How small and midsize businesses in Missouri can compete like corporations

by Ted Stahl | NOC Technology

Benefits of moving your business to the cloud

How your Missouri business can compete with corporations

Since the beginning of time, businesses that evolved with modern technology succeeded while those that resisted change failed. Today is no different. Modern businesses are dependent on IT. But much of the top tech talent has been consolidated by high-paying corporations in relatively few metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Austin. Businesses lacking IT skills or access to tech talent generally fail to thrive. They don’t have the agility, efficiency, or capability needed to advance in modern business. So, how can local businesses with a tech skills gap operate and compete like corporations? Moving their business to the cloud can help.

Moving your business to the cloud can help improve productivity and reduce operating costs, capital expenditures, and risk. Here are a few benefits of cloud computing .

Reduced Spending

On-premises servers are costly assets that cut into a business’s bottom line. Servers and related hardware such as racks, battery backups, and cooling systems cost thousands of dollars and must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. They generate maintenance costs, increase energy consumption, and take up usable space in a building.

Moving your business to the cloud can minimize these recurring capital expenditures and operating costs. Cloud storage is also more cost-efficient, as you only pay for the data storage you need. Flexibility in data storage and remote access to data allows businesses to scale rapidly or even temporarily.

Improved Data Security

43% of all cyber-attacks are targeted at small businesses. 60% of small businesses that suffer a data breach from these attacks go out of business within six months. These are debilitating events for a business. Secure private clouds like ours encrypt and back up data. This makes your data unreadable to criminals and recoverable in the event of a disaster or cyberattack. 

Increased Agility

Remote data access allows businesses to react and respond faster. Think about when businesses moved to remote work during covid. Businesses with cloud-enabled operations didn’t skip a beat while others continue to catch up to this day. 

IT Support

One of the great benefits of the cloud is the available support resources. NOC Technology hosts our own private cloud. Our cloud-computing clients receive proactive system monitoring and management and have access to 24×7 IT support.

Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
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