Business

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have seen a spike in phishing attacks, Malspams, and ransomware attacks, resulting in many infected personal computers and phones. Some attackers are using the pandemic as bait to impersonate trusted brands, and businesses and end-users alike are being targeted.

Search the internet for modern website design and dozens of articles will pop up with a list of do’s and don’ts for building the most contemporary and effective website. What works for one brand may not necessarily work well for another, however. Since design is subjective, companies must decide what look and feel would best fit their brand, corporate model, and messaging, plus increase traffic, and ultimately turn clicks into measurable sales.

In 2020, the U.S. supply chain experienced significant disruption, particularly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact was sizable, with shortages of paper goods, food items such as meat, and certain cleaning supplies and other essentials. At the same time, national and state-wide lockdown mandates led to the temporary (and in some unfortunate cases – permanent) shuttering of many physical-location retailers. Virus fears caused shoppers to head online to order food, medicine, and other goods, leading to an unprecedented boom to eCommerce.

As the U.S. and over 180 countries worldwide shut down due to SARS-CoV-2, the fast-spreading virus strain that causes COVID-19, many businesses were forced to immediately shift into survival mode, as a “non-essential” workforce in certain states either went on unemployment or, adopted to working from home (WFH). The arrival and fast spread of Covid-19 and the subsequent national shutdown hit our nation and the world in ways not seen in generations. The role of technology during this crisis will be studied substantially in the future and, no doubt, the technological leap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will likely make 2020 the year that changed the trajectory of technological tools used for business, such as cloud computing, e-commerce, mobile, and remote work.

As current circumstances continue to unfold, many businesses are preparing for what could be the new norm. Those who have already taken the steps to protect their customers and employees by implementing a smart and solid BCP foundation are in the best position to ride out the current disruption. Those who have not undertaken a BCP may want to do so as soon as possible. The health your business may depend on it.

As tariffs continue to increase, companies needs to look inward to optimize business processes and free up resources to focus on growing the business.  Investing in an ERP solution is the perfect first step in making this change.