As we move forward into 2021, businesses are increasingly coming to rely on their IT departments. With the renewed focus on and desire for remote working, companies are having to digitize their operations at a rapid rate; and this means IT efficiency is more important than ever before.
Even a decade ago, IT leaders had a much more straightforward role. So long as they kept basic services functional, no one complained. Now, however, they’re carrying entire businesses on their shoulders. As a result, they’re having to review efficiency and look at ways they can improve on this.
Here are three top tips to help your team to do so.
Focus on optimization
When we say ‘efficiency’, most people’s minds skip to how they can cut costs. However, this is not the right way to approach the problem. Instead, look for ways to optimize your operations. Rather than trying to spend less, ask yourself how you can make your existing investments work for you. Are you maximizing their potential, or is there more you could be doing with them?
If the answer is ‘yes’, spend some time exploring their abilities, to see whether one piece of software is capable of automating more than a single task, for example. This will drive value across the entire IT ecosystem.
Proving that this is worth exploring, a recent study from Gartner discovered that the majority of IT departments are focusing less on cutting budgets and more on maximizing value and optimizing potential.
Develop key partnerships
It’s not only about maximizing the potential of your in-house team; look at your collaborators too. Whether it’s suppliers, contractors, or vendors, these individuals and/or enterprises form an integral part of the technology supply chain.
This means your performance is inherently tied to theirs, so don’t be afraid to ask for more or expect a lot. If you want to increase your efficiency, they must necessarily be a part of this process, so work with them to improve your technologies, processes, and frameworks.
For example, your partners might be able to open your eyes to one of their products that you’re not currently utilizing but would benefit from investing in, such as a network diagram tool. This can notably increase efficiency by helping you to visually track network devices. Not only does this tool allow you to keep track of your employee network and system all on one platform – especially useful for home-based businesses – it also simplifies an IT process that was once considered incredibly arduous.
In order to benefit from such a relationship, however, there has to be a real degree of trust – you need to know that any recommendations they make are not just about securing a sale. For this reason, choose your collaborators with care.
Focus on your people and processes
However, just because we’re entering a new world, doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything. Although there can be a real temptation to invest in as many innovative tools and technologies as possible, it’s not always necessary.
To better meet your strategic goals, don’t adopt a scatter-gun approach; instead, sit down with other areas of the business and ask them what they need from your team. These discussions are invaluable in pinpointing the resources that will make a difference.
As well as talking to your people, take the time to study your processes. What sort of tech is necessary to support strategic priorities and to propel your business forward? Start with the problem before skipping to the solution.
Isn’t it time you focused on improving your efficiency?