Test

Category: Business & Productivity

  • Screen Time Can Harm Your Business: Why and What to Do About It

    At TechHouse, we help people use technology to improve their lives. But sometimes, technology can be a problem instead of a help. We want to make sure technology helps your business, not hurts it. Did you know that excessive screen time can make it physically more difficult for your team to make good decisions? This is a critical issue for business leaders to address.

    Recognizing and Addressing Screen and App Overuse in Your Business

    Many apps and devices use tricks like notifications and rewards to keep us hooked. These tricks release dopamine in the brain, making us feel good. This is the same feeling we get from eating our favorite foods, exercising, or getting praise. Unlike eating, which has natural breaks, screen time can just keep going. Apps are made to keep you engaged for as long as possible, leading to long periods of dopamine release. (To learn more about these software strategies, check out Kathy’s article)

    Why Screen Time Can Lead to Addictive Behavior

    • Continuous Engagement: Screen time can go on and on, unlike eating, which has natural breaks.
    • Behavioral Conditioning: Frequent and unpredictable rewards from screen time make users keep checking their devices, like gambling.
    • Disruption of Daily Life: Too much screen time takes away sleep and social interactions, continuing the cycle of dependency on digital devices.

    Impact on Your Business

    • Impact on the Brain: Too much screen time can change the brain, thinning the cerebral cortex, which helps with memory and decision-making. It can also reduce gray matter, which is important for movement, memory, and emotions.
    • Productivity: Digital distractions can hurt concentration and focus, lowering productivity and increasing stress.
    • Time Spent: The average American adult will spend 44 years looking at screens.
    • Prevalence: Nearly 48% of internet users in the United States think they are addicted or somewhat addicted to their digital devices.

    Practical Tips for You and Your Team to Reduce Screen Time

    • Set Screen Time Limits
      • iOS: Use the Screen Time feature to set daily limits for apps. Go to Settings > Screen Time and set your limits.
      • Android: Use Digital Wellbeing to track your usage and set app timers. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls to set daily limits.
    • Turn Off Notifications
      • iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications and turn off notifications for apps that aren’t important.
      • Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications and manage your notification preferences for each app.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Notifications. Turn off notifications for non-essential apps.
    • Use Focus Mode
      • iOS: Use Focus Mode to customize settings for different times like work, personal time, or sleep. Go to Settings > Focus and set up your modes.
      • Android: Turn on Focus Mode through Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. During focus mode, you can pause apps.
      • Windows: Go to Settings> Focus or > Do Not Disturb  and turn on or schedule to reduce distractions.
    • Schedule Regular Breaks: Taking regular breaks from your devices reduces stress. Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Use a timer on your phone or desk to remind you to step away from your screen.
    • Limit Social Media and Streaming Usage: Move social media apps off your home screen to reduce the temptation to open them. Review your social media habits and see how they affect you.
    • Using Blue Light Filters
      • iOS: Turn on Night Shift through Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift.
      • Android: Use the Blue Light Filter or Night Mode through Settings > Display.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Display and turn on the Night light. You can adjust the strength and schedule of the blue light filter.
    • Using Color Filters or Grayscale
      • iOS: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters. Turn on Color Filters and select Grayscale.
      • Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers, tap the pen icon, find Grayscale, and drag it into your tiles list. Tap the icon to enable Grayscale.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Color Filter and turn on the Color Filter.

    Conclusion

    TechHouse is committed to helping customers and employees lead healthier, more balanced lives. These strategies can help you control screen time and improve your overall well-being and business health.

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • Maximizing SharePoint Online: Solving Common Challenges for Professional Services Organizations

    Information overload is commonplace today, and work is no different. One of our customers shared that they had stored all their files in one folder hierarchy over the past 20 years. These were large engineering documents. Many of them were versions they no longer needed, but in the past, they just kept throwing more storage at the problem. It sometimes took days to find a file from an older project. But now expectations have shifted. Their clients expect searches to be hours, not days, and their old file server can’t meet that expectation.

    Another customer relayed that they did move to SharePoint from their file server three years ago. However, their team members with limited knowledge of SharePoint migrations completed the move. Now, their SharePoint online environment is their old file server and nothing more. They are not benefitting from SharePoint’s features.

    SharePoint Online is Microsoft’s file storage and intranet service in Microsoft 365. This blog post makes the case for making the most of SharePoint Online as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription. We’ll discuss why this is important today, provide tips for end users, and offer advice for administrators managing the SharePoint Online environment. If you have any questions or need assistance, we’d love to work with you—contact our team!

