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A–Z Tech Library
Tech, in plain English.
50 terms explained without the jargon — and linked to where each one shows up in real work.
A
- APIAn agreed set of rules that lets one piece of software ask another for information or ask it to do something.
- Audit trailA time-stamped record of who did what in a system, and when, that cannot be quietly changed.
- AutomationGetting software to carry out a repeatable task by itself, following rules you have set, instead of a person doing it by hand.
B
- BackupA separate, saved copy of your data that lets you restore it if the original is lost, damaged or changed by mistake.
- Bespoke softwareSoftware designed and built around how one particular business actually works, rather than bought off the shelf.
- Business in a boxA business with its processes, systems and records documented, so it runs, and can be handed over, without relying on one person.
C
- CacheA temporary store of recently used information, kept close at hand so it can be shown again quickly.
- CloudUsing computers run by a specialist provider over the internet, instead of keeping your own servers in the office.
- CRMA system that keeps every contact, conversation and deal with your customers and prospects in one organised place.
- CSVA simple plain-text file format for tables of data that almost any spreadsheet or system can open and create.
D
- DashboardA single screen that shows the numbers and alerts you need to run the business, drawn from live data.
- Data migrationMoving information from an old system or set of spreadsheets into a new one, accurately and without losing history.
- DNSThe internet's address book, which turns a name such as yourbusiness.co.uk into the location of the right server.
E
- EncryptionScrambling information so that only someone with the right key can read it, both when stored and when sent.
- EPOSThe tills and software that record each sale, take payment and keep stock and sales figures up to date.
- ERPA large business system that brings finance, stock, purchasing, sales and operations together on one set of records.
I
- IntegrationA connection between two systems so that information entered in one appears in the other without retyping.
- Inventory managementTracking what stock you hold, where it is and when to reorder, so you neither run out nor tie up cash in surplus.
- Invoice automationProducing, sending and chasing invoices automatically from the work that has been completed, instead of by hand.
L
M
N
P
- PipelineA visual view of your sales opportunities by stage, from first enquiry through to won or lost.
- PortalA secure online area where customers log in to see their own orders, documents, invoices and progress.
- Process mappingDrawing out, step by step, how work really gets done in a business, including who does what and where it gets stuck.
R
- Rate limitingRestricting how many requests one user or system can make in a given time, to keep a service stable and safe.
- Real-timeInformation that updates as things happen, rather than being refreshed overnight or when someone runs a report.
- Role-based accessGiving people access to information and actions according to their job role, rather than to everything.
S
- SaaSSoftware you use through a web browser on a subscription, with the provider hosting, maintaining and updating it.
- SandboxA safe copy of a system where you can test changes or train people without touching live data.
- Single source of truthKeeping each important fact in one place, so everyone works from the same up-to-date figure.
- SOPA written, step-by-step description of how a regular task should be done, so it is done consistently.
- SSOLogging in once with one set of credentials to reach several systems, instead of remembering a password for each.
T
V
W
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