Network Communications: Connecting Multiple Offices/Locations with Effective Systems
Chain businesses are a significant part of our world now. This includes businesses with multiple public locations, like McDonald’s and Target, as well as those with fewer public locations, like Amazon. Having so many sites, however, means a great deal of communication happens outside one specific building. That information must reach different facilities and sometimes different states or even countries.
Building Network Communication
The idea of growing and expanding into multiple locations may still be new for younger businesses. All too often, companies assume that they can simply call or email information as needed to their other sites. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s efficient, right? But there are other things to think about when it comes to communication. It’s not just about talking to someone in another location.
Other Forms of Network Communication
Network communication includes conversing with your coworkers and data sharing, interoperability, inventory management, and much more. Of course, these things can be shared over a phone call or email, but that’s not the most efficient way to go about it.
Sending this information via email leads to security issues. Sharing it via phone calls leads to recording or transferring data errors. You need a system that will automatically allow each location to see and share the information they need in a secure, accurate fashion.
Systems Are Available
The good news is, there are systems available for precisely this function. In fact, there is a multitude of different systems that are in place specifically for multi-location organizations to communicate with each other. These systems are designed to carry out a variety of different functions, including:
– Keeping track of current inventory- Keeping all information secure– Transferring files between locations- Ensuring adequate and complete backups- Sharing devices/equipment- Enabling single software licenses for multiple locations
Do You Need a Network Communication System?
If you have more than one location, setting up a network communication system is a good idea. These systems will improve your business’s communication and make it easier for you to continue growing. In addition, by improving your communication from the outset, you reduce potential trouble later on when you’re already busy working on other, more advanced issues.
The Easiest Network Communication Option
Many businesses use cloud storage servers as the number one method for their communication systems. While several of these offer free services, there are also many more that are paid. These paid services are the best way to get started for smaller businesses because:
– Startup costs are reasonable- You only pay for what you need- They have reasonable levels of security- You can store whatever you want- They’re easy to access- They’re easy to learn- It’s easy to upload/download information
On the other hand, these systems have some limitations. Finding ones that will allow for the transfer of more detailed or specific information can be difficult. Most cloud servers are designed to be only a way-point or a storage point.
However, you can find systems that offer cloud storage as a feature rather than those that are cloud storage providers first. This allows you to get the benefits of more personalized information storage and recording while also having the ability to access that information from any location.
What to Do
The best thing you can do is find a specific system that allows for transferring the type of information you need. For example, there are systems in place that are designed for financial information. While you can do all your financial tracking through Microsoft Excel, most people will choose a more dedicated system that offers the specific features and abilities they need (rather than coding and customizing Excel to meet those needs).
The same is true of other types of network communications software and systems. You want something that will allow you to easily carry out the specific tasks you’re looking for and share that information with all your locations.
The sooner you learn which systems will do this for your business, the better off you’ll be in your expansion.