    Why SharePoint Online is Important Now

    SharePoint Online has been in the marketplace for a long time, but interest has increased significantly recently. So, what’s driving this interest now, and what should we keep in mind to take full advantage of SharePoint Online?

    Key Factors Driving Interest:

    • SharePoint Online allows teams to access and share files securely from anywhere while benefiting from the same security and compliance setup we already have with Microsoft 365.
    • Many organizations are consolidating their cloud solutions, moving from multiple third-party providers with various contract start and end dates to a single consolidated vendor like Microsoft 365.
    • The co-authoring feature in SharePoint Online has matured, enabling seamless collaboration on documents, even in real time.
    • Organizations often create SharePoint sites with their Microsoft Teams for document management. However, rapid growth in this area also brings its own challenges.

    Tips for End Users

    Most of our customers benefit from two key configuration areas: “Find it Fast” and “Stay on Top of Your Work.”

    Find It Fast:

    • Create links on site pages to frequently accessed libraries and sites.
    • Tag files with keywords for quick searchability.
    • Create custom lists and views to organize content, such as retired assets or open issues.
    • Modify search settings to make finding content easier.

    Stay on Top of Your Work:

    • Use co-authoring to collaborate on documents in real time during meetings.
    • Enable versioning in libraries to track changes and restore previous versions when needed.
    • Use the SharePoint mobile app to access documents on the go, even offline.

     

    Tips for Administrators: If you will be your company’s SharePoint administrator, here are seven tips for you:

    Security and Governance:

    • Control who can create permissions and share content. Implement role-based access controls.
    • Create site policies for lifecycle management, including archiving and deletion strategies.
    • Configure storage quotas. Although storage is not expensive, it is a preventable expense in many cases.
    • Use PowerShell scripts for bulk changes, complex permission setups, and standardization.

    Efficiency and Organization:

    • Standardize metadata and content types based on department and site requirements.
    • Automate document approval processes. Incorporate relevant file content into your workflow automation for efficient operations.
    • Regularly monitor SharePoint health, usage, and adoption.

    Are you considering moving to SharePoint online or improving your use? Our team is here to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of SharePoint Online!

     

  • Microsoft Dynamics GP: Time to Move to Business Central

    Microsoft Dynamics GP has been a solid on-site ERP tool for many years. However, as technology changes, businesses need to consider new options to stay ahead. Microsoft will stop supporting and updating Dynamics GP in September 2029, with security patches until April 2031. Now is the best time to switch to Dynamics 365 Business Central and use cloud technology.

    Why Pick Dynamics 365 Business Central?

    Dynamics 365 Business Central is the next step from Dynamics GP. It has new features for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). This cloud-based tool brings finance, sales, service, and operations into one easy-to-use platform. It helps businesses work better.

    Dynamics GP vs. Business Central

    As a Dynamics GP user, moving to the cloud might seem complicated, but think about these points:

    • Problem: Dynamics GP is old and has limited cloud features. Fix: Business Central is a cloud-first tool with new features to help you grow.
    • Problem: Keeping on-site servers and data safe can be expensive. Fix: Use your budget for a complete cloud solution instead of on-site upkeep.
    • Problem: On-site tools can limit remote work and teamwork. Fix: Business Central works with your current Microsoft tools, boosting work and teamwork from anywhere.

    Business Central is a leader in today’s business world. It automates tasks and lets staff focus on key jobs. With Microsoft’s push for cloud technology, now is a great time to switch to Business Central.

    Your Move to Business Central

    For Dynamics GP users, we promise to help you move to Business Central. We have worked with GP for years and understand the steps for a smooth transition. We aim to make your switch smooth and easy.

    How We Help

    As a certified Microsoft partner, we offer:

    • Practical and Expert Help: Our team will learn about your needs and make a plan that fits.
    • Full and Friendly Support: We help with data moves, setup, training, and ongoing help. We make sure your switch is smooth, and your team is ready.
    • Innovative Custom Solutions: Every business is unique. We offer custom solutions, such as extra integrations or apps, to meet your needs.

    We are here for your long-term success. We will keep working with you to improve your Business Central setup, whether it’s new features, solving problems, or finding new growth opportunities.

    Contact Us

    Book a free 30-minute talk today to learn how we can help with your move.

