HG Technology Ltd

A very merry Christmas one and all from the team here at HG Technology. 🎄 Giving thanks to our clients and suppliers from this year. 

𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 Automation sits at the core of modern organisations, driving efficiency, spurring innovation, and helping them remain agile in today’s fast-paced world.  Among the AI-driven tools transforming businesses, 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 has emerged as a standout and fully scalable solution, leading the charge in digital transformation.  As we look toward 2025, projections highlight continued growth in automation adoption, underscoring its critical role in ensuring success across all industries.  𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗼? The cloud-based tool is designed to help businesses automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows across various applications and services. Typical business use cases include automating 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 for documents or invoices for example. Then there’s 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 which makes it possible to sync data between different databases or cloud services. The 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 function for example is extremely useful as sends alerts for key updates such as when a new lead is created in a CRM. And one of the most popular uses is 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 which can extract information from forms or invoices and enter it into a system. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴? The benefits of automating manual tasks extend far beyond just saving time. Automation significantly improves accuracy by minimising the risk of human error, ensuring more consistent and reliable outcomes.  Additionally, it boosts productivity by allowing staff to focus their energy and expertise on high-value, strategic tasks rather than repetitive processes, ultimately driving greater efficiency and innovation across an organisation. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 At HG Technology, automation is a key requirement for many of our clients. Leveraging tools like Power Apps and Power Automate, we deliver tailored solutions that meet diverse needs.  A selection of client examples includes Breedon Hope Cement Works, the leading wholesale building material manufacturer in the UK who produce around 1.5mT of cement per year. Here we used Power Automate to save PDF inspection reports to SharePoint in addition to creating an SOP and EOP10 approval system. The process starts with a user submitting a Power Apps form, which triggers an approval process utilising Power Automate. We also supported the parent company Breedon Group plc, utilising Power Apps to create a dozen different forms so that each business has its own CAPEX form within the company-wide CAPEX system. Power Automate is also used to send emails to approvers at key points in the process chain. If your organisation is ready to embrace Power Automate to enhance efficiency and improve operations, we’d love to help. Visit us at www.hgtechnology.co.uk to learn more. 

Specialist marketing agency, CMFG, needed to improve their document management system which was outdated and wasn’t supporting its highly collaborative business model. They sought a cloud-based solution which we were delighted to implement with excellent results.    “HG Technology’s knowledge and experience enabled us to seamlessly migrate to Office 365 which transformed our security and the way we are able to collaborate with our partners and clients.”    Bob Brenchley, Director, CMFG Marketing

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 This month’s hack is the first in a series of tips on how to get the most out of Microsoft Outlook which when used to the max, is decidedly useful! You just need to know where to ‘look’! 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀!! If you’ve ever been copied into a group email which then becomes a string of emails you’re not interested in, and would rather not be distracted by, then there is a solution.  Rather than delete every single message in the thread as it arrives, it is possible to Ignore the entire conversation by doing just that, clicking Ignore. You’ll find it in the message tab, underneath the delete bin icon.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 Cloud-based technology has become an essential pillar of modern organisations, delivering cost savings, enhancing agility, and fostering innovation across sectors.  Outsourcing infrastructure management to providers like Microsoft has become the norm, regardless of company size or industry focus. At HG Technology, our 13 plus years of experience reflect this transformation. From property and finance to marketing and healthcare, we've supported a wide range of industries in leveraging the cloud to optimise operations. In this Sector Focus, we explore the health sciences and pharmaceutical industries, highlighting how AI-powered apps, when implemented strategically, can revolutionise operations and create meaningful impact. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗺𝗯𝗛 Leadiant GmbH, a Munich-based pharmaceutical company specialising in rare disease drugs, sought an online solution to replace their office-bound file servers and improve contract management. We implemented SharePoint Online, designing custom document management systems tailored to each department's needs. A highlight was the creation of a bespoke contract management system featuring a colour-coded status indicator for an at-a-glance overview, seamlessly linked to securely stored legal agreements. Given the cultural shift required - from a traditional folder structure to a tagging-based system - we guided the client through a smooth transition. Andreas Koch, Medical Director at Leadiant GmbH Munich, remarked: “𝘏𝘎 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.” 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 Renaissance Pharma Ltd, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on rare pediatric diseases, turned to us for assistance in migrating files and setting up a straightforward SharePoint system. By establishing permissions and ensuring a seamless transition, we empowered their IT team to manage and secure their data efficiently.  From streamlining workflows to creating customised solutions, HG Technology continues to support health sciences and pharmaceutical organisations in achieving digital transformation. Visit www.hgtechnology.co.uk to learn more about how we can help your organisation harness the power of cloud-based systems. Get in touch today to start your journey toward greater efficiency and innovation.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟮 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁? Did you know only 12% of UK-based companies are yet to adopt cloud technology? If your organisation is one of them, you’re part of a small but notable group! Currently, around 88% of businesses leverage some form of cloud computing, with many of those who haven’t made the transition being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The reasons vary, from cost and data security concerns to a strong reliance on existing on-premises infrastructure. Let’s break down some of these common stumbling blocks and share our insights as specialists in Microsoft applications: 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 Cloud computing allows businesses to bypass the substantial upfront investments in physical hardware, data centres, and infrastructure. Instead, companies can pay for access to shared resources managed by a cloud provider, often on a subscription or pay-as-you-go basis, making it scalable and adaptable to the size and needs of each company. This model provides major cost benefits, especially for smaller businesses with limited capital, and reduces maintenance and IT staffing costs. By moving to the cloud, you offload updates, maintenance, and security responsibilities to the provider, freeing up your internal team for other core activities. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 For new users with concerns about data security, today’s cloud platforms offer robust and reliable security measures. Major providers like Microsoft Azure deploy advanced firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication to guard against cyber threats. These providers also follow stringent compliance standards and are backed by dedicated cybersecurity teams. Cloud providers frequently update and patch their systems - an ongoing task that can be challenging for in-house teams to handle. Additionally, the shared responsibility model in cloud computing means that while the provider secures the infrastructure, users must adopt best practices on their end, such as setting strong passwords and configuring access controls appropriately. Real-time monitoring tools on cloud platforms can also help track unusual behaviour and detect potential threats early on, providing a level of oversight that’s often difficult for businesses to manage with on-premises systems. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 For many businesses, cloud computing offers significant value by reducing infrastructure costs, providing scalability, and creating efficiencies that contribute to a positive return on investment. Strategic planning and careful management are essential to fully unlock these benefits, which is why partnering with an expert can make all the difference.  

