Recognize and Evaluate Blind Spots in Enterprise Technology

It’s amazing to think of how quickly the enterprise technology landscape can change. It seems as though the flow of new applications, devices and services is endless. Cloud computing, for instance, has revolutionized how information technology and businesses operate.

For many IT teams, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact kind of technology that will work for their business objectives and what won’t. Like a lot of organizations do, you’ve probably tried to assess your own technology hoping you’d be able to evaluate the impact it has on your business. The problem with doing so is that you often miss things that may indeed be hurting your business.

It’s important to know the right questions to ask when evaluating your technology, and then outline what you’re going to do with the answers to those questions.
Here are a few questions that can help you accurately evaluate your technology.

Are Your Business Objectives Supported by Your Technology?

Enterprise technology is there for one purpose: to help you operate your business. The proper use of enterprise technology enables your employees to do their jobs better and faster, gives your business a competitive advantage, and accelerates your business goals as a result. No matter how old or new the technology is, it must be able to supplement the operations of your business. If your current system doesn’t do so, that’s a definite cause for concern.

It’s important to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly defined before making any major decisions.  Depending on your organization’s needs, you must be able to strategize and plan the kind of functionality you expect to get from your technology. You may have to consult with an expert and if necessary; change the software you are currently using so that it will facilitate the overall vision for your business.

Is Your Technology Outdated?

You may not realize it, but the current enterprise technology your business is using may be outdated. Some signs that your technology may be outdated include:

• You’ve experienced a server outage, or two.
• Your employees complain about how slow it runs.
• The manufacture dates are 5-10 years old.

It’s important to get a second opinion from someone outside your organization when assessing the current state of your enterprise technology. They may be able to shine a light on a few blind spots you’re overlooking. Outdated technology can slow down your business processes, leading you to lose your competitive edge. Often, a simple refresh or upgrade to the latest version of the software you’re using can get you back on the path to success.

The bottom line is; consumers prefer to take their business to companies with updated technology. Even if you’re wary about investing in new technology, you’ll save a lot more time and money by investing now versus later.

How Much are You Spending on Technology?

A recent study conducted by the Genpact Research Institute suggests that nearly 70 percent of what companies are spending on technology may be misallocated. What many companies fail to realize is that the IT dollar goes a lot farther than it ever has. Tech spending today may not be as efficient as some would believe, so it’s important to do your research or seek expert advice to make sure you’re not spending too much on technology.

The study also revealed that companies are spending money to sustain their current, or “legacy” systems rather than new technology. This is where getting a second opinion can make all the difference. With the multitude of technological advances out there today, there are many ways you can increase the value of your business’ technology.

Is Your Platform Secure?

Your inability to protect your data can lead to the failure of your business. Overlooking the importance of security is a big mistake some industries continue to make. Even though a security breach has a fairly low probability of occurring, the cost of dealing with one is extremely high. Many companies today are desperate to improve their security as a result.

Cyber security is now a hot topic and is a top priority for many business leaders and consumers. Regardless of whether your organization is large or small, ensuring that you’re protected from cyber attacks, and identity theft is important. Developing a plan of action for responding to a potential security breach should be a part of your organization’s overall contingency plan.

By maintaining the security of your data and assets, you will be able to avoid potential security threats that could jeopardize your success.

In Conclusion

Evaluating the blind spots mentioned above can’t be done overnight, but it must be done if you are concerned about your technology and its effectiveness. Consulting with someone outside of your organization will assure that a proper evaluation of your technology is conducted. By asking yourself these important questions, you can begin to make necessary changes that will improve the efficiency and productivity of your business or organization.