In the last post I described the necessity of sellers keeping up with technology. The value of an optometry practice for potential buyers will weigh heavy on the technology component. As we navigate through our Officemate update, I am taken back by the weight of this updated software. What I mean by “weight of software,” is the amount of power it takes for the server and peripheral computers to have to make the software run efficiently. What does this equal? A hardware upgrade to complement the software upgrade. The best place that I have found to purchase computers has been the Dell Outlet store. I like scratch and dent or just plain refurbished. Is their risk? Yes, but they do back their product up and out of the 25+ computers I have bought from them over the past 5 years, maybe 2 have had problems. The company did resolve the issues on the 2 computers resulting in very functionally fast and low cost peripheral computers. The cost savings are well worth the risk.
As optometry business economics change, we must change in how we do business. This means that cost savings and value are more important then ever. No longer can be go to the local electronics store and purchase computers. If we want to stay in business without sending our practice NET to 20%, we must diligently seek value and cost savings. Upgrade wisely.
