In today’s world, every organisation – from small businesses to large enterprises – needs to adapt in order to survive. With the constant advancement of information technology (IT), these institutions need to have a comprehensive strategy in place to ensure that their digital tools are always in line with business objectives.
Thankfully, developing a clear technology plan for your company is easier than you think, particularly when you have the support of an IT consultant.
What are the benefits of a technology strategy?
An effective IT strategy can provide many benefits to an organisation. They include:
- Increased technical efficiency.
- Enhanced competitive advantage.
- Reduced operational costs and less ineffective IT investments.
- Streamlined business processes.
- Improved customer and employee satisfaction.
- Increased organisational agility and flexibility.
- More sophisticated cyber security measures.
What are the potential business consequences of not having an IT plan?
Not having a high-level strategic plan for your business’s technology can have a significant impact on your organisation’s ability to compete in the marketplace. Companies without a robust technology strategy may be slower at accessing the latest digital tools or may not have them altogether, leading to inefficiencies in business operations and less revenue.
There is also a cyber security risk that comes with not having a technology plan. Foolproof strategies take into account the latest technology trends – benign and malevolent. A business that does not have an IT plan in place may not have the proper security measures, which can lead to data breaches and other security issues.
What are the components of an IT strategy?
A strategic technology plan is a full-time commitment, not a short-term fix. It takes into account day-to-day processes – and how IT solutions will support them – to help the business achieve its long-term goals. As such, your company’s IT plan should contain various elements.
These components include:
- A clear vision of what your business wants to achieve (presently and in the future).
- Assessments of new technologies and how they might impact processes.
- The company IT budget and other resources.
- An examination of your networks (a catalogue of your IT tools).
- External services that relate directly to your IT, including the support of an IT consultant, a managed service provider, etc.
- The role of technology within your industry (including compliance, regulations, and more).
- Any potential digital security risks, along with solutions for reducing their impact on your business and people.
A well-crafted technology plan will not overlook any area of your business. The idea behind it is to cover all your company’s bases, granting you, your staff, and your stakeholders more confidence in the digital tools at your disposal.
How to create and implement an effective IT strategy in 5 steps
1. Establish the organisation's objectives and goals
It is critical for you to identify your organisation’s objectives and goals in order to determine how technology should be used to support them. These considerations should not come from one source within your company.
Instead, the input should be gathered from across your business, from C-suite executives to junior staff. This can be done through surveys, formal meetings, focus groups, and more. At this stage, you want to find out what your people expect from their digital tools and how these tools relate to business goals.
2. Examine your current technology infrastructure
This is an important step as it helps to identify any areas where your present IT solutions may be lacking. The analysis should look into the strengths and weaknesses of your IT infrastructure. This step will form the foundation that the entire plan will stand on.
3. Create a team, develop the plan
Gather people from across your company who, when together, represent the various departments that make up your business. Work with them to determine how technology will be used to support and enhance every process that powers your business. At this stage, you ought to listen to feedback, encourage open communication, and keep your budget in mind.
The plan itself will highlight each piece of technology you have (or wish to deploy) and align it with your company’s values and business operations. The strategy should also explain the steps that will go into rollouts, key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and the timeline of each tool’s placement/usage within your business.
4. Share the plan with senior management
While organisational buy-in should come from everyone, senior management has the authority to green-light the plan. Ask your leadership team to support the initiative by signing off on the desired outcomes and metrics, as well as the budget and procurement process. This is your chance to answer questions and make adjustments before the plan officially launches.
5. Deploy the plan and monitor it
Follow your strategy to the tee and regularly monitor and evaluate it to ensure that it is meeting people’s expectations. Stay alert for ways to improve your strategy and make it more relevant.
Safeguard your technical future with an IT consultant
An IT strategy can help your company become more efficient, sustainable, and competitive. The IT consulting services at Muscatech can offer your business the expertise, resources, and skills it needs to develop a dynamic technology strategy.
Get in touch with Muscatech’s consultants today to learn how you can develop a technology strategy fit for your company’s needs.
