Workplace Technology in Lincoln, NE

Advancements in technology continue to transform how we do business, and also how we do our jobs. Sophisticated technology that’s user-friendly and allows us to do so much more than ever before is exactly what’s being delivered by our local experts, and it’s never been more accessible. As with any investment that will have a major impact on how you do business, incorporating new technology into the workplace is something that requires thoughtful planning and precise execution.

With so many useful applications in the workplace currently, and a future full of new innovations a certainty, this story could go on at length about the marvels of modern technology. As such, there a few key areas we’ll focus on that have the potential to make a big impact on a business’ operations and bottom line: infrastructure, central functions, control of key systems and communication.

The internet has revolutionized everything about the way we do business, and as such, directly influences workplace technology and the role it plays in all operations.

“A majority of businesses now rely on web applications for about everything from research, ecommerce, remote education, communication and even entertainment,” says Chad Mohling, a representative of NebraskaLink. “This makes it more crucial than ever to have a highly reliable connection with enough available bandwidth to support the needs of today’s enterprise.

NebraskaLink provides carrier-grade fiber optic bandwidth to companies in the state of Nebraska. Our service allows companies to use the most advanced technologies available regardless of location.  With so many software applications moving to the cloud, more and more bandwidth is being required. A good example is Microsoft Office 365. For years, businesses used to have a local server to process email, store documents, and share data. Now with Office 365 being hosted in the cloud it requires a more robust internet connection to access and process that data.  A high speed fiber optic connection can make that cloud based application feel like it is running on your network. It also helps that our fiber lines are directly connected to the data centers that host many of the largest vendor’s applications, thus reducing latency and increasing productivity.

NebraskaLink also provides MPLS type connections, which can create a physical data link between office locations.  A network like this can not only provide fast, secure bandwidth between locations, but can also reduce the amount of corporate expenditures on hardware as each location can rely on one location’s firewall, server, and other shared technology like phone and printing functionality.

Also of importance to note, the trend in the past few years has more and more companies moving their technology off-site to data centers.  It used to be that these data centers were just used for disaster recovery or those companies that needed massive computing power.  Nowadays, it is making more sense for companies of all sizes to outsource technology to data centers.  That is where NebraskaLink comes in. We can provide a direct connection to most all of Nebraska’s data centers and many larger ones out of state.  With a direct feed like we can provide it can make that remote technology function like it is on premise thus increasing productivity and access to your resources that make your business succeed.”

Mohling also offers the following advice for those looking to incorporate new or updated technology. “Do your research.  When determining what technology to use in your business, really dig into the partners you are considering. Many people make a decision based on price or time, but if those are your only factors you may end up paying more in the long run. Really take a look at how the business is run, what their customers say, and how their service and support is set up.  In our world of providing bandwidth, if something happens and your internet is down it could cost you more than you think. If you rely on the internet to deliver quotes, invoices, or provide customer service, a day or even an hour without connection could cost you missed deadlines, sales, and even customers if they can’t reach you. It is NebraskaLink’s focus to provide the highest customer care and lowest amount of network interruptions possible, thus leading to satisfied customers

Technology changes fast, so having a network service provider who can keep up with those changes is important to ensure you aren’t getting left behind.”

Along with the internet, the devices used to complete tasks play a critical role in any type of business. Working hand-in-hand, advancements in one area will have an effect on how we use the other.

“While we are all looking to utilize technology to improve performance, today it is much more about utilizing devices wisely,” emphasizes Kevin Knudson, owner of QTEQ. “From computer networks to tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and all of the new technology on the horizon, there is certainly no lack of viable options. With a good understanding of the business itself, what impacts your field, and your goals, you’ll be able to implement and manage technology more effectively. Top requests recently have been creating a wireless environment, getting everything on the cloud, upgrading offices to new operating systems, ensuring proper security measures and firewall protection, setting up support and back-up systems, as well as our standard repair and tech support services. Now that technology is so accessible, the cost of these items has also gone down significantly.

With extended hours at one central location, we’re able to help keep our customer’s technology up and running so it is maximizing their investment and operations. We also focus on keeping our customers as informed on and comfortable with technology as possible. Technology is a resource that can elevate your business when implemented strategically, so examining how it could add value to your business is a great place to start. If you have any ideas and questions, we can help you find the answers and deliver a solution.”

