Every organization utilizes technology in some way or another, today it’s impossible not to. But how do you see your technology needs growing? Everyone would agree that they see their business using newer and better technology in the future, but many don’t exactly have a plan for this general goal. This is where an organizational technology plan comes in.
This tactic outlines how a business plans to use technology to accomplish its goals. This strategy defines where the technology in use is now and where they want it to be in the future. Our world is constantly evolving, so it comes as no surprise that this plan is usually set within the scope of three to five years and needs to be often updated.
There are five main sections of an organizational technology plan. Following this guideline will help ease the stress of creating one.
1. The Basics
It’s very difficult to create and execute a plan without first discussing the basics. First and foremost is the planning team. Who will be involved in the process and what is their role? Naturally, technology personnel should be included. Also, don’t forget that IT vendors will be extremely helpful to this conversation.
Second is the vision you have for your business; where you see it going in the future. Without a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose, it will be impossible to know how technology can be implemented to ensure the success of your vision.
2. Needs Assessment
A needs assessment not only examines how things are currently, but how they should be in the future. What current business processes is your company utilizing to achieve its goal and how can these processes be improved upon by using new technology or upgrading current technology? Be sure to analyze the current technology in use. Is there a shortage or surplus, does it make sense for the service your organization is providing? What are the technology improvements that can be made in conjunction with the business processes? Consider software, hardware, network services, training, and what future growth looks like, both for your business and technology.
3. Technology Initiatives
Extremely important to the technology plan is the objectives. The objectives lay out what must be accomplished to get to your desired end result. The key to objectives is that they are measurable and have coordinating tasks. For example, an objective may be to buy two new computers every year. Tasks relating to this objective would likely be to research possible computers to purchase, where to buy them and to consult your service providers for compatibility.
Hardware is also a huge part of any technology initiative. Be sure to not only focus on the technology itself but the application as well.
4. Budget
As is evident, no technology plan is possible without a budget. It is essential to include not only the costs of hardware and software purchases but also technical support and training. Also, include the time this project will consume for staff. Doing so will help your organization determine whether hiring outside help will make the process more efficient.
5. Evaluation
No process is complete without a measurement of success. It simply doesn’t make sense to make all these changes unless there is clear proof that it was worth it. At this point, we go back to our objectives and goals. Did your organization meet or exceed its objectives and thus the overall goals? If yes, great! If not, take a look back at the plan and reassess. What changes can you make for better success in the future?
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Building a technology plan is no small feat. It takes time, energy, organization, and most importantly, experts to keep you on track.
Netzbahn has been creating and managing technology plans for organizations like yours for more than a decade. Call Netzbahn at 920-297-5000 or message us to learn how we can help your team get through this vital yet time-consuming process.