“Telecom expense management software” does not sound exciting at all. But don’t be deceived by the dull name, sorting out your telecom expenses could save you some serious cash down the line.
In this article, we’ll cover all the basics of telecom expense management (TEM) software: what TEM software, is it is necessary for your company and what to consider when buying a TEM solution.
What is telecom expense management software?
According to Gartner, telecom expense management is a set of processes implemented by a company’s IT and finance departments to manage and optimize enterprise communication services. It comprises of both wired and mobile services, including data and voice usage.
These solutions are designed to manage the telecom expenses efficiently and make it easier for a company to manage complex telecom setups.
How to tell if your business needs a TEM solution
There are five questions to ask yourself to find out if your business is ready to invest in a telecom expense management solution. Understanding your current organisational challenges will help you in making an informed decision.
- Do you feel that the way you have been managing your telecom expenses is not working anymore? Is the process of manually managing these expenses becoming too time-consuming? Are you concerned that these expenses aren’t being recorded properly right now?
- Are you struggling to keep a track of voice, data and internet usage across departments in your organization? Are you facing challenges in monitoring and differentiating voice and data used by employees for their business and personal use?
- Do you have a bulk of invoices that needs to be processed frequently? Do your labour costs and overhead expenses incurred to process these bills actually cost more than the total bill amount?
- Is your company facing challenges in flexibly managing the telecom needs of the mobile workforce such as wireless expenses, procurement of devices, and rate plan negotiations?
- Are you facing difficulty in allocating telecom cost and chargebacks to different departments within your organization?
What to look for when buying TEM software
Choosing from an extensive list of TEM software and selecting the right vendor can be difficult. Consider these factors before making a decision.
- Do you select in-house software or choose a cloud-based solution?
- Will you be able to integrate it with other solutions that you are already using in your company? Can it fetch data from one application to another?
- What mobile capabilities should I look for while buying TEM software?
- Common features of a mobile telecom management app include bill payment, invoice processing, alerts & notifications, usage & expense reporting, and technical support in some form.
- What are the pricing options available?
Conclusion
Deciding on the correct TEM solution for your organisation is not a decision that should be taken without consulting a specialist in the field. If you are looking for advice or would like to discuss your needs, give us a call. We are here to help you.
Author: Ryan Danvers, ABACON IT, 072 601 2858
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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