What types of equipment do you need to run a successful company?

Technology has transformed how offices, retailers, and other companies do business in virtually any industry. This means you need to know what equipment you should purchase to make sure your firm has everything it needs. 

Read on to learn the five most important types of equipment for any successful company.

1. Computer and peripherals 

Every business benefits from a computer. They make nearly any business process a lot simpler, and many of the examples below will need a computer to run in the first place. Your company’s computers will securely store critical documents, simplify communication with your stakeholders, and even automate certain minor yet time-consuming tasks. 

There are also ‘peripheral’ devices that you can add to your computer to access more features. For example, microphones and webcams make it much easier to host virtual meetings with staff members and business partners. This setup also facilitates remote working, which cuts down on office costs and attracts talent from across the world. 

If your company regularly makes transactions, a point-of-sale system is vital for managing each payment, making everything easier for both you and your customers. 

2. Networking equipment 

If you plan to staff a full office, you’ll need strong servers to connect every device and make sure there’s no downtime to worry about. Figure out how much bandwidth your company will need as it grows, and plan accordingly. Many services are fully scalable to meet the changing needs of a business over time. 

Your network setup is also essential for remote work options. Staff members could use a VPN or a remote desktop connection to access their work files at home, for example. 

3. Audiovisual technology 

Your business needs AV technology to make calls, view data, and much more. You can only use your computer if you have a monitor, for example — and many peripherals count as audiovisual equipment. With the right audio tools, you can even transform your usual approach to customer service. Specifically, you could add an automated phone system with call routing and interactive voice responses. 

AV equipment can also revolutionize your presentations. Monitors in your meeting room will help you make your point with high-quality, high-resolution visual aids. Along similar lines, you might use a multiscreen setup to accommodate large audiences or compare multiple sets of data. This could take the form of a video wall command center, which provides a central hub for monitoring business operations. 

A large-scale AV system with multiple screens will naturally need robust, high-quality equipment to make sure it works in any situation. For example, multi-viewers and video processors let you seamlessly stream several video feeds at once, without any losses in quality. Even on a smaller scale, audiovisual technology can help you shoot promotional footage for your company’s social media and marketing channels. 

4. Security systems 

To make sure your company stays safe, make sure you invest in surveillance cameras, alarms, and antivirus software. These measures are unfortunately necessary to keep criminals away, as they might otherwise think your business is an easy target. This also shows your staff that you care about their well-being and safety at work. 

Depending on your budget, your dedicated security team can monitor the cameras for anything suspicious. 

5. High-quality furniture 

Not every type of must-have business equipment involves technology. However, when it comes to running a successful office-based business, comfortable furniture can be just as important as computers. For example, ergonomic chairs can reduce staff fatigue, which also has the effect of boosting productivity by helping people focus. 

This even extends to tables, desks, and filing cabinets, all of which your office will need to flourish. If your company uses physical office space, mobile furniture (such as chairs with wheels) can also encourage collaboration. Some companies offer a stipend for remote working, letting staff members customize their home office. 

Your company’s breakroom might even have its own furniture, with an emphasis on helping staff members relax between hectic work tasks. The happier your employees are, the more they can put into their work. This means you have a responsibility to make their breaks as comfortable as you can; some breakrooms even have a couch.