VIRTUAL SERVICES & TOOLS dations


between success and failure for many companies, writes Luke Mead, sentials for flooring businesses.


yourself from the old server and filing cabinet, if you still have one, clear out the data silos and information hoarders and ensure those who need access to data can gain it.


2. Create a Secure System


Cloud technology enables us to work from anywhere, but nobody needs to work everywhere. Creating a secure system often means putting geographic controls in place. Most cyber- attacks originate from outside the UK, so if all your team is based in this country then that’s one easy fix.


“You need to work to free


yourself from the old server and filing cabinet, if you still have one, clear out the data


silos and information hoarders and ensure those who need access to data can gain it.”


All flooring businesses should be aware of the National Cyber-Security Council’s guidelines and create an IT policy off the back of them, as following those guidelines can be the difference between being hacked or not. Attacks typically originate via a rogue email and staff working from home, using their own devices, which are seen as soft targets.


Ransomware hacks are now very common and are making headlines on a near-daily basis, and these are just the ones we know about. They are usually avoidable and could have been prevented with fairly simple steps and relatively small amounts invested on the right licenses.


Never compromise on security, develop clear policies, spend what is necessary and keep the hackers out.


3. Create One System


Imagine being able to log-in to your system just once and being able to access everything you need with ease. Well that’s really how it should be and creating one effective system is very possible. We tend to work on the rule of one - we all need one computer or laptop and one mobile phone. We all need one login and, once we are in, we should be able to get on with our work.


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Such systems can be centrally managed and therefore you can see who is logged in and who isn’t. It means, if a staff member leaves the business, their access can be terminated. You can also control which devices can log in, which is important when your staff are in multiple locations.


Access to systems can be limited to working hours, location, user and device, and whatever else makes sense to your organisation. Permissions are important, but so is empowering people with the right data. Data is the new oil, so make sure you know where you’re keeping your reserves and where your pipes are going.


4. Create a Mobile Network


A lot of companies have simply issued mobile devices to their teams and forked out for the network to accompany them, too. There are advantages to doing this and asking staff to use their own devices when working from home comes with problems attached. But working from home is here to stay and enabling staff to work flexibly is critical to success in my view, and I’ve seen countless examples of that this year. Flexible businesses see major benefits in terms of staff productivity and output.


Businesses experiencing heavy mobile bills might be tempted to look at alternatives. I’ve seen examples of companies where staff used their own devices effectively. In this case, staff were paid to install company software on their phones. Also, rather than using a mobile network, they used VoIP when they were off-site.


There is no one-size-fits-all approach for mobile working, everyone must find their own methods. While I do understand cost can be high, it’s crucial to protect your data and systems.


5. Build Upwards


With a solid floor to build on, you can start working upwards. Your team and data are now in one place so communications should be improved and you should have access to management data and understand how your business is performing. You’re now in a good place to start thinking about how you can find new and innovative ways to work, including embracing some of the powerful new technologies becoming available. Choosing the right technology or project to invest in may not be obvious. A good place to start is by asking the right questions of yourself, your team, customers and suppliers. I’ve succeeded in business by fixing problems, learning and following my gut instinct. Innovation takes some guts but, if you have a solid system in place, you can feel confident it can only go so wrong.


www.lms.group Tomorrow’s Retail Floors | 27


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