How to Conduct a Tech & Systems Audit in your Small, Service-Based Business

You may have introduced several systems in your small service based business to help improve your service and or to help save you time. There is no doubt that using tech and systems in your small business is critical for growth. However, when have you last reviewed your business systems? It is a really good idea to review your systems at least on a yearly basis. You need to review if they are still serving you and are still value for money.

This week I have been helping a client move from a system that no longer serves them. This coupled with an increase in price has meant that they are changing to a new system which will work better along with give better value for money.

If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your systems, why not take the opportunity to do so now? Or if you are considering adding tech or systems to your business, I’ve put together some questions to ask during the system audit process below:

– Are the systems helping you achieve your business goals and objectives?
– Do the systems streamline your business processes and improve productivity?
– Are they meeting your needs or the needs of your employees (if you have any) and clients?

– Are the systems optimised for performance and speed?
– Do they handle the workload efficiently without causing delays or bottlenecks?
– Are there any areas where manual processes can be automated to save time and resources?

– Are the systems adequately protected against cyber threats and unauthorised access?
– Do you have measures in place to protect sensitive data and client information?
– Have you implemented strong password policies and access controls?

– Have the systems been stable and reliable, or do you experience frequent downtime or disruptions?
– Is there a backup and disaster recovery plan in place to ensure business continuity?

– Do you (and your employees) find the systems user-friendly and intuitive?
– Have you received feedback from users about any pain points or areas for improvement?

– Do the systems work well together, or are there compatibility issues?
– Are you using any tools or software that duplicate functionality, leading to inefficiencies?

– Are the systems delivering value for the money invested in them?
– Are there any cost-saving opportunities, such as downgrading packages or switching to more affordable alternatives?

– Can the systems accommodate the growth of your business without significant upgrades or changes?
– Are they flexible enough to adapt to changing business needs and requirements?

– Do the systems adhere to any industry regulations or data protection standards that your business must follow?
– Are you storing and handling customer data in accordance with GDPR or other relevant laws?

– Is there a reliable support system in place to address technical issues or user enquiries?
– Are the systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates?

– Do you (and your employees if appropriate) have the necessary skills and training to use the systems effectively?
– Are there any opportunities for additional training to maximise system utilisation?

By asking these questions, you can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the systems you use in your small, service-based business. It may save you money and time in the long run and help you run a more efficient business. This review process can help you make informed decisions about potential improvements and optimisations to enhance your overall business performance.

If you would like some help in reviewing your systems, please get in touch. I’d be happy to chat about how we can maximise the efficiency of the tech and systems in your business.