Optimizing project performance is always a good idea — especially for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) where the playing field is particularly competitive. With the right productivity apps, SMBs can achieve the delicate balance efficiency, collaboration and security that is essential in today’s fast-paced environment..
The latest workforce productivity apps are key solutions. They provide the tools you need to enhance project management (and also performance) while safeguarding sensitive data.
Let’s explore how cutting-edge applications with security features are wise to use at your SMB.
[Related: 9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Data Security]
Enhancing Project Performance With Advanced Productivity Apps
Workforce productivity apps help boost performance among your departmental teams as well as your individual employees.
These are just a few of their top perks:
- Streamlined communication. Apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams provide instant messaging, videoconferencing and shared channels. Staff can stay connected and collaborate efficiently, no matter where they are.
- Effective task management. Asana, Trello and Monday.com are apps that break projects down into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities and set deadlines. This clarity and structure ensure everyone knows their roles and deliverables.
- Automation and integration. Cutting-edge automation features in tools like Zapier and ClickUp reduce repetitive tasks, ultimately saving time and reducing errors. These apps also integrate with other essential business tools.
- Data-driven insights. Built-in analytics and reporting features give you insights into your team’s project progress and performance. With these insights, your SMB can identify bottlenecks and effectively allocate resources.
Remember, it’s important to be selective when choosing which apps to apply at your business — the technology you need for productivity and security are unique!
Five Key Features of Productivity Apps To Ensure IT Security
When any SMB adopts new technology, security should be of utmost concern. According to Igloo, 57% of employees use nonapproved workforce apps on a daily basis. This is a huge liability issue.
Fortunately, the latest productivity apps come with many robust security options and a range of features that allow staff to use minimal apps as safely and productively as possible.
Still, it’s wise to dive in and research as much as you can about the apps you have your eye on. Your research goes a long way before fully integrating them into your business’s workflow.
Here are some examples of what to consider when it comes to data security and the safest workforce productivity apps.
[Related: The Rising Need for IT Support in Small Business Data Protection]
1. End-to-End Encryption
First, ensure the apps you choose offer end-to-end encryption. This feature secures data during the transmission and storage processes. So if you’re frequently sending information between parties, this feature is key.
What’s more, it also prevents unauthorized users from accessing data and protects your projects’ confidential data from potential breaches!
2. Role-Based Access Control
Another key app feature that helps prevent unauthorized access is role-based access control (RBAC) — highly granular access controls.
Unauthorized access issues are an ongoing and prevalent concern among SMBs — from either insiders or outsiders. Regardless of who it is and whether their intent is malicious, severe consequences can result.
Your apps should ideally provide RBAC. With them, your SMB can closely define who can access specific data and perform unique actions.
3. Regular Updates and Patches
Apps from top-notch platforms typically provide regular updates and security patches automatically. But you can certainly check for updates manually, too.
After all, staying up to date is a key way to avoid the newest threats. When your updates are current, you help prevent attacks from happening in the first place rather than having to recover from them.
[Related: Firewall Security for Businesses: Essential Strategies to Protect Your Network]
4. Compliance Standards
Always verify that your productivity apps comply with the latest industry standards and regulations. That includes even rules on the horizon that aren’t in action yet — think “update coming soon.”
Here’s the bottom line: Compliance indicates your commitment to high security and privacy standards.
But it’s hard to stay on top of it all when you’re busy completing tasks while moving along with your daily work. CMIT Solutions of Seattle specializes in an array of IT support measures — and compliance adherence is one of them.
We can guide you through which apps align with the latest compliance standards — and have a well-known reputation for doing so.
5. Reliable Backup and Recovery
Choose apps with robust backup and recovery options.
If a cyberattack occurs via one or more of your productivity apps, you’re at risk of losing access to data. At worst, you could lose your data entirely.
Remember that if this happens, you should rely on a data recovery plan to restore your data as quickly as possible. Without a plan in place, you’ll likely end up scrambling, unsure which route to take depending on the scenario.
The quicker you can recover, the sooner your business can resume your daily operations. Losing your place in projects — not to mention those projects’ data — significantly sets back timelines and may even affect your clients’ decision to continue working with you.
Not to worry. CMIT Solutions of Seattle is here to support you if data recovery becomes a need.
Enhance Your Safety With CMIT Solutions of Seattle
Using the latest workforce productivity apps is a powerful strategy to optimize project performance and enhance efficiency for your SMB. But the apps you choose should have data protection features in place.
Adopting tools with these key features allows you to prioritize productivity and IT safety simultaneously. But you don’t have to do it alone.
CMIT Solutions of Seattle has a broad yet specialized team of vetted IT experts. Let us do what we do best — help your business succeed securely.
Check out our services, or contact us directly to learn more!
Featured image via Unsplash