Tuesday 25 February 2014

How To Implement An IT Strategy In Your Company

By Rosalind Adams


When workplaces started using computers, there was no need for people to be too concerned about the software they were using. This was because interdepartmental communication was still being carried out by telephone, or face-to-face. However, the growth of computer networking has meant that systems have to be developed so that people can work together easily. This means that an IT strategy has to be developed in order to make each business more efficient.

When the time comes to develop a plan to ensure that network users can work together, the main problems faced are historical. When technology was first introduced into most companies it was done on a departmental basis, and as things have developed the attitude has been, why change it if it works. This has meant workarounds are being used to eliminate compatibility errors. However, this becomes a problem as businesses grow.

The plan that is going to be implemented requires high-level approval. The participants should include all the business managers and the IT manager. Prior to this meeting the IT managers should determine all the issues that have been raised with the equipment that is currently in use. A budget should be set by the business managers that reflects the goals of the company.

The next task for the information technology manager is to determine how to make use of the tools already in use, and what systems need replacing. This is where budgetary constraints are extremely important. This might be a good time to get advice from an external consultant, as they would be able to understand the overall picture, and have a better insight to what is available.

After an IT strategy has been formulated, in order to make it run smoothly, communication is vital. It might be that the departmental managers can see problems that are not directly IT related, but will affect business efficiency. There will always be people who will reject any changes to their work-flow, whereas others will embrace them. This is why communicating the plans, and the reasons for them, is extremely important in any strategy change.

It is not only the internal objections that could cause problems to any plan, external influences must be taken into account as well. This could include companies no longer supporting certain pieces of hardware or software that you use, because upgrades are soon to be announced. This means that any plans must be flexible within certain limits, and milestones set, in order to achieve a successful conclusion.

If the idea of upgrading the computer systems within your company, and making sure that they all are compatible might be very daunting, especially if you have a tight budget. It might be better to approach a consulting agency that will have seen the problems you are facing before. On the face of it, it might seem an expensive route to take; however, it could save you a lot of money and manpower in the future.

When you implement an IT strategy, it will be so all the departments, however widespread, can work more efficiently. It will also help the team supporting the technology infrastructure be able to solve problems quicker, therefore meaning less downtime. This can be best achieved through careful planning, and keeping communication channels open at all times.




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