How to choose the best business computer for you
How to choose the best business computer for you
Different businesses; across different industries; at different stages of development; will have different needs from their technology. Buying the best business computer can be challenging, especially if you aren’t familiar with the different components and terms used. Then there is the comparison of Mac vs PC for business use. What are the key benefits of one over the other> If you wan to learn more on what goes into the best business computer, you can learn more from our components page.
Why are you looking at a SME computer?
The most important question to ask yourself before even exploring options. Why do you need to buy new to get the best business computer? You may be replacing an old one, or growing your business and need computers for the new employees.
What features and software will you require?
You can’t find the right solution for you, without knowing what you are going to use the SME computer for. The best business computer is not about the highest specs, its about your exact needs and requirements being met. Does your business utilise creative software? Do you need a high specification computer for precision machining? Maybe it the main office computer for emails and accounting. Whatever the purpose, you want to get it right the first time, in order to save time and money.
How many do you need?
The quantity you need may affect how you get them. Buying several machines, and then maintaining them can be a costly expense to your business. If you are looking to replace a whole suite of machines, it may be better to rent them on a service agreement.
Who is going to use them? Do you need the best business computer?
Are these computers for designers, marketing executives, or monitoring email inquiries? Which software does the main user use? Are they more used to MacOS or Windows 11? Make sure you take into consideration the skill level of your employees, and what is going to benefit them the most.
Understanding your computer requirements to get the best business computer
Each industry is different, and your business is uniquely yours. Only you will know exactly what you require from your IT services. Starting from the software you want to use; you can make more informed decisions on the hardware you need. The more demanding the work, the more resources the computer will need.
Manufacturing and Machining
Business management
Different departments will have different requirements. Managing the running and financial side of the business will allow the use of a lower specification of computer. The more documents and software you have open at once, the more of an effect they will have on the performance.
The most important component to consider is the type of storage you use. The faster the storage can be accessed, the lower the impact on task switching. An SSD allows for almost instantaneous data access. Every component needs to work together, in order to not cause a bottleneck. Meaning you will want to match a decent storage device, with a good CPU and RAM.
CIM and CAD
The systems used for designing and automating the manufacturing process, require power machines to operate. CIM, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, is a closed loop system, that uses sensors and other input methods to automate the manufacturing process. The information needs to be exchanged as efficiently as possible, as each step of the production line is relying on the information that comes before it. With CAD, Computer Aided Design, you are going to need a dedicated graphics card installed. CAD is a powerful range of tools allowing for precision design and modelling.
Transport and Logistics
Transport encompasses a large array of industries, each with different needs. Smaller taxi companies may rely on one or two operators to book and manage the fleet of cars they have. Larger scale operations may install tracking devices on each car to know where they are and when they should be available.
Using data to get an accurate representation of waiting times. Most of these systems won’t require the highest specifications to operate effectively, and could run on a CPU that has integrated graphics. Saving money on one of the most expensive components in a PC, the graphics card. A mid-range processing unit would be ample for most transport companies, given how far integrated graphics chips have come.
Food Production
Technology has helped automate a lot of the food production sector. Utilising CIM, Computer integrated Manufacturing, tools to increase production. Some of the computers may require a GPU in order to run the more complex pieces of software. The PC unit will also need to contained in an easy to clean housing, that is also food safe certified.
Farming
Farming, agriculture, and horticulture, are some of the oldest professions. Farming has completely changed over thousands of years, whereby most people can get any fruit or vegetables, all year round. Farming software has now become an important part of running each and every stage of a crop’s lifecycle. Due to how these programs work, you don’t necessarily need the latest hardware. There are software options available that work on tablets and iPads. Which are more versatile, cheaper, and connect all growers to the main data storage. See LiveFarmer farm management software for more information.
Retail
High street
Most high street stores have had to adapt with modern technology; needing to offer a secure way to take card payments. These systems should then link to an accounting software that tracks payments. The computer that runs Xero, for example, would need a relatively decent CPU and RAM. In contrast the ePOS computers would require the very basics to operate.
ECommerce
Moving your business online has never been easier. Even the smallest business can get set up in seconds using any popular sales eCommerce platform, such as Shopify. If you are using a third-party platform to sell your products, then all you need is a device with access to the internet. If you are hosting a bespoke eCommerce platform, then you will need a server, better security protection, and surge protection.
Property and letting
When dealing with rental properties, you can have tenants moving in or out at any time. Looking after properties requires a lot of care with data. Documenting work that has been done, reporting on the condition of a property after a tenant leaves, and securely storing their details. Many property management software solution will have a minimum computer specification requirement. Others will be based online. Ideally you want to have a decent amount of RAM, 8GB or more, and a decent midrange CPU, like the Intel i3 series.
Charity
Similar to how a retail shop would operate, the key features for a charity shop would be inventory management. Which can be run on a basic computer with an excel spreadsheet. If you want to take online donations, you will need some form of ecommerce platform. Charities can use any number of online based funding platforms, that can also incorporate gift aid. For this, you only need a place to host your donation page, and an internet connection.