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There
are many examples of computers being very successful, but there are also
examples of them being less successful, or even being unmitigated disasters. As
with any project, you need to ensure that the right people are given the right
resources and the right guidance to succeed. How to implement computer projects
successfully is covered in 'Making Information Work for You'. Some of the key
issues are covered in this section and in 'Nine steps up the ladder' | Seven Slithery Snakes |
How to
Avoid Snakes and Keep Climbing Ladders |
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Computers
are relatively cheap. The real cost is the time you spend setting them up. Don't
let your enthusiasm for the computers distract you from your business and your
customers. | Computers
cost more time than money |
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There
is plenty of unintentionally poor advice available for the unwary. Find someone
with nothing to sell, who knows about your business and understands how
computers can be used to help busy small business staff.
| Good and impartial
advice is hard to get |
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Computers are increasingly 'user friendly', but they still need enthusiasm and some computing skills to make them work. Make sure there's somebody around to sort out the simple problems that can make your system unworkable. | Computers are not as simple as the adverts make out |
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Everything in small businesses seems to take longer than you think. This is especially true of setting up a computer system. Be prepared to put in more time and effort than you expect. | It always takes longer than you think |
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You must sort out your paper systems for running the business before you install a computer. The discipline of doing so can be very beneficial though it seems rather
tedious at the time.
| Computers won't sort out your muddles for you |
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A hackneyed phrase that is still as true as it ever was. Work hard to make sure the information in the computer is always up to date and useful,
otherwise it will quickly fall into disuse.
| Garbage in, garbage out |
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Unless you want to join the list of horror stories, back up your data regularly so that,
if the computer crashes, somebody
screws up the data, or the PC is
stolen, you can still run the business.
| Backing up your valuable data is boring but essential |
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