He adds, “Technology truly is impacting every business in the world, and if you don’t think it is, I encourage you to think again. As I’ve been involved in the food service industry and the technology industry for my entire career, I’ve been able to offer a unique point of view in assisting businesses with implementing technology as it has evolved. There truly are more ways than ever before that technology can be incorporated into a business. At QTEQ, we come alongside our clients and learn about their business to find out what their needs are in the technology world.”

Pat Killeen of Engineered Controls offers insight on the next focus topic: control of key systems.

“From a building technology perspective, there are a whole host of Building Management System (BMS) programs that will incorporate more advanced technology in the workplace. These will apply whether your building is new or if it is an existing building as part of a retrofit project.

Briefly, a few of our BMS technology offerings for commercial buildings would include:

• Affordable integrated building control and automation systems that make your buildings smarter and more efficient by providing essential instrumentation and control.
• Systems that make lighting much more efficient. Our lighting controls solution offers smart scheduling, presence detection and photocells to ensure lights aren’t left burning in vacant areas and that lights are off in areas where there is already plenty of natural light.
• Integrated security solutions to meet your every need. These include standalone and networked access control solutions, an intrusion detection or video surveillance solution or a fully integrated security system, Engineered Controls can provide exactly what you needed.
• Gas detection systems for parking garages and mechanical rooms with chillers and boilers where safety is a concern and where people can become sick and or even die if not ventilated properly. We are passionate to helping our customers achieve their hazardous gas needs with our Gas Detection solutions.
• The latest in parking gate controls and revenue generation system solutions for airports, education, event, healthcare, hotels & public buildings, cities & municipalities, office, and retail.

Engineered Controls offers our customers high quality products and services that create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments. So to that end, if someone was looking to improve the energy efficiency in their facility we have products and service that will do that. On the other hand, if someone is looking to protect their people and assets, we have safety products and service that do that as well.

When working with a building technology contractor, it is proper to choose a system that has the ability to be scalable as your business needs grow. Do not skimp on features of the equipment thinking that the lowest priced option is equivalent. The axiom ‘You get what you pay for’ often applies. A good building technology partner will be able to explain the difference in the products available and is willing to inform you of your options. It is also beneficial to know the reputation of the building technology partner, ask them for their history and other business referrals.

We have a team of engineers assigned specifically to create custom integration solutions to pull all of your building equipment into a common platform regardless of manufacturer. Our software design engineers can implement open interface protocols and develop third-party communication drivers to pull everything together.”

Specifically regarding new trends and solutions that have been recently introduced to the market, Killeen further advises, “As far as technology advancements, the security industry probably has the lead in new products and solutions. There is a whole array of new video cameras with better low-light technology, and the number of manufacturers embracing the wireless locks technology is expanding so at some point it may overtake hardwired locks. Others to note are NFC readers that turn cell phones into credentials, integrated apps that notify law enforcement or others of emergencies, vandalism/ballistic window laminates to add to the physical security and protect the occupants inside of buildings.”

The final focus topic, communication, needs very little introduction as to the impact it has on the success of a business or organization. In fact, we’ve already touched on it in all of the other areas we’ve covered thus far. There truly are so many different ways that technology is affecting how we communicate.

We live in a busy world, with so much going on in our day-to-day work lives, but still need to remain in contact with our team and available to our clients. Wireless solutions are continuing to evolve because those who are always on-the-go don’t want to have to worry about connecting to their devices.

“Bluetooth and wireless technology is always advancing,” explains Chelley Baack with Headsetters™. “The range of the devices is always growing farther, batteries are lasting longer, devices are getting more comfortable to wear, and strength and durability continues to improve while technology is becoming more sophisticated.

Wireless devices are so popular among business owners and professionals because they make it easy to talk on the phone and be hands-free to multi-task or connect to another wireless device without worrying about cords or wires.  Some of our headsets even have the capability to allow ‘multipoint connections’ where the headset can connect to a computer, a landline, and a mobile phone all at once. Furthermore, all it takes is the push of a button to tell it which one to make a call from.

In addition to offering wireless solutions for our customers, Headsetters™ also offers mobile access to our products and services.   Even when we’re closed on nights and weekends, our clients never have to be out of info or out of contact.”

Technology is here to stay, and it’s benefitting us in a big way. Those interested in remaining competitive and reaching their highest potential are the ones who are taking advantage of the technology of our time, harnessing it to do the most good for their businesses, employees, and clients. This quote from Stewart Brand hits the nail on the head: “Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.”