When thinking about tech tools your dealership can't operate without, the local area network is relatively easy to forget. Employees' workstations and mobile devices are clear parts of the digital environment, and a strong internet connection linking your business with the outside world is a must in today's digital marketplace. But what role does the LAN play in facilitating quick and effective operations within a modern auto dealership?
The following are a few of the considerations regarding your LAN needs and options. This is one of the areas of your business that will be inspected if you opt for a comprehensive IT assessment. If it's determined your company doesn't have a strong enough network for its needs, it's time to commit to an upgrade.
Using a LAN as an SMB tool
A LAN is any kind of direct connection between computers, servers and other technological devices. Connecting office computers to communal printers is one of the simplest roles for a LAN, but still relevant, for when customers want or need physical documentation. Today, passing data back and forth between departments is a necessity for fast and efficient business operations, and organizations need faster and more secure connections than in the early days of business computing.
A router is the central hub of this network. RCN noted that while internet service providers typically hand out simple routers when companies sign up for online service, these are basic, consumer-grade tools. Your dealership may benefit from upgrading the router to an enterprise-grade piece of hardware that can deliver more advanced security features.
If your workers travel extensively, you'll want to give them the ability to access files on the dealership network remotely by setting up virtual private networks. RCN named this as another useful feature of advanced routers, something that may not be possible with a basic router handed out by the ISP.
Powering the LAN with your own servers
AllBusiness pointed out that strong, enterprise-grade LANs may include the purchase of in-house servers. This is the type of purchase that calls for professional administration, whether that means possessing an internal IT department or working with an outside provider. The server enables easy and quick transfers of high-volume information between your users. If you want to operate a shared internet connection, run centralized applications and maintain a single database, this is the kind of LAN setup for you.
As AllBusiness pointed out, LANs only become more useful with increased staffing. If you have a large team, it will cost more to set up each person's computer and connect it to the network. However, the benefits of having a larger team seamlessly accessing the same files and applications are considerable in terms of efficiency.
Not every dealership will have the same LAN needs or ideal setup. This is another reason why an IT assessment is such an important step. Experts will determine whether the router, switches, cables in your business are conducive to strong, enterprise-grade LAN performance. This type of check-up can also determine whether your current IT team is adequately dealing with the demands of operating the network, or if outside support would be useful.