When technology needs an upgrade, many businesses take the opportunity to do a general overhaul of their IT systems. This may include new initiatives in order to take advantage of the additional possibilities that new tech provides. It’s exciting, but also a daunting task. It could involve, one, several or all of the following: refreshing older IT, adding new hardware, implementing new applications and moving data to the cloud.
Any one of these can be a headache if you encounter a problem, and large IT projects can be time-consuming, with potential damage to your bottom line. Let’s look at an option that can help businesses of all sizes implement changes to their IT systems: co-management.
Issues with IT Project Implementation
If you’re lucky, your IT project will go smoothly from beginning to end and you’ll be back on track in no time. In reality, there are all sorts of issues that can hold things up. Integrating new technologies successfully starts with good management and planning. For the best results, you need a project manager who’s on top of delegating tasks, scheduling and staging, as well as managing costs. It’s a big job and, especially with major projects, it’s important to have one person overseeing and co-ordinating. Here are some common problems that can crop up:
- No road map: It might be tempting to add on new IT without having a clear vision about the way forward. This is a recipe for glitches, delays and inefficiency, as well as potential budget overruns.
- Weak co-ordination with vendors: Acquiring new IT isn’t like going into a supermarket and picking things off the shelf. You need to liaise closely with vendors, to make sure you’re getting what you need and that it will be delivered on time. IT implementation is usually a collaboration between different participants, including vendors, suppliers and your staff.
- Changes as the process proceeds: Implementing new IT systems is a learning process. It’s common for it to become apparent that tweaks are needed, or that extra features should be added. Changes in priorities or scope can derail a project if not properly managed.
- System incompatibilities: Incompatible systems can completely and fatally derail an IT project or upgrade. It is absolutely vital that you check thoroughly whether new hardware or software is compatible with your existing system before you start, or it could all come crashing down.
- Inadequate training: Never forget that technology depends on people for it to do what you want it to do. That means training for your employees. Especially with larger projects and big changes, users need time to adapt. Provide information, training and support as early as possible to ensure a smooth transition.
Co-managed IT: Avoid Problems and Ensure Continuity
IT upgrades and system overhauls require attending to all sorts of factors simultaneously. Ideally, the company’s IT infrastructure will keep running throughout the implementation, or only be subject to brief periods of downtime. This is achievable with co-managed IT. Our co-management services can help on several fronts. The expert IT technicians at Quikteks can help manage the project. We can also take over the management of your existing infrastructure while your IT team manages the upgrading of your systems. We have strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, to help you source and acquire the technology you need, on time.
Partnering with Quikteks’ IT professionals will give you all the resources you need to make sure that your technology project is an all-round success. For more information about co-managed IT, or for advice on your IT planning, call us today at 973882-4644.