In the challenging landscape of South Africa’s business and industry, small enterprises often find themselves struggling with the disruptions caused by load shedding, which is a routine occurrence mandated by Eskom. In this blog, we will talk about the importance of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems in keeping your small business operating at full capacity even when the power goes off.
How a UPS Could Save Your Business During Load Shedding
Some small businesses really struggle when load shedding hits. I know of a real-world example of a small business that had to close its doors whenever load shedding came around, which means the competitors who had backup power got the sales the company missed. With no UPS system on the premises, the small company faced the following problems:
- The Showroom Lost its Lighting
When the power went out, so did the lights; with high-value products on display, the risk of theft and accidental breakage went up as well. Potential clients couldn’t view or try out the products properly without the use of their phone torch, which was difficult to do when they needed two hands to compare and try out the different products.
- No CCTV Cameras and Alarms
The company had CCTV and security systems in place, but as with everything else, they were reliant on electricity and went off when there was no power. The continuous blackouts caused degradation and damage to the batteries in the security equipment, which left the company vulnerable to theft after hours.
- Sales Could Not Be Made During Load Shedding
The company’s sales system was on the main desktop that needed power they didn’t have. This meant they couldn’t process the sales or orders until the power came back in a few hours. Printing the necessary paperwork and slips became a problem, too, because they didn’t have a printer connected to a backup power supply.
- No Network Connection
With the power off, the network connection went off. Even if the company managed to find a workaround for the other issues, no customers could make payments because the payment methods needed a network connection to be processed or to open the till if the clients were paying with cash.
The Benefits of a UPS System to Businesses in South Africa
- Preserving Business Operations
In the world of small businesses, every second and every sale counts. UPS systems are crucial in preventing downtime and acting as a reliable shield so business operations can continue as normal. They ensure tasks like running point-of-sale systems for smooth transactions and maintaining essential communication networks go on without a hitch. Especially during load shedding, these systems become necessary, helping businesses navigate challenges effortlessly and uphold their commitment to providing a quality service that the customers deserve. This reinforces the resilience of small enterprises in South Africa’s demanding business environment. For more information on keeping your business operation running during load shedding, read our blog on how A UPS Will Secure Your Business.
- Mitigating Financial Losses
As a small business where dependability is crucial, the financial consequences of downtime caused by load shedding are substantial and difficult to recover from. Opting for a UPS system is a strategic decision for small businesses in the long run, presenting a cost-effective solution to ease potential losses linked to disrupted operations. The upfront investment in a UPS system acts as a safeguard against possible financial setbacks, ensuring that businesses can endure the challenges posed by the intermittent power supply in the future. UPS systems maintain operational continuity and ultimately protect their bottom line in the unpredictable power environment of South Africa.
- Protecting Electronic Assets
UPS systems serve as a crucial buffer for electronic equipment against the negative impacts of sudden power disruptions. This protection is particularly vital for businesses reliant on technology, as it prevents potential damage and data loss and extends the lifespan of valuable equipment. UPSs allow users sufficient time to shut down safely or change over to a backup power supply, thereby ensuring that sensitive electronics remain unscathed, and data is not lost, offering businesses operational continuity and long-term resilience in the face of ongoing load shedding. For more information about how a UPS can protect your sensitive equipment, read our blog.
UPS Systems Go Beyond Sustaining Operations
As South African businesses navigate the challenges posed by Eskom’s load shedding, UPS systems stand as a practical and essential solution for all small and large enterprises. By investing in a UPS, businesses can fortify themselves against the fears of power interruptions, ensuring the continuous provision of services to customers. In the ever-evolving business environment of South Africa, UPS systems emerge as reliable partners, helping small businesses withstand the disruptions caused by load shedding and maintain their resilience in the face of rolling blackouts.Standby Systems offers a comprehensive range of products and services. Our experienced technical team is ready to advise on the best UPS system and battery solutions for your small business’s specific needs. Visit Standby Systems’ website or contact us at 011 794 2541 or 011 794 3406 or WhatsApp 082 450 2361.