ARP Resource

Data Use Tech Bundle

Operating an organization can be difficult in these unprecedented times. Having a predetermined practice for transitioning to virtual space will ensure that there will be no lost time or communication between people within your organization. With this in mind, we have compiled three different IT bundles that can assist you and your organization with your transition towards a more flexible work environment. 

This Data Use technology bundle includes data storage, data sharing, and data security applications. These applications have been vetted by NIWRC for accessibility, ease of use, and ease of integration into current workflows. In a time when online communication has taken a forefront we know choosing applications that work best for your organization is a priority.

Data Storage:

  • An application or process of recording or storing digital information or data. This can include written documents, photos, videos, voice notes, etc. 

Data Sharing:

  • A process of sharing information or data digital and with various different audiences. This can include within or outside of your own organization.

Data Security:

  • Ensuring safe and protected data and information. Creating various processes to keep your data confidential and protected.

Digital etiquette is simply the standards of communicating politely in a digital environment.

NIWRC suggests some of these guidelines when constructing an organization-wide digital communication standard.​​​​​​

  1. Tone can be difficult to convey via text. When in doubt, choose words that convey a cordial, professional demeanor. 
  2. Remember that anything you post on an application or online may be archived, and so should be considered both public and permanent. 
  3. Remember that others are as busy as you are. If your organization utilizes some sort of calendar system, honor this. If a co-worker is out or busy, respect their time.
  4.  Remember that while it is nice to see everyone’s faces over video-conferencing, computer fatigue is very much a real thing. If you are constantly interacting over video calls it is ok for your employees to take a break from on-screen facetime.
  5. Utilize your out of office! It may seem small, but setting your working hours on whichever schedule system your organization uses can be very helpful. It not only lets people know when you are available, but also when you absolutely are not. Keeping work hour boundaries can be beneficial to employee burnout, especially if working from home or hybrid.

Google Workspace Disclaimer

Different programs of the Google productivity suite known as Google Workspace will appear commonly in these tech bundles. This is because it is a multipurpose technology solution.


These applications are useful for many different purposes when using a hybrid or home-based work plan. Google suite offers a variety of different packages depending on the size of your business. Here is a Google Workspace document with more information.


Applications

Below are NIWRC’s suggested data use applications. Many of the applications can be used singularly or integrated together to provide an optimal working environment.

Google Drive

*Information below was pulled from https://www.google.com/drive/ 
Easy and secure access to your digital content. 

Google Workplace Pricing plan

Google Meet is included in the Google Workspace, 

if you already have a registered Google Workspace account sign in here.

If not, Google Workspace is broken into four different price plans; Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

See the pricing details here.
 

Google Drive Features 

Built-in protections against malware, spam, and ransomware

Drive provides encrypted and secure access to your information. Files shared with you can be scanned and removed when malware, spam, ransomware, or phishing is detected. Drive runs on cloud sharing which allows you to store less files on your desktop or hard drives.

People-first collaboration apps to supercharge teamwork

Drive is integrated with all other Google Workplace applications such as Docs and Sheets. This allows you to share and collaborate on various different files and drives throughout your organization. Create team specific drives, limit or grant access to specific files, and store everything online and easily accessible with access to the internet.

Integration with the tools and apps your team is already using

Drive has the ability to integrate with a various amount of different applications to keep your current workflow. Drive can collaborate with Microsoft Office files without needing to convert file formats. Drive also allows you to store and edit up to 100 additional file types such as PDFs, CAD files, Images, etc.

Google’s Search and AI technology helps your team move faster

Google search is embedded within Drive and offers the same speed and reliability. Drive search helps your team locate and find files within a drive quickly and efficiently. 

 

Learning Tools

Google Drive has a searchable help center that allows you to lookup the assistance you are in need of. 

Find those resources here: https://support.google.com/drive/?hl=en#topic=14940

Instructional Video:

NIWRC has put together a short instructional video highlighting the various features that this application has in terms of Data Use.

Airtable

*Information below was pulled from airtable.com

Airtable is a powerful application that allows you to customize tables and bases to fit your organization and teams needs. Airtable can be used to organize projects, create workflows, automate sections of processes, and more. One benefit to Airtable is its extensive list of demo and educational videos highlighting how best to use their platform.

Airtable Pricing plan

Airtable is broken into four different price plans; Free, Plus, Pro, Business Plus, and Enterprise. See the pricing details here.
 

Features of Airtable 

Unite data and workflow

Airtable offers a unique application that connects every part of your work. Sync real time data from anywhere, automatically.

Create different views 

Airtable allows you to change the view of table customized to each individual user. Create a public or private viewing table and make it easier for each team member to follow the information needed most for their workflow. 

