The exponential advancement of technology has changed how businesses run and operate. As companies strategize and present their plans for the upcoming, it is vital to take into account how technology impacts its varied aspects. Businesses of all types, right from startups to established enterprises, need to invest in proper technology planning. Earlier, Anand Jayapalan has spoken about how a robust technology plan helps businesses to effectively close the gaps between its present and desired future state.
What is a technology plan?
While business plans are meant to steer a company in a specific direction, effective technology planning helps direct its path to success. Technology plans comprehensively outline the current technology strengths and weaknesses of a company and create a technology roadmap to where and how the company wants to do its business in the future. These roadmaps focus on identifying the current technological needs of a company. The needs can range from computers and printers to inventory control set-ups, as well as word processing packages and financial spreadsheet systems. Technology plans also consider IT training for the employees, ensuring cyber security, and funding the discerning IT needs.
Technology plans ideally propose a technology strategy that backs up the already established business objectives of a company. It is also likely to involve the development of business continuity plans for when disastrous events occur. Much like a business plan and its objectives, technology roadmap of a company also evolves with time. Hence, it should be revisited and updated regularly.
Why is technology budgeting and planning important?
Executing any technology plan requires financial resources. Allocating a budget for technology is just as essential as devising a financial plan for procuring office supplies. Similarly, integrating new software and hardware into a business is of equal importance to ordering ink and paper for an office printer. If one strives to expand their business, incorporating innovative technologies must be vital to their budget framework. When executed effectively, this approach not only enhances business productivity but also ensures smart use of company resources.
Dedicating funds for various IT programs by outlining projected funding for technology is very vital. A meticulous IT budget serves as a strategic tool, allowing companies to enjoy long-term cost savings by steering clear of ineffective technology investments and unproductive ventures. It ensures a judicious investment in technology and hardware that aligns with the specific business objectives. The technology plan should delineate both current and future IT needs and associated costs, along with a timeline for implementation.
Technology planning helps save money
Technology planning often proves instrumental in helping businesses save funds. By evaluating a company’s existing technology strengths and weaknesses, a technology plan can pinpoint areas where technology optimization can lead to cost reduction, streamlined processes, and heightened efficiency. For instance, consolidating software licenses allows a business to trim software expenses while maintaining the same level of functionality.
Previously, Anand Jayapalan had discussed how a well-crafted technology plan serves as a shield for businesses against cyber threats and data breaches. Given the escalating reliance on technology, the risk of cyber attacks has gone up in recent years. A comprehensive technology plan identifies potential security threats and outlines measures to prevent and mitigate them.