A robust information technology (IT) environment is the key to successful business operations. And with technology continuing to revolutionise the way companies tackle their markets, it is no wonder that IT spending around the world “is projected to total $4.6 trillion in 2023” (according to Gartner).
But with more technology comes an increased need for effective planning. Organisations that use an IT environment that was badly designed may encounter a plethora of issues that do nothing except slow down day-to-day processes. And that is just the tip of an extensive, business-crippling iceberg.
In today’s day and age, it is essential for business leaders to stay abreast of the dangers of a badly designed IT environment. Without this knowledge, your IT solutions may not deliver the quality of service that your business requires, dampening your company’s potential.
1. Insufficient cyber security
Incompatible technologies and network oversights increase the chances of your company encountering cyber security threats. This can include data breaches, malware, information theft, cyber-attacks, and more. A badly designed IT environment may not have the capability of leveraging the latest cyber security practices and tools. And if your IT solutions are not protected with correctly configured tools, it can make it easier for threat actors to attack your network.
To overcome this, businesses ought to procure digital security tools that can be layered on top of each other, resulting in a dynamic web that addresses all your cyber security needs at once. It would also be a good idea for companies to enact security practices to ensure that security IT solutions are being used effectively.
All of this can include setting up firewalls, implementing access control measures, developing a cyber security strategy, undertaking security awareness training, regularly updating applications, and more.
2. An abundance of legacy technologies
In the modern workplace, relying on outdated IT solutions can impact a range of areas – the user experience, customer service, the quality of your services and products, and more. While legacy technologies are capable of enabling existing processes, in the long run, they are ineffective at maintaining (and improving) a company’s competitive edge.
Creating an innovative IT environment includes having a vision for your organisation’s network and its role in supporting business operations. By knowing your goals early, and carefully selecting the solutions that are inherently scalable and forward-thinking, you will be able to deploy an IT infrastructure that is equipped to scale with your business operations, manage your data effectively, and is ready to integrate with new solutions.
3. Unproductive employees
Ineffective technology environments directly impact your team members, no matter if someone is a full-time human resources worker, a part-time receptionist, or a casual administrative assistant. Poor quality IT infrastructures combine irrelevant technologies, legacy devices, and out-of-date software, which can lead to frustration and less engagement from employees.
By planning your IT environment, you will be able to craft a technical ecosystem that prioritises the needs of your employees. In this type of space, your staff will be able to carry out their jobs effectively, furthering business operations and increasing revenue. And when your team members feel confident knowing that the company’s IT solutions are capable of meeting their needs, they will be more loyal to the business and energised to deliver great service.
4. Unnecessary maintenance costs
A poorly designed IT ecosystem can cost an organisation more money, time, and energy to maintain. These expenses can be attributed to numerous areas, from investments in more resources to acquiring specialised expertise for issues that your business may not be equipped to solve independently. Additionally, the security concerns posed by ineffective IT environments can lead to network problems and connectivity issues that can require you to spend more resources to resolve.
There are various things companies must do to make sure their IT infrastructures’ operating costs are budget-friendly. This can include making sure IT solutions are all compatible and designed to reduce costs, along with deploying an IT environment that is reliable. Also, businesses ought to assess their networks on a routine basis to stay abreast of their health. These assessments provide you with the chance to locate weaknesses and fix them, ultimately saving you money.
5. Recurring downtime
Due to the technical and structural weaknesses of badly designed IT ecosystems, they are more likely to succumb to outages and system downtime. This can be because the network is not suited to the demands of the business and its need for reliable connectivity. Downtime can severely impact your business. From financial losses to unhappy customers, a company experiencing downtime is not able to perform at its best until everything is restored.
On the other hand, IT infrastructures that are carefully designed have the means to handle increased network traffic and unexpected events, reducing the chances of the company experiencing downtime. They also comply with data security best practices, such as backing up data to external data centres, for additional safety.
Improve business operations with a planned IT environment
From inventory management software to the computers used by the marketing team, your company’s IT ecosystem is crucial to your organisation’s procedures. A well-planned environment will allow you to cut costs and thrive in the business landscape. A badly designed IT infrastructure will do the opposite.
The IT strategy services at Muscatech can support your business in planning an IT ecosystem that pushes your organisation forward. Muscatech’s IT strategists can help you make strategic decisions regarding your IT, and deploy any solution to allow you to reap the benefits of an innovative technology environment immediately.
