What are the important issues involved with IT planning?

1. It is a process, not a solution. New technology is a piece of  a larger solution. Not the entire plan as somethings will not be resolved by technology. Some problems will required new training, policies and procedures.  A new technology system will not increase office productivity until the staff is adequately trained.

2. Get senior management involved. Senior management and financial backing will be crucial to the plan's successful implementation. Growth, development, and fiscal planning is the responsiblity of the organizations senior management. Without them, there may not be the necessary support and funding.

3. The committee should include members from all areas of the organization. Those members should then get input from their various departments to ensure that data processes are accurate. In order to produce fully integrated system, complete and accurate documentation of  departmental relationships, data flow and work processes must be developed.

4. Define the organizational functions as well as goals. Once these are clearly defined, you will be able to determine how technology can help you accomplish these goals and optimize output.

5. Create a full long term plan. Keep tomorrow in mind as it will be here before you realize it. By spreading technology purchases and changes through the years, you will avoid financial hardships, remain competitive and be well aware of potential opportunities.

6. Avoid all the bells and whistles.  Just because something is the newest and greatest does not mean it will fullfil your organizations needs. Concentrate on the important issues. Productivity, affordiblity, and security are a few major considerations. Take advantage of programs offered by information technology firms as well as available grants. The reasons why funders give assistance changes every year. Be ready during the technology year with your plan!

7. Assess your staff's ability to use new technology. Include the necessary training that will make the programs pay for themselves. How often has an organization purchased a $30,000 application only to find out that it will take another $20,000 and a full year to get it fully operational.

8. Plan for the essential training. Training is also an ongoing process that should be included in the plan and in the budget. New ideas occur everyday. Take advantage of them for the sake of your mission.

9. Maintenance is a fact of life. Updates, virus protection, physical preventive maintenance will make life much easier. How difficult would it be to recover from a virus attack that wipes your entire new system clean of all data???

10. Define your organizations goals and mission statement first. Clarify what you want to accomplish. When creating your list of things to accomplish, omit defining a technology item to fill the void. Don't get caught thinking about brand names and miss the main point. Could be that you will find things that can be accomplished with a different venue. Leave your mind open during the entire process.

11. Beware of gift horses. Some out dated equipment can cause a system to crash due to compatiblity issues. Donations of old equipment will required old software. There are plenty of funding opportunities that will enable a well planned organization to obtain new software and hardware. Take advantage of these.

l2. Use volunteers wisely. A volunteer can leave before the project is complete. They may not be as qualified as you may believe. Sometimes free help is no help at all.

Ready to learn more? ........ Technology Plan - What is it?