Investing in information technology is significant for a company both financially and operationally. Even when the leadership team understands information technology’s role and its importance in achieving organizational objectives, planning is still a challenge. And rightfully so, because an investment in IT is an investment in the organization’s future.
A first step to successful IT planning is to align the IT strategy with the overall business strategy. Alignment is not easy since information technology is a business function that will be forever changing. Flash back ten years and consider where technology was then and where we are now. It can be overwhelming to think of where technology will be 10 years from now – even five years from now. This is why it makes sense to enlist the help of a company that specializes in Network Infrastructure, Telecom and Professional Staffing/Services support.
Here’s a look at just three of the many areas where using technical and professional services can help.
Project Manager (PM) and Project Manager Office (PMO) Services
When the Energy Information Administration (EIA) IT program project failed in 2015 due to mismanagement and poor planning, it shined a bright spotlight on how such a failure affects the service level your customers and end-users receive. It also underlined the irreparable long-term damage such failures can cause.
As was the case with EIA, poor project management and lack of experience and resources are considered recurring risks to the success of many IT projects. It is also why companies elect to strengthen their IT infrastructure using technical staffing solutions. For example, a project manager can fill small gaps when a company is understaffed with a new or existing project. On a grander scale, a project management office can handle large or multiple projects simultaneously. Such staffing solutions also add a layer of transparency and protection to complex projects.
Network & Data Services (Engineering, Security, Support)
Technology is one of the largest line items on a company’s budget, and it is also a planning and funding challenge because it is often in competition with other important business capital needs. The problem magnifies when the IT team does not understand the budgeting process, and the finance team does not understand IT. A staffing and maintenance provider can help remedy the situation by offering budget-friendly solutions. All-in-one services can be customized to handle installation of all types of network and data equipment. They may also include a Maintenance Offering with MAC (Moves, Add, & Changes) and hardware troubleshooting.
Site Survey and Asset Discovery
In recent difficult economic times, many companies held on to and maintained older hardware and infrastructure. Since the economy is improving, companies now find themselves in a position where they have to upgrade their Network Assets. This is no easy feat as an upgrade requires surveying the old network and discovering and tagging assets.
The survey process reveals exactly what you have, what needs to be replaced, and what is the best IT infrastructure for the business going forward. A project and investment of this magnitude can be overwhelming for the IT and Finance teams. A staffing solution offers expertise in this area and considers the short and long-term constraints of the company, its business goals, and budget.
A project manager can survey and replace wireless devices, phone systems, network hardware, software, and cabling infrastructure. In addition, old equipment is not necessarily without value. A project manager can help decommission and recycle equipment.
In larger companies where you see multiple positions like Business and Systems Analysts to Engineering and Technical Support, or Systems Admin Windows/Unix/ Linux, it is no surprise if some team members are not sure who handles what. A technology partner does understand each and every role and can serve as a valuable Single Point of Contact, saving money, confusion and headaches.
What IT projects do you have budgeted for this year? Next year?
What needs do you have that your present vendors are not meeting?
Would you benefit from a conversation about IT Solutions? Key Services offers comprehensive and customizable solutions to keep your business running smoothly. Give us a call at 336-768-4400.