As Paul Simon once sang, there are “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” But counting the number of ways to make your small business operate more efficiently takes much longer than an average three-minute folk hit. Therein lies the problem, though — with an infinite number of tips, tricks, and apps purporting to make office life easier, how does a small-business owner decide what will work best for him or her?

With nearly 20 years of experience in the IT field, your trusted friends at CMIT Solutions can help. Check out our list of office efficiency tips below, and then call your local franchise to set up a personalized consultation today.

1) Implement a document management system (DMS). We all know how time-consuming the digitization of paper documents can be. So why not create a system for electronic files from the get-go that will help keep things organized in the future? Templates, style sheets, naming and dating conventions, archival procedures, and security guidelines are all integral components of an efficient office. And the better organized that your business’ files are, the less time your employees will spend searching for them. Remember — you can set up a document management system in a day. But implementing it will pay dividends for years to come.

2) Sync calendars, project timelines, and progress reports. No matter the size of your office, when everybody’s on the same organizational page, great things can be accomplished. Creating a master calendar with which everybody can sync their devices will eliminate surprises when it comes to meetings and deadlines. Nearly every major software company and e-mail service has its own version of the cloud-based interactive calendar — and a number of apps like UpTo, Skedj, and Kalendi are available to keep small-business owners and their employees working together rather than at odds.

3) Embrace managed print services. If there’s one iconic image of the inefficient office, it’s multiple employees battling a pesky printer. But like all aspects of IT, cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing how small businesses and employees interact with their print hardware and software. Let CMIT help your business implement one of the cutting-edge managed print services offered by a wide variety of vendors.

4) Develop a long-term technology plan. When systems become obsolete and require updating or replacement, efficiency and productivity can come to a screeching halt. Carefully planning for both small fixes and large overhauls can save your business time and money while also keeping you ahead of the technological curve. Many workplace studies have shown that properly functioning equipment can actually empower employees to be productive and proactive.

5) Pay attention to the simple things. Forget all the software and systems for a moment — office efficiency and productivity starts with the basics. Don’t underestimate the power of welcoming workspaces, regularly scheduled breaks, collaborative opportunities, remote work options, and team-building exercises. Creating a desirable work environment will allow all of the aforementioned technological tips to flourish in your small-business setting.

Of course, achieving ideal office efficiency and productivity can’t be achieved simply by waving a magic wand. But CMIT Solutions has put in the hard yards assessing the IT landscape so your small business can implement IT strategies that work for you. Join our Stand Up For Productivity campaign.