Regardless of your industry, size or status, your business will require a range of IT assets in order to operate effectively and efficiently. In fact, acquiring the right IT assets can mean the difference between profitability vs. struggling.
In order to acquire the right IT assets, you need a knowledgeable team that understands both IT and your business objectives that can organize to identify needs, evaluate options and execute purchasing, implementation and operation. In this blog entry we discuss IT planning, procurement and budgeting and the impact it can have on a business.
Identify needs
A good starting step is to ask employees about frustrations with current hardware and software. Consider workflows and needs of each employee. Your creative team has different technology needs than your finance team. You’ll also want to review and document all existing technology including its age and condition.
Evaluate options
Once you have employee pain points and a list of all your existing technology you can determine what needs to be replaced, what could be upgraded to still be used and what needs to be acquired.
Sometimes you will find training employees can turn a pain point into technology that functions positively. There are also times when you can repurpose technology. For example, perhaps an intern can use an older device that say your accountant no longer finds reliable. This avoids having to go out and purchase a new device.
When acquiring new assets, a number of decisions come into play such as manufacturer, provider/vendor, product specifications, service and support, and price. There are numerous details and products and contracts can get complex.
Execution
Now that you have a strategy it is time to execute. For new assets submit a list to appropriate sellers to quote. This can be time consuming for a business, but helps to ensure the best pricing and products backed by warranties and support.
New products and upgrades require skilled IT professionals to implement and integrate into the businesses operations. In order to best maintain your IT assets, you need to make sure you are monitoring performance and updating security and software when necessary.
Partner with Insight BTR
Proper IT planning and procurement is crucial. Having an expert team get it right the first time helps achieve growth, efficiency, productivity, profitability and high morale.
At Insight BTR, a business IT service provider serving the Madison area, our team of experienced, skilled professionals are here to help your business with each step. With our vendor and distributor relationships, we can help you acquire the best IT assets at the best prices and terms so you can be confident in your budget and technology. We will work with you to ensure you get the right product when you need it.
Contact us today to get the conversation started… phone 608-661-0750 or email info@insightbtr.com.
