The Managing IT Dilemma

Information technology has changed the way we do business in many wonderful ways. It helps us work more efficiently, reduces the cost of doing business, makes us more competitive and expands our markets. It has also caused management dilemmas. How do you effectively manage IT people and projects, and who is best suited to take charge? The answer may be simpler than you think.

There are basically four areas to consider when managing IT. Understanding which area you need to manage and how to manage it is the key to success.

Technology Goals

What do you want technology to do for your business? Sounds pretty basic doesn't it? The truth is, however, that the vast majority of small businesses never really ask themselves that big question. What you need in hardware and software, like anything else, depends upon the ultimate business goal.

For example: better internal communication in small office requires a totally different solution than increasing efficiency and effectiveness in a manufacturing environment.

Creating a Technology Plan

Once that big question has been answered then you are ready to create your technology plan. Technology spending without a plan is like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute - it is a scary trip and the landing can be fatal. A good technology plan includes:

• The goal you have already set.

• The number of employees and their understanding of technology (this will determine training needs).
• Your own technology knowledge (do you need to outsource or hire a consultant).
• How much growth you anticipate in the next two to three years (this determines the quality of equipment you purchase, which translates into growth and durability).

Melody Everhart, V P Information Technology Solutions, NetVision Technologies, Inc. has over 35 years of sales and marketing experience. Since 1997 she has dedicated her career to helping small businesses make better technology decisions. Everhart is known for no-nonsense, business-based approach to technology decisions including both website development and technology management.

Everhart is a Wichita native and a graduate of WSU.

You can reach Melody at 262-2300 or meverhart@nvt.net

• Your budget (the cheap and free options can often be very expensive choices in the long run - don't be fooled by the lowest bid).
• Listen to your employees, the ones who do the work and understand the process. They can really help you make the best choices for your business.
• Review your plan BEFORE making new purchases to make sure it fits into your goals and future growth plans.

Outsourcing

To outsource or NOT to outsource - that is an interesting question. Like everything else is in technology, it depends on the situation.

Regardless, the bottom line is “how much time can you afford to have yourself or an employee spend working on something for which neither of you are trained”?

When you decide to hire a consultant you should pick one who is willing to take the time to understand your business and review at some point, your technology plan. There are many good consultants in Wichita and the surrounding area that can sell you a service, but look for the one who wants to provide you with a solution. It will be a better investment.

Employees

As valuable as input from employees is, some will be reluctant to change. Communication and patience is the key here. People buy into what they know and understand. Keep them in the loop!

SPAM, viruses, unrestricted use of the Internet and company equipment, the untrained employee and the over-eager employee can be a threat to your technology system. Every business needs a Technology Policies and Procedures Manual that is clearly defined, easy to read and equally enforced.

So what does take to manage IT? The same qualities that it takes to manage in other fields: communication, realistic goal setting skills, patience, and knowledge of the business. It must be understood that technology is a solution - a tool to be used, not revered. A good IT manager works to be a part of the team, share the vision and use their skills to reach the goals of the business or organization for which they work.