Computer hardware for business

Buying new computer hardware for your business should be more than just a financial business decision.

Advantages of investing in hardware

Before buying any hardware, you should first consider what benefits it might bring to your business. This might affect what type of hardware you choose. For example, certain types of computer hardware could help you:

• reduce costs by automating routine tasks, such as record-keeping, accounting and payroll
• improve customer service or supplier relationships
• develop more effective communication within the business or with customers
• increase business efficiency and staff productivity
• increase employee morale
• expand your business offer or reach new markets - eg through an online shop
• develop a competitive advantage by implementing the right business technology

Before any purchase, it is generally a good idea to carry out a technology needs assessment.

To determine if buying new hardware could benefit your business, you should:

• list the key hardware investments you are thinking of making
• look at their individual cost/benefit relationship

This will help you to prioritise them and see which you can afford now, and which can wait. Keep in mind that the cost of hardware depends on its specification and this, in turn, is determined by some key computer hardware components.

Make sure that any hardware you choose is compatible, brings clear advantages to your business and is worth the investment. For more information, see choosing computer hardware for your business.