Why Plan?

Is an information technology plan just another way to waste precious time and money? Don't get caught in that trap! Planning is the key to success. Why would banks require new businesses to present full detailed business proposal plans prior to granting financial assistance? Because they know planning pays for itself in many ways. Technology planning is a tool to help accomplish the mission of an organization while avoiding costly expenses due to poor decisions. Once a plan is in place iit is easier develop solutions that enable an organization to reach its full potential. Planning technology will help accomplish the following:

1. Get financial assistance. Technology plan show funders that you have throughly researched organizational goals and how technology will effectively further your mission. The planning process will expand and uncover new ways to meet these goals.

2.  Purchas the right equipment the first time. Technology is already involves complicated decision processes but it does not have to be completely overwelming. At the same time, by researching a variety of solutions you can develop the appropriate plan that will meet the needs of your organization.

3. Save! Save! Save! Avoid costly mistakes! Chances are you don't need all the bells and whistles, but you do need an integrated and compatible system that will benefit everyone in the organization.

4. Avoid crises management. A good plan will avoid years of suffering with an expensive albatross that does not meet your requirements, drains staff energy, and possibly loses precious donation opportunities.

5. Increase office productivity. Instead of wasting precious time and creative juices on technology issues, your staff can concentrate on the real mission. Processes can be streamlined an duplicated efforts can be eliminated.

4. Hold on to your staff.   Don't get held hostage when an employee leaves and takes your technology with them. Inventory, document, and establish procedures for your existing and new systems.

What? There's more: See the steps that lead to a successful plan....