With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting economies globally, many businesses have found themselves in challenging situations that their current business continuity plans—if any—haven’t been able to answer.

As total industries shut down as a result, it’s critical that those businesses who have the potential to continue operations remotely do so safely and successfully, both for their own sake and for the sake of the economy.

If your business is struggling to implement an effective continuity plan and maintain productivity rates, there are resources that can help. We’ve put together this five-point guide on technologies and solutions that businesses can take advantage of to enhance their continuity strategies:

1) Reevaluate Processes and Automation

Some companies already operated a remote work program before the pandemic, in which during times like these has been beneficial. However, many companies were underprepared to make the quick switch to at-home working setups and may be failing to take advantage of automation tools.

This is a great time to discover what tools will work best with a remote workforce and how best to implement automation to make your work processes more efficient as these tools will likely be the standard following this pandemic. Automation tools such as interview scheduling, team communication software, project management, and HR management can streamline processes and allow your staff to fill multiple roles.

2) Take Advantage of Additional Remote Technology Solutions

This current crisis has forced a surge in the number of people seeking technological assistance while working from home. The likes of Zoom, Skype, and other online team software solutions have become somewhat necessary technologies as self isolations take hold in many countries globally.

The pandemic has also meant that exposure to certain solutions and tools that are optimized for remote working is increasing. Businesses can take advantage of what may have previously been lesser known technology that is now the perfect resource, such as AI remote interviewing tools.

These technologies will likely continue to maintain an important place in the workforce even following the current pandemic, so it’s important to become aware of them now. Tools for process automation, freelance websites, conference calling, custom software, and more have become optimal features for businesses seeking to maintain productivity with limited staff or remote workforces.

3) Use Cloud Solutions or VPN for In-House Servers

Cloud computing is helping many businesses stay in operation during this unprecedented time. Cloud solutions allow you to manage certain workloads from any location while also keeping your data secure. Perhaps the greatest benefits of cloud computing is that it is easily scalable and you only pay for what you need, two important features for businesses during this stressful economic time.

Another helpful resources for businesses who normally rely on in-house servers is VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN functions by connecting your staff remotely to in-house servers to access data securely. Rather than use a public or home Internet connection, this network allows employees (and only authorized users, at that) to view important information stored on those servers.

4) Consider the Benefits of VoIP Phone Systems

One telecommunication service that many businesses are taking advantage of are VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems, which allow you to maintain efficient call system setup while also keeping calls secure.

VoIP phone systems include a variety of features that traditional PBX lines don’t offer, including video voicemail, multi-person video conferencing, integration of multiple devices, and data collection. Not to mention, these phone systems can also save you money, since they don’t require onsite wiring or hardware other than the phones themselves and they work over your Internet connection.

5) Work with a Managed Service Provider

Another invaluable resource to help you manage the stresses of switching to a remote workforce and maintaining productivity is a reliable Managed Service Provider. An MSP who not only helps you reestablish plans to ensure future changes or IT disruptions don’t impact your business; they also help you right now to implement new strategies that will help your business succeed during the pandemic.

An MSP who offers business continuity services can evaluate your current infrastructure and remote network setup and determine new digital ways to help your company grow. Most importantly, they can make sure your network setup is secure so as to help your company avoid major losses due to data theft or loss. As part of their services, they will also provide risk assessments that determine exact areas that need improvement to lower your risk and increase security.

As you work with a professional Managed IT Services company and take advantage of the other technology resources mentioned, you can enhance your business continuity plan and find ways to thrive during this pandemic.