Invest in IT

Information technology (IT) is a wide-space knowledge. It’s not just dealing with computers and systems, but also learning the process and business practice and where it would apply best. In fact, more and more companies are leaning toward IT because of the brilliant evolution it has gone into, not to mention the ease of work in manpower they could gain when incorporating automation into their systems. 

Essentially, investing in IT isn’t something that businesses shout fret about. It should be more of a hassle when their businesses are unable to catch up with fast-paced technology. Manual procedures are already being shelved, and data integration for both private enterprises and government channels is moving fast. Evolution, however, varies per industry. There are those that are quick in adapting to changes for the simple reason that adequate mapping, planning and coordination were made prior to investing in the concept.

So, how should one begin? Let’s appropriately define the term and take on an end-user’s perspective.

IT used to be termed as Management Information System (MIS), which is actually literal in scope. The essence took on more profound sense because business demands not just automation, but also getting the right kind of information that would be more applicable to business models. While there are tools in getting the right and real-time data, report generation is vital in IT. When accurate reports are produced, it becomes easier to support subsequent decisions in the process, especially when it comes to obtaining necessary returns on investment.

The decision-making procedure tied to any IT-related undertaking typically takes a long process flow. Most need to properly identify an appropriate infrastructure or platform that would fit their present requirements, and how they intend to move forward without carrying on higher added costs. These days, several, if not all, are already moving toward business process outsourcing (BPO). Here, IT need no longer be referred to as a “cost center,” but the term has evolved to a revenue-generating concept. IT allows companies to embrace transparency in the conduct of their business, and streamlines administrative-related workflows that are time-consuming by nature. In the end, organization leaders need to properly map out how they want their business to grow and check on available systems that could equally grow with them.

Platforms can sometimes be “feature/functionality-dependent,” but there’s always a scheme in getting the right system in place. One factor that should be considered is properly identifying processes that need to be organized or streamlined, to obtain the desired results. Let’s take the case of call centers that operate 24/7. Payroll processing could be tedious if we’re talking of multiple shifts. One could go endlessly, thinking about how salaries are processed based on attendance monitoring, apart from other regulatory requirements that need to be processed on time and various incentives that apply per worker, among other things. Within finance, IT allows companies to properly time cash flow requirements. Disbursements are timely matched with expected inflows, and finance people are prepared to recommend approaches matching their days payable vis-a-vis receivables. Cross-section analysis per customer can also be made, especially if the data can be plotted within a certain timeframe. Modules are similarly available on inventory planning and management, enabling companies to monitor goods that need to be on stock, among others. Overall, several companies succeeded in resolving intra-operation concerns either by obtaining a good match on their needs or proper resource allocation to support growth requirements. Moreover, discussions are hastened when ready and technically equipped consultants are within reach.

To properly ensure a well-defined and long-term IT move, consider selecting branded licenses that have established their names in the field. Each license is mandated by key principals for support maintenance, especially during the initial year of implementation. Typically, when licenses are covered under a maintenance agreement, coverage is provided 24/7 to correct any trouble. Free license version upgrade may also be considered, should customers find this necessary. Meanwhile, caution should be addressed with “cheaper” off-the-shelf licenses that are typically good only for use in the next two to three years. Simply put, avoid purchasing licenses that could not grow with your business, as you might fall into the trap of buying new licenses and trashing the old one.

Lastly, identify those that can be outsourced (e.g., purchasing via e-Marketplace participation, payroll, accounting, etc.), only if you wish to focus on your key business competency. Technical consultants are good to have, but they may only be there for the short term. Instead, go for an IT partner with representatives determined to ride with your enterprise’s learning curve. Perseverance and patience are among key considerations, but try to spot those who would be willing to put customers’ needs before their own, not to mention, those that have good judgment and listening skills.

* * *

Jane Carlos is the senior account manager of Active Business Solutions Inc. For queries, e-mail her at [email protected].