The digital ecosystem is here to help meet the potential and growth of your business. The process can better help manage and integrate the important parts of your business with IT technology software applications meant to help your business run more efficiently and knowledgably.
IT strategy [information technology strategy] is a comprehensive plan that outlines how IT can be used to meet your growing business needs and how the right system should be procured. IT procurement is the process of acquiring these necessary technology products and services that will enhance and benefit your business. Is your IT environment the best it can be for all your data and information and operation’s needs?
IT procurement involves the request for quotations (RFQ) and requests for proposals (RFP). It is important to complete your research carefully to make the digital transformation as easy as possible and to the best advantage for your business.
Steps to Consider:
1] Research the provider market carefully. Which providers are out there that understand and can meet your specific needs to better your business and your customer? More expensive is not always better. You are contracting an external service provider and therefore have to be certain that the match fits your business needs. Understand what is offered and what to expect.
2] Interview several providers and narrow to a few. Compare features. Compare pricing. Try before you buy. Here is where you look at the RFQ’s and RFP’s.
3] Consider the contract. Ask the following critical questions…
a. What are the levels of service the provider offers?
b. What will be the downtime to your operation be for the transition? How long will the implementation take and how disruptive will it be?
c. What are the security measures to protect your existing digital environment?
d. Carefully assess what types of reporting and dashboards are included.
e. Is the reporting adaptable to your business? Is it easy and friendly?
f. What training and how much training is being offered and will it be remote or in person?
g. Are updates readily available and are they available in the SLA [service level agreement]?
h. Consider who in your operation can handle the new processes or will you have to hire? Can your business afford both procuring the new system and a designated hire? Is there a consideration to move away from on-site control and what is the risk of shifting control to an outside provider. On the other hand, will it free up time to focus on your business?
i. Develop a realistic budget.
j. Understand the end users Are they both your business and your customers? What would be the pain points to your customer?
Get educated to the providers and services that are out there. Understand your environment’s digital needs and readiness and don’t fall short of the very possible potential for growth, in the technology spectrum, for your business.
DOREEN LEVITZ, ASE
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