Onsite wireless technology goes where cable cannot, providing and extended network linking together separate buildings and covering wide area such as large barns, warehouses and yards. Wireless can also be used in a larger scale to providing Internet connections to locations where conventional broadband does not reach.
2. Network security
Effective network security targets a variety of threats and stops them from entering and spreading on your network. So, make sure your remote links to farm systems computers, such as green houses are sufficiently secure.
You may be thinking ‘but my network is secure.’ Still, we advise you to ask your trusted IT partner for advice. Why? Because businesses such as farms often lack the IT resources of urban companies, which means your network security may not be enough to protect your business from today’s internet threats such as Ransomware, viruses, trojans, spyware and adware, hacker attacks, data interception and theft etc.
3. Hosted Exchange Email System
With a Hosted Exchange Email System you can access email and contacts when out of your office and don’t have to update to Outlook when you get back to your desk, which gives you increased flexibility. Hosted exchange allows you to access shared calendars, in Outlook, to manage your teams from your tablet or mobile phone. Spam can be dealt with before it ever gets to you PC or device greatly reducing the risk from unsolicited email and the time taken wading through this rubbish. We call it freedom!
Moreover, it gives you security, reliability and accessibility because your information is stored on managed cloud servers. (For extra security and peace of mind it is essential to use cloud servers based and backed up on UK/EU systems).
Make sure your PC and devices are protected by anti-malware and anti-spam software, giving you confidence that all your important files and data is protected.
4. Data backup
Data backup needs to be an integrated part of any business but especially for “remote working farmers”. The best backup systems are offsite, automated, managed and monitored and are fast to recover if the worst happens.
Research conducted by Mozy, the world’s most trusted provider of data and backup found out that the most preferred type of backup for businesses surveyed is:
- 53 percent use external hard drive without some type of online backup connection;
- 36 percent use company servers;
- 31 percent use USB drives;
- Only 15 percent of businesses asked use remote, automatic online backup.
On the end of 2015, one of Britain’s biggest farm co-operatives had to review its security procedures after a USB memory stick containing customers’ personal details was lost in the post.
A serious data breaches can cost you up to £500,000. For example, in 2012 Great Manchester Police was fined £120,000 for the loss of a USB stick.
Remember to ask your IT expert if your current backup system is monitored. It is very important, because if your backup system fails. Without someone knowing there is a issue then your data will not be backed up again until the problem is resolved. If there is a problem your IT expert should know about it before you do and act on it accordingly.
What’s more, the law insists that businesses take care
‘You must safeguard your own and anyone else’s data, by appropriate precautions against loss, corruption or unauthorized disclosure’ – Data Protection Act 1998.
5. Policies and Procedures
Accordingly to a recent report from PwC (http://www.pwc.co.uk/) over 70% of small businesses fell victim to security breaches in 2015. If you allow your workers using their own devices make sure you have clear guidelines and a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy and inventory in place to protect your business from data breaches. There are several measures you can take at the network level:
- check how many devices are connected to the network at any one time,
- reduce the risk of rogue device connecting by having access control features in place,
- hide your SSIDs,
- specify who is responsible for updating a device’s security software.
6. Just-in-time IT Support
Octagon Technology provides IT support and solutions to local farmers and understand “just in time” supermarket collections, and respond quickly to reduce interfering with this system.
We have developed an IT Essentials Package, which is a good solution for small businesses who need the reassurance of being able to access reliable and dependable IT support at a very competitive price.
Conclusion
Managing a business in the farming industry can be challenging and does require some forward planning and excellent organisation skills. It is essential to be equipped with the right tools, technical knowledge and support.
If you would like to learn more on how to benefit from modern technology please get in touch with me and I would be happy to meet with you to see if we can help you find high-tech, cost effective solutions for your needs.
Kamila
Photo courtesy of www.clivecatton.co.uk
