I heard this question many times: “How to improve our IT”?
Managing the IT area is not only a challenge but also a key element in the functioning of any organization. Technology development, dynamic changes in the market and increasingly demanding customers make effective management of IT infrastructure and resources essential for any type of organization.
SME PERSPECTIVE
For SMEs, where doing more with fewer resources is a common mantra, effective IT management becomes particularly critical. Limited budgets and small IT teams necessitate careful consideration of scalable, cost-effective, and easily manageable solutions. This is equally applicable to establishing strong protection against data breaches that could harm a company’s reputation.
ENTERPRISE PERSPECTIVE
In larger enterprises, managing the IT domain is a multifaceted challenge, including project management, data security, process optimization, and competitive strategies. With complex IT structures, extensive networks, and diverse teams, effective management involves coordinating activities across organizational levels to ensure consistency, efficiency, and data security.
Regardless of organizational size, optimizing resources, ensuring efficient IT operations, maintaining data security, and swiftly adapting to change are common priorities for success.
WHY DOES IT SOMETIMES FAIL?
Despite all the efforts and investments, IT systems sometimes operate improperly or inefficiently. Identifying the reasons and addressing them with the right actions is crucial. Here are the four most common pitfalls with recommended actions to be taken:
INSUFFICIENT PLANNING
The most important mistake that many organizations make is a lack of proper IT-related planning. Instead of investing time and resources in IT strategy, some companies make decisions based on temporary needs. This can lead to buying inappropriate solutions that don’t meet the organization’s long-term goals.
Top 3 tasks:
Analyze current infrastructure and resources:
The first step is a thorough analysis of your current IT infrastructure and available resources. Determine what hardware, software and human resources are currently available. This will help you understand what you already have available.
Interview stakeholders:
Talk to key stakeholders in the organization, including management, IT departments and end users. Gather information about their IT needs, expectations and concerns. This will help set priorities and goals.
Identify short-term goals and priorities:
Based on an analysis of the infrastructure and discussions with stakeholders, identify short-term goals and priorities. Focus on the most important problems that can be solved in the near term. This will allow you to direct your attention and resources to the most important areas.
Proper planning involves understanding existing resources and stakeholder needs to set realistic short-term goals, laying the foundation for comprehensive IT strategy development.
LACK OF PROPER RESOURCES
No matter how advanced IT systems are, without the right resources, such as skilled employees, hardware and software, it is difficult to achieve success. Lack of understanding of the needs of IT staff and lack of investment in developing employee competence is a common problem.
Top 3 tasks:
Assess current employee competencies.
Analyze employee competencies in the IT department. Identify what skills and experience current employees have. This will help you identify resource gaps and understand if there are areas that need immediate support.
Plan and implement training for skill development.
Develop a plan for employee training and skill development that focuses on overarching needs. Implementing training can help employees quickly acquire new skills and fill resource gaps.
Consider outsourcing or partnering with vendors.
When there are insufficient human resources, consider outsourcing some IT activities or partnering with IT service providers. This can help cover resource gaps and minimize the impact on your business.
Addressing resource gaps involves evaluating existing competencies, planning training programs, and leveraging outsourcing or partnerships to cover shortfalls.
INSUFFICIENT SECURITY
Nowadays, cyber security is a critical issue. Many business owners mistakenly assume that their systems are sufficiently secured, leading to the risk of attacks and data leaks.
Top 3 tasks:
Analyze threats and vulnerabilities:
Immediately conduct an assessment of potential threats and vulnerabilities in your IT systems. Focus on identifying potential sources of risk, such as security gaps, outdated software, unaware users, etc.
Implement urgent patches and updates:
Identified vulnerabilities and risks should be addressed immediately. Implement updates to software, and security tools and strengthen security procedures. Ensure systems are updated and properly secured. Develop a plan for employee training and skill development that focuses on overarching needs. Implementing training can help employees quickly acquire new skills and fill resource gaps.
Employee training and awareness:
Strengthen security awareness among employees. Conduct cybersecurity training, and provide information on key threats and policies for dealing with suspicious situations. People are often the first link of defence against attacks.
Addressing cybersecurity issues involves promptly assessing risks, implementing updates, and enhancing employee awareness as a primary line of defense.
INEFFECTIVE CHANGE MANAGEMENT
IT area is constantly evolving. Effective change management necessitates evaluating existing processes, prioritizing changes, and ensuring transparent communication to garner support.
Top 3 tasks:
Evaluate existing processes and procedures:
Start with a thorough assessment of your current change management processes and procedures. Identify which elements are ineffective or need improvement. Focus on areas that are the source of problems.
Prioritize and plan for change:
Make a list of priorities and identify what changes are most important. Develop an action plan that addresses the timeline and resources needed to implement the changes. Focus on urgent improvements.
Communication and stakeholder engagement:
Inform internal and external stakeholders about planned changes. Gather feedback and comments from employees and other involved parties. Act transparently to engage people and gain their support for the changes.
Implementing these tasks addresses immediate concerns and provides a foundation for long-term success in IT management.
