LPM Tip
Analyze your technology needs and save money
Many technology purchases are made on the fly and without a
careful analysis of the attorneys' needs and existing technology
tools. Before purchasing new technology make sure you are choosing
wisely with a quick audit of your existing office technology.
Issues to consider are:
- How will this new technology be used;
- Who in the office needs to use it;
- How often is it used; and
- Are there any alternatives.
In my office, I've determined that my employees do not often use
CD/DVD drives on their computer. Each of the common uses for
a CD/DVD drive, such as software downloads, listening to music,
looking at pictures, are easily accomplished through other
tools. When I looked at the return on investment for the
purchase of a CD/DVD drive, I determined that my office could save
money by not providing each computer in the office with a CD/DVD
drive. I have one portable external CD/DVD drive that everyone
shares in the office.
On the other hand, every employee uses a scanner frequently
throughout the day to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
For that reason, we invested in a desk-top scanner for each
employee.
As you can see, by performing a short analysis before purchasing
new technology, a law office can make sure that their technology
dollars are being spent the right way.
This tip is courtesy of Gabriel Cheong,
attorney at law, owner of Infinity Law Group.
Published April 2, 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more helpful tips, join the MBA's Law Practice Management
Section. Call MBA Member Services at (617) 338-0530 to join.
To learn more about the Law Practice Management Section,
contact Co-Chairs Andrea
Goldman or
Rodney Dowell.