It is not enough to desire and promote business growth. To meet the demand that this expansion brings, an organization needs to prepare itself in several aspects. One of them is the IT area, which must adapt to receive and process a high volume of business and marketing information.
And is your company's IT sector prepared for this demand? Do you know what can be done to meet this need? Well, that's exactly what we're going to cover in this post. So, check out our tips for structuring it and dealing with growth in a calm way.
HOW TO PREPARE IT FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
1. UNDERSTAND THAT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS ARE A NEED FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS
Currently, in many organizations, most processes depend on some kind of technological tool to happen efficiently. Automation integrates the action of various departments, performs controls and ensures information that supports managers' decisions and makes the company work.
Therefore, areas such as sales, finance, marketing, inventory control and customer service turn to IT solutions for their operations.
We have reached a point where technology is no longer the focus, but is present in everything. It is a kind of web that interconnects and sustains all operations. Therefore, investments in this area must take the needs of all departments into consideration.
2. CONSIDER THE WAYS EMPLOYEES WORK
The growth of disruptive technology has changed not only the services the market offers, but our very way of thinking, acting and doing business.
Permanently connected, most employees understand that their work extends far beyond traditional working hours. They have already developed an always-on mindset and feel they must be "permanently connected".
However, this type of employee, even being in a permanent state of readiness for work, does not want to be evaluated due to the hours worked in the office. A more flexible work model (which does not mean reduced) requires a new evaluation criterion, based on productivity.
And to achieve significant productivity, this generation demands efficient technology . It must allow for use through equally functional devices anytime, anywhere.
For this to happen, companies need to provide appropriate equipment and, in addition, efficient applications. Without this technological support, there are two possibilities: either they will not have the tools they need to achieve the productivity they want or they will use their own personal devices.
No manager wants a drop in productivity, but most are not opposed to using personal devices. But is this option really the best option for an organization? Read the next topic and find out!
3. PRIORITIZE SAFETY
After all, what's the problem with employees using their own devices for work? There is a problem, yes — security!
When companies do not properly manage the consumer devices, platforms and services used in the work environment, there is a very high risk of data loss and significant security breaches.
There's even an acronym that defines organizations that use this policy — BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). The big problem is that, among the companies that follow this model, 50% report data loss due to this practice. In other words, it makes companies vulnerable.
And that's not the only security aspect that needs to be reviewed. The company needs to invest heavily in tools that protect its data and equipment, but also create policies and procedures to prevent risks and intrusions.
More than that, it must develop consistent employee training and awareness initiatives. As we have recently seen in cyberattacks , an innocent click on a seemingly normal link can trigger a mass infection, causing a range of damage.
4. USE THE CLOUD
It's impossible to talk about IT growth without addressing the use of cloud computing . It's an excellent option, since it's possible to find a wide range of computing services and pay according to usage, just like with household utility bills.
The service is so advantageous that it is expected to reach $44 billion in 2017, representing growth of over 18% . These are companies seeking IT infrastructure products in the cloud: servers, storage, databases, software, analytics, networks, and other utilities.
5. CONSIDER PRODUCTIVITY IMPACTS
Unfortunately, in many companies, IT is seen as a cost. In most organizations, it is not the core business . Therefore, many managers have difficulty seeing the impact of the sector on revenue.
However, as we have already said, in addition to providing tools that enable the work of other sectors and generate cost reductions, it also has another impact on productivity: the moral factor.
It may seem strange, but a study carried out by Fortinet, an American high-performance network security company, showed surprising data.
Research has shown that employees want to use attractive and efficient devices. When the company does not understand this desire and does not provide technological choices compatible with advanced market resources, productivity is inhibited.
Of course, this also happens because, with inefficient devices, carrying out tasks is difficult or at least slower. However, it's not just about the operational hurdle.
The survey revealed that poor, inefficient and obsolete technology in the workplace, as well as poor IT service quality, undermines employee motivation and morale.
There is also evidence that, when evaluating potential employers, the best professionals in the market reject companies considered retrograde. One of the criteria for this evaluation is the analysis of the devices and tools they provide to their employees.
6. BET ON BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
For a long time, technology has played an operational role in organizations. However, today, the market offers tools to go further. The advancement is so significant that it allows managers to anticipate trends and scenarios, making business intelligence an invaluable resource for analyzing data and guiding decisions.
Therefore, if the company wants to grow, these tools cannot be neglected. They are the door to a future where your company wants to be, and occupying a competitive position.
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