4 Technology Solutions to Improve Efficiency

The use of technology was always supposed to make life easier – not more complicated. Sometimes, businesses and people lose sight of that simple fact.

Technology solutions aim to bridge the gap to make running complicated operations easier and provide greater efficiencies. 

Here are 4 technology solutions to chase the efficient rabbit and catch it. 

1. Operational Efficiently Through Superior Reporting

Downtime with ongoing operations is a major contributor to losses that cannot be made up later through overproduction. Such can be the case with running a refinery that requires inspections, timely repairs to avoid downtime, the management of numerous contractors, and a host of other variables for continued smooth productions. 

A refinery turnaround often involves overhauling many processes, the least of which is the tracking and reporting to provide improved oversight. Being able to troubleshoot and solve problems as they arise – rather than being unaware or losing sight of them – can lead to safer operations, not just fewer stoppages. 

A tool like TruQC that allows for faster refinery turnaround times, allows refineries to meet industry standards and keep running is just one example of this. Tracking issues, managing inspections, and many other activities deliver best-in-class outcomes, even in complex operations. 

2. Group Chats for Greater Clarity and Purpose

With people not always working on the same office floor, or even the same building, group chats are becoming more popular to make points clearer and overcome communication difficulties. Email while useful can confuse matters or draw out differences of opinion that can be resolved much sooner with a video chat. 

From the company’s perspective, ineffective communication causes projects to go off the rails when it’s not spotted soon enough. Disputes between employees, contractors, and third parties can make business harder to manage remotely. Using video calling software like Skype or Zoom to make calls can allow real connections between people to keep the lines of communication always open. 

3. Automation Tools to Lighten the Load

Automation is something that some companies love while others haven’t gotten to grips with it yet. Nonetheless, letting computers take care of repetitive tasks is one less thing on the To-Do list to get done today. 

Humans can fail at tasks. We’re not brilliant at remembering to do something. While adding the task to a Calendar app works, when the sheer number of tasks becomes overwhelming, then it’s another matter entirely. 

However, when the tasks can be automated, it leaves staff able to apply their talents to more important projects. Using IFFFT is one option with its applets able to trigger certain actions based on spotting something that’s changed. Similarly, it’s possible to use Google Alerts to track brand mentions and use other tools to perform useful functions automatically.  

4. Project Management for Seeing the Big Picture

Project management tools can help to plan well into the future and assess different variables that may impact the outcome. Using one can help to assess what’s possible with the existing team and to determine whether taking on new hires is required to scale sufficiently to match lofty business goals.

Online SaaS like Asana is popular for teams that work closely together. Other systems to track objectives and key results (OKRs) also work well to match tasks with projects and projects to business goals. 

When needing to tools to boost efficiency, look to technology to provide the answer. It’s often the bridge that management must cross to get to the other side.