Create automations

Create a simple or in-depth automation to help your workflow. Reduce some of the manual work by implementing automation, not sure how? Airtable offers an extensive list of demo videos found here.

Create an Interface

Airtable allows you to create a custom interface for your data table, allowing you to share things like project snapshots with individuals outside of your team without having to share the entire base view.

Share Data

Collaborate with a shared view of the base, when it comes to project management add/edit tasks in real time. Chat or leave comments on a specific project in the project history section. Import data for tasks from other platforms, 

Templates

Airtable provides a long list of fully customizable templates for a variety of different projects, such as social media content calendars, marketing calendars, project trackers, applicant tracker, event planning and more. Check out Airtables list of templates here. 

Extensions

Airtable offers both in house and external extensions that work with a variety of different applications to provide an easy and reliable workflow. Some popular ones include Slack, Google Workforce, Hootsuite and more. See Airtables list of extensions here

Solutions

Airtable has an extensive educational database to provide an understanding of how your team can work most efficiently within the airtable application. Airtable’s education center can be found here, and its  team solutions can be found here.

 

Learning Tools

Airtable Universe education has a long list of information on how your organization can incorporate airtable into your workflow, find this here. The Airtable support center has various resources at hand, you can view those here.

Instructional Video:

NIWRC has put together a short instructional video highlighting the various features that this application has in terms of Data Use.

 

Google Sheets

*Information below was pulled from workspace.google.com/products/sheets
Google Sheets is an application within the Google Workspace sphere. It is a flexible program for collecting and comparing information.

Google Workplace Pricing plan

Google Sheets is included in the Google Workspace, if you already have a registered Google Workspace account sign in here.

If not Google Workspace is broken into four different price plans; Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise. See the pricing details here.
 

Features of Google Sheets - As a Project Management Tool

Collaborate on data, from anywhere

Create online spreadsheets that are saved across the google drive network. Easily share and collaborate with real-time editing, comments, and the ability to assign action items to specific employees. This allows you to create and share project timelines or spreadsheets company wide.

Seamlessly Connect to other Google apps

Sheets has many integrations with other Google programs. Embed sheets within your Google docs, Slides and more. You can also reply to comments and mentions on sheets directly from your Gmail.

Project Management Templates

Create simple templates for project timelines, plans, trackers and more. Can create a sheet to track project progress, dates, task duration and more.
 

Learning Tools

Here is the Google help center, specifically for Google Sheets.

Instructional Video:

NIWRC has put together a short instructional video highlighting the various features that this application has in terms of Data Use.

 

Adobe Acrobat

*Information below was pulled from https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/complete-pdf-solution

Adobe Acrobat keeps you connected to your team with simple workflows across desktop, mobile, and web.

Adobe Acrobat Pricing plan

Adobe acrobat has three different pricing plans, personal, business, and Student & Teachers. View the plans that best suit your organization  See the pricing details here.
 

 

Features of Adobe Acrobat - As a Data sharing tool

PDF and e-signature work

With the e-signature feature you're able to collect e-signatures from individuals. Edit, sign, and add a sticky note to important documents. 

Keep documents secure

Password protect your documents. Store them in the cloud and choose who within your team can access and view, copy, or print them. 

Accessibility

Acrobat is available on desktop app, mobile, and in your browser. Access and work with your documents from anywhere. 

Edit any format

Acrobat allows you to edit any file in any format wether its a JPG, Office document, or more you can convert it cleanly into a PDF. With Adobe Scan app you can turn handwritten notes and papers into editable PDFs as well.

Create forms that can be easily edited

Create digital forms that can be filled or signed by anyone no matter the device they are using. Reduce your use of printed and handwritten documents.

Collaborate with your team

You can share a PDF to anyone from any device and all recipients can add comments, annotate, and start conversations directly within the document in real time. 

Integrations

Adobe acrobat allows you to integrate some of the most common work tools including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. There are over 100 more integrations available see them all here.


 

Learning Tools

Frequently asked questions. (*Questions and answers are pulled directly from adobe.com/acrobat ).


 

Does the trial give me access to the full version of Acrobat Pro?

  • Yes, the 7-day free trial includes all features and functionality of Acrobat Pro DC.

How do I download and install my trial version of Acrobat Pro DC?

  • After clicking Start free trial from this web page, you will be asked to provide your email address. If you already have an Adobe ID, you’ll be asked to sign in. Otherwise, follow steps to start your free trial.

When does the trial period officially begin?

  • The trial period begins on the day you sign up and continues for 7 consecutive days. On the 8th day, payment will be collected unless you cancel previously. When the trial expires, you can still use Acrobat to view PDFs, comment, and fill out forms. To access all the features again, you will need to purchase Acrobat.