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗼 ‘𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴’ 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹! We are delighted to welcome William Young to HG Technology as our new Senior Technical Consultant. Bill joins us at a pivotal time when demand for and innovation in cloud computing solutions continue to grow at an unprecedented rate.  An Oxford physics graduate with a robust IT background, Bill brings decades of expertise across diverse industries, most recently contributing as a Power Platform Engineer at ClearBank. His extensive expertise in Microsoft’s business solutions – including Power Apps, Power Automate, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 - is complemented by an enthusiasm for leveraging technology to drive significant business impact. "I’m excited to begin my journey with HG Technology,” comments Bill. “I have always enjoyed creating solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also encourage people to explore new possibilities. HG’s commitment to helping clients achieve these goals is impressive, and I look forward to contributing to the team to support current customers and connect with many more in the future. “As AI and machine learning integration continues to gain rapid traction, we are in one of the most exciting periods in technology and to ensure I stay fully up to date, I am active within the Power Platform community, regularly attending group events, webinars, conferences, and online discussions.  “Outside of tech, I do have a life and have been to many amazing places in far flung corners of the world. But as a self-confessed tech nerd, I do tragically conform to the Science Fiction, Classic Rock suite of interests, and so when not travelling, I'm usually either at the cinema or a concert hall.”  Welcome aboard Bill. We are looking forward to working with you to help take cloud-based computing to the next level.  To learn more about HT Technology and meet the rest of the team visit www.hgtechnology.co.uk. Please get in touch if you’d like to discover how with our help, we can power up the speed and efficiency of your business processes and applications.  

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝘆 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯! This is our final visit this year to the wonderful world of Word although it has been fun exploring what this Office ace can do to make our lives easier. Here are two suggestions to help keep important documents safe and secure and in the right hands, at the right time. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 If you’ve ever wondered how documents appear with a watermark across each page stating, for example, DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL or DO NOT SHARE then it’s likely the effect has been achieved using Word. It’s a simple process that requires clicking DESIGN on the top navigation bar then on the right you’ll find WATERMARK.  You can click on standard options or create your own with the CUSTOM option. It’s easy to remove the effect when you’re ready by checking REMOVE. 𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 For various reasons, sometimes documents need to be kept private and without getting to 007 about it, are for certain eyes only.  Controlling who has access to a particular document is straightforward in Word thanks to its PASSWORD PROTECT function. It also helps ensure something you have written remains intact as without the right access, it can’t be edited or printed. Here’s how to ensure your work is suitably protected: To password protect a document, go to FILE, INFO, PROTECT DOCUMENT, ENCRYPT WITH PASSWORD. You’ll then be prompted to create a password which you enter twice.  Saving the document activates the security. Removing it is easy too. Go to ENCRYPT and remove all characters from the password field followed by OK and full access is restored. 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴? 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵! 

𝗚𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀! As dedicated Microsoft software experts, HG Technology understands Microsoft 365’s cloud-based platforms in depth. And to continuously assess each tool’s value, we actively monitor how our clients engage with various applications, allowing us to measure their impact on productivity and collaboration. One tool is standing out and that’s Microsoft Teams. Initially recognised for its video calling capabilities, it has evolved into a multifaceted collaboration platform now embraced by over 93% of Fortune 100 companies. Today, Teams accounts for roughly 80% of Microsoft 365’s monthly active user base, reflecting the growing preference for integrated digital workspaces. Since early 2023, its global user count has reached 320 million— an impressive 14.3% increase. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱? In businesses today, ‘joined up thinking and working’ are essential especially for organisations embracing hybrid and remote work models where employees split their time between home and office settings. As of 2024, about 28% of employees globally work fully remotely, with 41% adopting hybrid setups. It’s a similar story in the UK where work model statistics highlight the importance of flexible, reliable communication tools like Teams. Microsoft Teams acts as a central hub, offering seamless integration of chat, video meetings, file sharing, and collaboration applications within a single platform. It goes beyond just facilitating communication by helping dispersed teams maintain cohesion, across different locations and time-zones, strengthening productivity and team unity. At HG Technology, our ‘team’ can provide insights and tailored solutions to help you maximise Teams’ potential within your organisation and transform how your staff connect. Get in touch or visit www.hgtechnology.co.uk. #MicrosoftTeams #Teams