     

  • Make the Most of Outlook

    In the past, businesses could refresh their technology every three or four years if it was hardware. For accounting software, it might be every seven years. Often, these refreshes didn’t even include training. Your team completed training only if you implemented a fundamentally new piece of software. Even in those cases, only a few people would be trained, and the rest would provide support as needed. So many times, training and configuration have been limited, with the thought being that people can figure it out as they go. If the software is user-friendly enough, they can figure out what to do with it and use only the “out-of-the-box” features as shipped.

    We’re in a new world where so much has changed, and technology is doing much more. Outlook isn’t just about sending and receiving email. You have to ensure email can get through the security protocols. Instead of receiving maybe 20 emails a day, you may be receiving 200 emails a day. So, how do you focus on the ones that matter most? How do you identify what to look at? The tools are just not as simple because the world we’re working in is not as simple as it used to be. We need to keep up with the tools and these new features within the tools.

    Let’s look at Outlook and some things that have happened within it. Outlook has created several capabilities to help you get more done. So what are some of those? I’ll outline four here, and then join us in our webinar to learn more about these and how to implement them so you can get more done in less time.

    You can now look at your Outlook and email views simultaneously to keep track and not have to switch between tabs. Advanced search features that didn’t exist before can help you manage your email more effectively. Using capabilities like @Mentions helps highlight to users that an email has been directed at them.

    Sometimes, these features don’t work the way we had expected. The Focused Inbox caused much pain for many users when it was first rolled out. They thought they weren’t receiving emails because those emails were not going to the Focused Inbox. Even today, many of our users choose to remove the Focused Inbox.

    Lastly, security settings must be more robust because the world requires so much more defense than it used to. But that can also mean you don’t receive the emails you are accustomed to. Many of our customers have had challenges adjusting to Quarantine and Safe Senders to ensure that all the emails they expect to receive are received.

    Keeping up with the pace of technology is just over the top now. Where training used to be a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have today if you’re going to get the benefit out of your software and also prevent problems. To learn more about how these features can benefit your business, we invite you to attend our upcoming webinar or schedule a consultation with our experts. Let us help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of these advancements.

  • IT Budget Changes for 2025: A Simple Guide

    Organizations need to prepare for significant shifts in IT budgets in 2025. Let’s explore the main areas to focus on:

    Cybersecurity

    The world of online threats is growing, and so are the rules for fighting them. It’s time to beef up your defenses with smarter security measures, like AI that detects threats. Stay on top of the newest security measures to cover your bases. Check out TechHouse’s guide on cybersecurity best practices to ensure you’re well-protected. Our Aware for Microsoft 365 report provides a simplified view of your Microsoft 365 security for email, files, and more.

    Cloud Services

    Cloud services aren’t going anywhere, but managing costs will matter more than ever. Consider better ways to handle your cloud resources and hybrid solutions to balance cost and effectiveness. Streamline your services by combining communication and workflow tools into a single platform. Monitor adoption and usage reports to understand value and cost effectiveness.

    Trends in Microsoft Cloud

    Leverage Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem to stay ahead in 2025. The Microsoft AI Platform, including Azure AI and Microsoft Copilot, offers advanced AI capabilities to enhance productivity, creativity, and security. Additionally, the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite provides integrated CRM and ERP solutions, enabling better customer experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

    Hardware and Infrastructure

    Expect to spend more on hardware as the need to update old equipment and support remote workers grows. Many businesses invested in new equipment in 2020/2021, and probably time for an update. Many of these, from computers to firewalls, are available virtually on a subscription basis. For some needs, Cloud PCs might be a more affordable option.

    Software Licensing

    The bill for software, especially for AI, automation, and team collaboration tools, is increasing. The good news? Like hardware, software is now available primarily by subscription. As new needs arise, you can adjust without being stuck with old tech.

    IT Support and Training

    With the rise of new tech, training your team to handle it, especially AI and cybersecurity is a must. Training is for more than just the IT crowd; everyone should be up to following company tech policies. Most cyber security insurance policies today require cybersecurity awareness training.

    Data Backup and Recovery

    Given the increasing risks, it is wise to invest more money in backing up your data and quick recovery options. Downtime can be expensive, so having several ways to recover is smart. Keep in mind that the cloud software providers are not responsible for breaches that occur on your accounts.

    Scalability

    As your business grows, your IT needs will too. Investing in scalable solutions, like modular hardware or flexible cloud services, will help you meet future needs without breaking the bank. Balance the flexibility of month-to-month plans with the discounts that come with annual commitments.

