Embrace New Technology with an IT Transformation Strategy

Often, businesses can stick with the same tried and trusted methods or operational approaches because their staff are either comfortable with them or it just seems too much work to change.

It can sometimes take a catastrophic event such as the loss of a client or a data breach before CEOs and business owners decide to take a deeper look at their current IT services. The truth is your business should not be waiting for such an event. It pays to be proactive and to look at the options long before anything goes wrong.

Engaging in an IT transformation strategy will not only improve your security online but make your business more productive and competitive in today’s fast-paced world. Here’s what you need to know.

What is an IT Transformation Strategy?

IT transformation may seem like an option which you can take or leave, depending on your business. It’s actually a necessity and most leading companies except it now.

If you want your business to perform on a level playing field with your competitors or you are planning to grow in the future, your IT transformation strategy should be an ongoing process, not a one-off change in your business operation that you implement when all else fails.

An IT transformation strategy could include:

  • Introducing new elements such as cloud-based services that allow employees to operate more productively
  • Bringing in software and operating systems that help you deliver better services to customers than you do now
  • Boosting online security so that you better protect data and information processing for your business

IT transformation may already be part of the your business process, especially if you are a start-up where the latest technology can provide you with a competitive edge. One of the barriers that often sits in the way of transformational change for older, existing companies, however, is the cost.

On-demand services and outsourcing are a lot more cost effective than many business owners think. The biggest challenge is generally getting other people on board rather than switching to new technology that offers a good ROI in the long-term.

The Benefits for Your Business

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. That’s the popular mantra many business owners tend to dance to. Unfortunately, that can mean being stuck with outdated IT systems and even avoiding products that could improve performance.

For example, switching to cloud-based services means that your staff can access your software wherever they are in the world. You might have sales teams out in the field, who will be able to use their smartphones or tablets to give prospective clients up-to-date information. Cloud computing gives you the opportunity to install software that enables different teams to work closely together even if they are not in the same office or location, sharing documents and setting goals more efficiently.

Your IT transformation strategy will also include boosting cybersecurity. We’re under more threat than ever before from hackers and those with malicious intent. Updating your IT security is vital if your business wants to combat these threats and remain safe in the modern environment, especially if you are availing yourself of cloud services or bringing in new, high-tech software.

According to Hiscox, small businesses are subject to some 65,000 different cyber attacks each day and actual breaches cost on average £27,000 to put right.

Challenges in Implementing an IT Transformation Strategy

If you decide that an IT transformation strategy is the way forward for your business, there are certain challenges you are going to face. Employees can be resistant to change of any kind, believing that it presents a threat to their jobs. Particularly in an age where AI is delivering automation software that can do repetitive tasks and even answer customer queries better than a human being, this is likely to be an issue in most companies.

The key to successfully bringing on board an IT transformation strategy is not just convincing your staff that it’s important, making their lives better, but how it benefits your company in becoming more competitive and productive in the marketplace.

That’s not always easy if you don’t understand our rapidly improving technology, especially if IT is not your strong point. Staff may need to learn new ways of working, might even have to change jobs altogether, so it’s important to get buy-in from teams.

Working together with an IT service that not only understands your business but can communicate effectively makes a big difference. They may suggest introducing updates and new IT infrastructure gradually so that your employees and teams can gradually get used to things. If major changes are required, they will be able to show how disruption can be minimised and how staff can be effectively brought on board. Simplified processes can also make adoption much easier and transitions more seamless.

If you are searching for IT support that is tailored to your needs and meets the demands of modern businesses, contact the team at Cyan today to find out more.

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