04.20.04
 By
Frank Schmidt
Today’s business environment has changed drastically
from just a few years back. Rather than working exclusively with equipment,
data, and systems, today’s IT managers face issues such as cross training,
personnel management, interdepartmental communication, and a widening
job scope for all IT employees.
This expansion of the IT job realm has left many IT managers juggling
new challenges. While the problems, in and of themselves, might appear
overwhelming, there are simple, proven ways to rise above them. |
Problem
#1 - Tough Data Flow
Information often flows irregularly and is subject to quantitatively
strong fluctuations. These fluctuations can become detrimental if
not dealt with. The simple solution is to control the information.
Officially, “information controlling” is the analysis, evaluation,
and importance attached to the electronic data that is collected and
provided with the data under various criteria.
To achieve this, start by making employees aware
of the importance of the data they help to gather. Encourage accuracy
and demonstrate to employees how their active participation in the
process can reap rewards they might not have thought of.
Because your job as IT manager will continue to get more and more
hectic, you’ll want to continually look for ways to improve speed
and quality while reducing rising costs.
Problem #2 - Rising Costs
Rising costs are a challenge for any manager. They are especially
troubling to an IT manager working in the electronic data processing
area.
Industry experts show that, despite various "old systems" existing,
resources are only used at about 30% of their optimal performance.
This leaves room for 70% improvement without an excessive outlay of
cash.
To increase ROI using existing resources, consider:
1. Conducting a survey of departments. Ask what their primary
challenges are with the existing systems. The majority of the time
the solutions lie within untapped features of existing resources.
Search the systems for solutions and provide them.
2. Getting clear definitions of problems. Oftentimes, employees
may not know how to communicate the problems they face in “IT language.”
This may relate to an ill-suited solution. Take time to work with
employees or department heads to clearly outline challenges so you
are equipped to find solutions more quickly and accurately.
3. Looking for ways to integrate. A smooth flow of information
always increases productivity. When possible, work to find ways to
integrate existing systems. With a little ingenuity on your part,
and a little creativity, you can develop solutions without budget
increases.
Problem #3 - Insufficient Sensitivity Concerning
Data Security
As the complexity of electronic data processing increases, security
often decreases. Not only does this pose problems in the form of breaches,
it also has legal ramifications with regard to licenses.
From healthcare companies to financial organizations, the US government
is cracking down on lax security. The smart IT manager is taking steps
now to not only stress the importance of security to those in his/her
company, but to also instill the necessary protective measures.
To help others within your organization understand how sensitive certain
data is, create a memo or site page explaining:
· what security measures are currently in place,
· why these measures exist,
· the consequences (internally and externally) for not following security
procedures, and
· whom to contact with questions/issues regarding security.
Although an IT manager’s job is continually evolving
and becoming more challenging, there are ways to overcome pressing
problems. By looking at each situation from a variety of angles, you’ll
be able to define problems quickly and accurately, and then offer
solutions that will benefit you, your team, and your entire company.
Frank Schmidt is a seasoned IT Project Predictability Specialist.
He has worked with a wide range of companies, software developers,
and IT personnel to effectively meet the deadlines of urgent projects.
Frank is available to consult on your next IT project. Visit his site
today for additional details. http://www.geniusone.com
About the Author:
Frank Schmidt is a seasoned IT professional specializing in IT disaster
recovery. He has worked with a wide range of companies, software developers,
and human resource personnel to effectively meet the deadlines of
urgent projects. Frank Frank.Schmidt@GeniusOne.com is available to
consult on your next IT project. Visit his site today for additional
details.
http://www.GeniusOne.com
Read this newsletter at: http://www.ctoupdate.com/2004/0420.html |
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| From
the Forum: |
| MS vs OS |
As Open Source is getting popular almost
everywhere, what is the future of enterprise operating systems
like Microsoft? Can it surivive the battle?...
|
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|