    Compliance

    Rules are changing, and spending to keep up with compliance, especially to protect sensitive data, will need to go up. Whether following new industry guidelines or ensuring your tech meets specific standards, compliance can’t be ignored.

    In summary, 2025’s IT budgets for small businesses are about making smart, future-focused investments, particularly in security, efficiency, and growth. With careful planning, your business can navigate these changes smoothly.

    Connect with us for more information:

    > Schedule a call
    > Join us for an upcoming Office Hours

  • Demystifying AI: A Small Business Leader’s Glossary for 2024

    Demystifying AI: A Small Business Leader’s Glossary for 2024

    In anticipation of 2024, small business leaders must decode the intricacies of artificial intelligence (AI). Mastery of these pivotal terms will empower you to capitalize on AI’s transformative capabilities. Here’s an accessible glossary to navigate the AI landscape:

    NLP (Natural Language Processing): Picture your systems conversing with customers as effortlessly as a human. NLP facilitates this by deciphering and generating human language, transforming customer support, and enriching user experiences.

    LLM (Large Language Models): These advanced models are the architects of text that mirrors human writing. Educated on comprehensive datasets, they comprehend context and nuances, enhancing customer dialogue and fostering inventive content creation.

    Reasoning Models: View these as your virtual strategists. They dissect data to uncover patterns and offer insights, fortifying strategic initiatives and boosting operational adaptability.

    Generative AI: The visionaries of AI, these algorithms invent original content, from imagery to music to code, sparking innovation and addressing challenges in novel ways.

    GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer): A luminary in generative AI, GPT specializes in generating coherent, context-aware text. It’s instrumental for automating the content generation and refining customer interactions.

    AI Model: Essentially, an AI model is a mechanism that executes tasks such as speech recognition, language translation, or object detection in images. It hones its skills by learning from data patterns.

    Training a Model: This stage is the AI model’s educational journey, where it learns from a plethora of labeled data to make intelligent predictions and decisions. It’s a perpetual quest for unmatched precision and expertise.

    Clarifying the distinction between ChatGPT and GPT is also crucial:

    GPT: Your AI all-rounder, skilled in deep learning to manage tasks from translation to summarization.

    ChatGPT: Designed for discourse, ChatGPT excels at generating responses that sustain conversational flow, ideal for elevating customer service and engaging with users.

    Spotlight on Microsoft AI: OpenAI and CoPilot

    OpenAI: Pursuing a dual mission of research and practical application, OpenAI strives to create AI that exceeds human performance in significant tasks while promoting societal progress. Microsoft incorporates OpenAI’s innovations into its Azure OpenAI services.

    Microsoft CoPilot: This AI aide enhances productivity by integrating LLMs with Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 Apps. It streamlines your interactions with applications, fostering a more profound comprehension and efficient content creation, thus redefining your work processes.

    Embark on Your AI Adventure with TechHouse

    Are you ready to revolutionize your business with AI? Seize the present and embrace artificial intelligence to stay at the forefront. Contact us to learn how our AI solutions can drive your business growth. Let’s collaborate to innovate and transform potential into reality.

     

  • Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Managing client onboarding and records can be a challenging task. It often involves tracking down clients to get questions answered, collecting documents, and scheduling status updates. 

    But what if there were a more efficient way?

    Making Use of Microsoft 365

    We’ve utilized Microsoft 365 subscriptions to automate many aspects of records management, from collecting information to archiving files for completed projects and purging old records for our clients.

    Examples of Automated Solutions

    Let’s look at some solutions we’ve created for our clients. 

    In a financial advisory firm, when a new client comes on board, Microsoft 365 automatically creates a folder for them. This folder contains subfolders for each step of the onboarding process and templated questionnaires for the client to fill out.

    In another scenario, we’ve designed e-forms sent to customers before their first intake meeting. This ensures all necessary information is collected in advance.

    We’ve also configured Power Platform’s portal to capture customer information and provide them with updates. This keeps customers informed throughout the process.

    The key technology components we used are Power Automate, SharePoint, and PowerApps/Pages. We configured Microsoft 365 Security features to protect the solution, including Identity Management and Data Loss Prevention.

    The Outcome

    These solutions helped speed up client onboarding, improve accuracy, and facilitate collaboration between teams and clients. By making these processes more efficient, you, too, can improve your clients’ onboarding experience and allow your team to focus on their core tasks.

    Ready to streamline your client onboarding process? 

    Contact us today to learn how our tailored solutions can empower your clients and free up your team to focus on what they do best.

  • Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Welcome to the digital age! Like many organizations, you’ve probably automated new hire paperwork using a payroll system, an electronic signature system, or even a shared file folder. But let’s be honest; these systems don’t always help our team members grasp the workings of our organization.

    How can we cultivate a sense of community and culture with our remote workers when there’s no physical water cooler for casual chats? The answer is simple: Create an employee portal.

    Use an Employee Portal to Connect

    With a Microsoft 365 SharePoint Online subscription or PowerPlatform, you can create an onboarding portal for clients and team members. Instead of overwhelming new employees with documents, your portal can highlight tasks that need their attention.

    The portal also serves as a one-stop shop for employees to access up-to-date information about your organization. This includes everything from your mission statement and history to profiles of current team members. 

    Plus, with Standard Operating Procedures readily available, team members can better understand their responsibilities, improving operational efficiency.

    One of the game-changing features of creating a portal is the ability to establish online communities. These hybrid spaces offer a communication and resource-sharing platform during onboarding.

    Connect with SharePoint in Microsoft 365

    Want to learn more? Check out this guide: Onboard new employees into your organization – SharePoint in Microsoft 365.

    And when you’re ready to elevate your digital workspace, consider Microsoft’s newest collaboration product – the Microsoft Viva employee experience portal. 

    Microsoft Viva offers learning, insights, goals, and connections for a comprehensive employee communication experience. Viva Connections within Microsoft 365 provides a central hub where workers can engage and share organizational information and announcements.

    In Conclusion

    Navigating the complexities of these technologies can be daunting. It requires a deep understanding of the product and how it integrates with your existing IT ecosystem. 

    This is where the value of collaboration shines through. Working alongside a partner who has navigated these waters before can be a game-changer. A team like TechHouse brings a wealth of expertise and product knowledge to the table. Our role is to work with you, understanding your unique needs and guiding the process towards seamless integration. This collaborative approach ensures that you’re not just investing in a product but in a solution that truly fits your organization and helps you achieve your goals.

    Ready to transform your remote work culture? Contact us today for expert guidance and seamless integration of Microsoft 365 into your organization. Let’s build a digital workspace that truly fits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

  • Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    As a business owner, the vast array of over two hundred products and services offered by Microsoft Azure might seem overwhelming. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the cloud and highlight four key features that can provide immediate benefits to your business:

    1. Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) 
    2. Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) 
    3. Single Sign-On (SSO) 
    4. Data Management 

    How can each of these help your small business succeed? Let’s find out!

    Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) – Your On-Demand IT Infrastructure

    What is a Windows Virtual Machine? 

    Imagine having an added computer within your primary one. That’s what a Windows Virtual Machine on Azure offers. 

    It’s a secure, isolated environment where you can run servers or entire operating systems without affecting your main system. 

    This setup is invaluable for testing and development purposes.

    Advantages of WVMs include:

    • Cost Efficiency – Save on physical hardware costs.
    • Enhanced Security – Benefit from Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure to keep your data safe and off-site.

    Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD): Empower Your Remote Workforce

    The Windows Virtual Desktop service allows your employees to access a full Windows 10 experience from any device, anywhere. 

    This integration doesn’t require additional licenses and works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and Office.

    Advantages of WVD include:

    • Accessibility – Supply remote access without the need for added hardware.
    • Security – Azure’s security is top-notch, often surpassing on-premises solutions.

    Single Sign-On (SSO): One Credential to Access Them All

    With Azure Active Directory and our Data Toolkit, you can synchronize Office 365 credentials for Single Sign-On capabilities across various cloud applications, saving your employees from the hassle of multiple logins.

    Advantages of SSO include:

    • Efficiency – Reduce login times and increase productivity.
    • Convenience – Ideal for organizations with large teams or high turnover rates.

    Data Management: Let Azure Do the Heavy Lifting

    If your business deals with extensive reporting from systems like accounting, operations, sales, and scheduling, Azure can streamline your data management. 

    Manual data collection is prone to errors; Azure automates this process, ensuring accuracy and saving time.

    Advantages of Azure for data management include:

    • Automated Data Capture – Say goodbye to manual entry.
    • Centralized Data Repository – Access and manage your data from a single location.
    • Data Cleansing–  Trust Azure to clean your data for precise analysis.

    In Conclusion

    Microsoft Azure is more than just a cloud service; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to enhance and support your business operations. 

    From virtual machines to secure remote access, simplified logins, and efficient data management, Azure has you covered. 

    Start exploring these features today and witness Azure’s transformative impact on your business.