Are you technology savvy or technology ignorant? Today’s professionals produce up to 10 times the output of professionals just 20 years ago thanks to advancements in technology. Companies and CPA firms that have embraced technology report that it's pays huge dividends while those companies who shun technology tend to suffer.

There are plenty of good examples to consider. Wal-Mart embraced an automated supply chain 25 years ago and became the world’s largest retailer, while their less tech-savvy competitors such as K-Mart, Federated Department Stores and JCPenney have embraced bankruptcy protection.

A decade ago, Ryder trucks implemented technology to measure 65 touch points on each truck which are fed to a central computer system to efficiently schedule trucks for maintenance as needed and based on the availability of Ryder’s service centers. As a result, the company reports saving tens of millions of dollars.

Cola-Cola is another organization that has implemented technology in its soft drink machines. These machines continuously report back to a central computer the status of the number of drinks, temperature, coin change, etc. Using this information, Coca Cola’s computer systems then schedule and coordinate delivery personnel, directing them as to quantities of drinks by brand to load on the trucks, turn by turn driving directions, and even change required to replenish the machine. This system has saved the company millions of dollars.

Is your company embracing technology like it should? Check out these technology tips and suggestions for some good ideas.

Anti-Spam – Download and install Ad-Aware for free. This utility searches and destroys spam based cookies and tracking programs from your computer.

Remote Access – Access your desktop computer from anywhere. GoToMyPC allows you to securely connect your computer to any other computer in the world, using only a browser. You can then transfer files or remotely control the host computer. It’s cheap and easy, and no dedicated IP address is needed. Free trials are available.

USB Drives – Today’s USB drives can fit on your key chain and hold up to one gigabyte of data. A 128-megabyte drive sells for about $20 and holds hundreds of files. Great for backing up or carrying data, these gadgets have become very popular.

Google Tip – Did you know you could refine your Internet searches to find only those web sites closest to your location? Go to http://local.google.com/lochp and input your address to try out this time saving tool.

Great Web Sites – Pricescan, PriceGrabber and Bizrate are examples of web sites that compare product pricing from hundreds of sources, and report to you where to find the best prices.

Web Hosting – For just $95, Interland will completely redesign your web site with a professional look and feel, and redeploy it in a browser-based environment that you can edit from your browser just by clicking on the page.

E-Mails Via Cell Phone – Your digital cell phone can receive your e-mails and ring you as they are received. You can read the e-mail text right from your phone. The cost is about $5 per month.

E-Mail Tips – Use of a signature block can insert your signature and contact information into every new e-mail automatically. Use the rules wizard to discard e-mails with inappropriate words as they arrive. Set up multiple e-mail accounts, and have Outlook check each account automatically.

Double back – If you browse a web site that won’t respond to the back button, simply double click the back button to go back to the previous web page.

Briefcase – On your notebook’s desktop, create a briefcase instead of a regular folder, and drag files into this briefcase from your desk machine when traveling. Upon your return, a simple command will overwrite your edited files from your notebook back to the original files on your desk machine.

Optical Wheel Mouse – An optical wheel mouse is far and away superior to older track-ball mice with no scroll wheel and the wireless models have the added benefit of un-cluttering your desktop. Do yourself a favor and upgrade – you will not be sorry.

Block Pornography – A simple setting in your browser under “Content Advisor” allows you to block rated pornography sites on your children’s or employee’s computers. Be sure to check the box to allow users to see sites that have no rating – or almost everything is blocked.

Flat Panel Monitors Rule – Older CRT monitors can make your eyes hurt and give you headaches, flat panel monitors enable employees to work longer and be more productive. Once you try flat, you’ll never go back.

Driving Directions – MapBlast is great for creating turn-by-turn driving directions – never get lost again.

Cradles – If you plan to use a hand-held computer (PDA), you should invest in a cradle for about $40. This allows you to synchronize your contacts, calendar, to do list and e-mail with your hand held device automatically by just plugging the device into the cradle. This action will recharge your battery as well.

Time to Kill? – If you really want to waste time, download Chicken Invaders 2 for free, and test your skill at shooting chickens in space. Or have fun drawing with the online version of Etch-A-Sketch!

About the Author
J. Carlton Collins, CPA, teaches an eight-hour course titled CPA Technology Boot Camp designed to help CPAs stay current on the latest technologies ranging from web publishing, accounting systems, spreadsheets, e-mail and beyond. You can read more about Collins’ technology recommendations at www.cpaadvisor.us. Contact Collins at 770.734.0950.

Top