--- title: Tips for Evaluating Technology Tools | Ashton Solutions description: Before investing in new technology to enhance business, take a step back. Is the real obstacle people, process, or technology? Ashton shares key guidance. --- [![Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/c743380ebbe7d684f1311cdda436439824adad7e.png?width=200&height=81&name=c743380ebbe7d684f1311cdda436439824adad7e.png "Ashton Solutions")](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com) [![Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/Ashton%20Solutions%20logo_color.png?width=200&height=81&name=Ashton%20Solutions%20logo_color.png "Ashton Solutions")](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com) - [Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services) - [Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/managed-it) - [Co-Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/co-managed-it) - [Security](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/security) - [Compliance](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/compliance) - [AI Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/ai-solutions) - [Transaction Advisory](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/transaction-advisory) - [Networking](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/networking) - [IT Projects](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/it-projects) - [Who We Support](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support) - [Non-profit Organizations](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/non-profits) - [Financial Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/financial-services) - [Legal Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/legal-services) - [Professional Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/professional-services) - [Industrial & Manufacturing](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/industrial-manufacturing) - [Life Sciences](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/life-sciences) - [Architecture, Engineering & Construction](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/architecture-engineering-construction) - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/real-estate-property-development) - [Other](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/other-industries) - [About](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#meet-the-team) - [Our Approach](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about/our-approach) - [Our Story](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#our-story) - [Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services) - [Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/managed-it) - [Co-Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/co-managed-it) - [Security](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/security) - [Compliance](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/compliance) - [IT Projects](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/it-projects) - [Transaction Advisory](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/transaction-advisory) - [Networking](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/networking) - [AI Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/ai-solutions) - [Who we help](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support) - [Non-profit Organizations](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/non-profits) - [Financial Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/financial-services) - [Legal Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/legal-services) - [Professional Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/professional-services) - [Industrial & Manufacturing](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/industrial-manufacturing) - [Architecture, Engineering & Construction](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/architecture-engineering-construction) - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/real-estate-property-development) - [Life Sciences](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/life-sciences) - [Other](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/other-industries) - [About](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#meet-the-team) - [Our Approach](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about/our-approach) - [Our Story](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#our-story) [Client Help Desk ![download-1](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hubfs/download-1.png)](https://portal.ashtonhelps.com) [Talk to an Expert ![download-1](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hubfs/download-1.png)](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/contact) [Client Help Desk](https://portal.ashtonhelps.com) [Talk to an Expert](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/contact) [Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/ashton-solutions) | 04.01.2025 | 2 Min Read # Tips for Evaluating Technology Tools ## **(1) People (2) Process…*then* (3) Technology** Before you even think about tools to help improve your business, first determine whether the operational bottleneck is *people, process, or technology*.  Often, businesses use technology to mask an issue with people or process. The key to the successful implementation of any new tool in business is *understanding your operations, processes and procedures.*  Failure to do so will result in a tool being layered on top of a poorly understood, implemented or followed process – this leads to frustration and *increased* inefficiencies. Map out your processes and start asking “why” at each step. Once this is done, you will be able to more easily determine whether a new tool will add value or simply add complexity and cost. *Remember: just because it’s the most talked about ‘thing’ today doesn’t mean that it’s a fit for your organization!*   ### Below are some questions to ask when evaluating new technology tools for you business.   1. **Define Your Business Needs** - *What problem are we solving?* ☐ Improve productivity (e.g., faster task completion) ☐ Enhance collaboration (e.g., team sharing or communication) ☐ Streamline workflows (e.g., note-taking, project tracking) ☐ Improve security and compliance - *What tasks will the tool support?* ☐ Daily operations (e.g., email, scheduling) ☐ Specialized work (e.g., design, writing, data entry) ☐ Mobility (e.g., on-the-go use vs. desk-based) - Example: Will iPads support mobile client meetings, or do laptops better handle heavy software?   1. **Assess Staff Technology Skills** - *What is the current skill level of my team?* ☐ Beginner (basic navigation, minimal tech use) ☐ Intermediate (comfortable with common tools like email, spreadsheets) ☐ Advanced (can adapt to new systems quickly) - *Will training be required?* ☐ Yes—Estimate time/cost: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ☐ No—Staff can adopt with minimal guidance - Example: Can staff easily switch to reMarkable notepads for note-taking, or do they need laptop familiarity?   1. **Match Tools to Wants and Goals** - *What do we want from this tool?* ☐ Portability (e.g., iPads/reMarkable for mobility) ☐ Power (e.g., laptops for multitasking) ☐ Simplicity (e.g., reMarkable for focused note-taking) ☐ Other: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - *Does it align with long-term goals?* ☐ Supports growth (e.g., scalable software) ☐ Future-proofs tech (e.g., upgradable devices) - Example: Do reMarkable notepads meet a goal of reducing paper use?   1. **Evaluate Costs vs. Value** - *What’s the total cost?* ☐ Upfront purchase: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ☐ Ongoing (subscriptions, maintenance): $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ☐ Training/support: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - *What’s the expected return?* ☐ Time saved: \_\_\_\_\_ hours/week ☐ Revenue boost: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ☐ Efficiency gains: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - Example: Are iPads’ portability worth the cost vs. laptops’ versatility vs. reMarkable’s focus/simplicity?   1. **Check Compatibility and Integration** - *Does it work with existing systems?* ☐ Yes—Seamless with current software/hardware/workflow ☐ No—Requires workarounds or new investments - *Can it connect across the team?* ☐ Supports file sharing, cloud access, etc. ☐ Limited to standalone use - Example: Will reMarkable sync with our cloud storage, or do laptops integrate better?   1. **Test Usability and Flexibility** - *Is it easy to use?* ☐ Intuitive for staff with current skills ☐ Complex—may frustrate users - *Can it adapt as needs change?* ☐ Flexible (e.g., laptops for multiple roles) ☐ Niche (e.g., reMarkable for specific tasks) - Example: Are iPads too limited compared to laptops for future tasks?   1. **Consider Risks and Support** - *What are the risks?* ☐ Downtime if it fails ☐ Security vulnerabilities ☐ Learning curve delays - *Is support available?* ☐ Vendor support (phone, email, etc.) ☐ Internal or outsourced IT can handle issues - Example: Can we troubleshoot reMarkable issues in-house?   1. **Gather Team Input** - *Have I asked my staff?* ☐ Surveyed preferences (e.g., iPads vs. laptops) ☐ Tested with a small group - *Will they adopt it?* ☐ Enthusiastic about the tool ☐ Resistant—may need convincing - Example: Does the team prefer reMarkable’s simplicity or laptops’ familiarity?   1. **Decision & Gut check** - *Based on this checklist, should we adopt this tool?* ☐ Yes—It meets needs, fits skills, and adds value ☐ No—Costs outweigh benefits or it’s a mismatch - *Next steps:* ☐ Pilot test with a few users ☐ Research alternatives ☐ Implement and train By [Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/ashton-solutions) April 1, 2025 [Technology Strategy](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/tag/technology-strategy) --- ### You Might Also Be Interested In: ![MSP 501 2026 Winner Logo\_White](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MSP%20501%202026%20Winner%20Logo_White.png?width=1122&name=MSP%20501%202026%20Winner%20Logo_White.png "MSP 501 2026 Winner Logo_White") ![EOS](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/EOS.png?width=104&name=EOS.png "EOS") ![Wealthead100](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/Wealthead100.png?width=163&name=Wealthead100.png "Wealthead100") ![CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White.png?width=1742&name=CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White.png "CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White") - 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