I have an older version of Acrobat installed on my computer. What will happen to it if I install the trial version of Acrobat Pro DC?

  • Installation of the Acrobat Pro DC trial by default uninstalls any earlier version of Acrobat on Windows devices. If you choose to retain the existing Acrobat software on your machine, change the default by deselecting the Remove earlier version option in the Acrobat downloader UI. If you have uninstalled the previous version, then you can reinstall it when you are finished with the trial. Make sure you have your original serial number and installation files.

Does it work for both Windows and Mac OS?

  • Yes, this trial is available for both Windows and Mac OS.

Can I get technical support or help during my trial period?

  • To get support during your free trial, visit the Adobe Customer Care page, where you can access a range of free information, including tutorials, forums, and expert advice.

Can I continue to use Acrobat Reader during my Acrobat Pro trial period?

  • Acrobat Pro DC will be set as your default PDF viewer, but you can reset Reader as the default by opening Reader DC application and going to Edit > Preferences > General. Click the Select As Default PDF Handler button and follow the onscreen instructions.

How do I uninstall my trial software?

  • Windows: To uninstall your trial version on a Windows device, close any open Adobe software on your computer, open the Windows Control Panel, and double-click Programs and Features. Click on Acrobat Pro DC, and select Uninstall from the menu.
  • Mac OS: To remove the trial on a Mac, use the Acrobat Uninstaller in the /Applications/Adobe Acrobat Pro DC folder.

 

Instructional Video:

NIWRC has put together a short instructional video highlighting the various features that this application has in terms of Data Use.

 

Adobe Scan

*Information below was pulled from https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile/scanner-app.html

Adobe scan is a mobile application that allows you to take photos of written documents and turn them into editable PDF documents.

Adobe Acrobat Pricing planAdobe Scan is a free mobile application.
 

Features of Adobe Scan - As a Data sharing tool

Scan anything

Scan allows you to easily capture and convert things such as documents, forms, business cards, and more into a high-quality adobe PDF. There are even different capture options like automatic boundary detection to assist in a clean PDF creation process. 

AI-assisted Scans

Adobe Sesei is the powerful AI that assists with many features including Adobe Scan image correction sharpening handwriting or printed text while removing elements of the photo like glare and shadow.

More options for Scans

Save your pages as JPEGs and have more flexibility with your scans. Upload these scans to your favorite apps and documents. 

Subscribe for More

Scan safely and password protect your most important documents. Export scanned PDFS to multiple file formats to allow for easy editing. Compress files to free up storage space. 

Cloud File Storage

Save your scans within your application and edit file names and dates for easy organization. Saved files can be found and accessed on any acrobat desktop, web, or mobile device. 

Integrate with Acrobat

Easily open your scans within acrobat to edit further on either desktop application, mobile, or browser. Use acrobat features such as edit, sign, comment, or add notes. 
 

Learning Tools

Instructional Video:

NIWRC has put together a short instructional video highlighting the various features that this application has in terms of Data Use.

 

Recommended Equipment

NIWRC suggests investing in the following equipment to create a streamline of data use throughout your organization.

Computer and Hard Drive Recommendations

Computer and Hard Drive Recommendations

*Price in May of 2024.
Suggested Equipment Use Explanation Entry-Level Mid-Range High-End
Computers
Laptop A workplace desktop or laptop is essential for virtual work, be it entirely remote, or a hybrid schedule.

If you are having your staff travel back and forth from a physical location, it is suggested to have an easily portable laptop.
Lenovo Flex 5

ASUS VivoBook 15X
Dell Inspiron 15

Microsoft Surface Pro 7
MacBook Pro

Lenovo ThinkPad
Desktop A workplace desktop or laptop is essential for virtual work, be it entirely remote, or a hybrid schedule.

For staff that are fully remote but typically only work for one location, either a singular desktop or laptop can be used.
Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i Dell Inspirion Desktop Dell XPS 8960

Apple iMac
Hard Drives
External A hard drive that is dedicated specifically for your workplace that can work in combination with your work desktop or laptop.

You could have a few harddrives that are team lead specific in order to save important files or data. Use high-capacity external hard drives (e.g., 4TB or higher) for local backups.

The ideal situation is using a cloud based filing system in cases of emergency, but having a backed up hard drive is a safe option for data storing.
Western Digital WD 5TB Elements Portable Seagate Expansion Desktop 8TB Seagate Expansion Desktop 12TB

 

To Request More Information

If you have read through this best practices guide and video tutorials and would like further assistance on how to use, download, and set-up these applications, NIWRC offers technical support. You are able to send your technical support requests by submitting a request form found here: Tech Bundle TA