1. Outdated Infrastructure
Merging older system investments with modern solutions can be complicated. Outdated infrastructure can also lead to unnecessarily high costs and underutilized capacity, often due to overlapping systems and licenses. Despite this, many feel a shortage of time when it comes to cleaning up the infrastructure and addressing potential issues. The Equinix 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey also reveals that many IT managers share concerns that their current IT infrastructure may not keep pace with the rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI). This concern highlights the need not only to navigate the integration of older and modern systems but also to future-proof IT infrastructure to manage emerging technologies like AI.
Overcoming the Challenge of Outdated Infrastructure
A strategy to overcome the challenge of outdated infrastructure is to conduct a thorough inventory and assessment of existing IT infrastructure. It's important to identify which systems need upgrades or replacements and which ones can integrate with modern solutions. Prioritize systems that have the greatest impact on operations and long-term value. Implement a step-by-step approach to minimize disruptions in operations. Additionally, creating a long-term strategy to keep IT infrastructure current and adapted for emerging technologies, such as AI, is crucial. This may involve creating a continuous upgrade plan and investing in flexible and scalable solutions.
2. IT Skills Shortage
Digitization has created increased demand for IT skills, but organizations globally struggle with significant skill shortages. This challenge raises questions about how to effectively manage the skills shortage and stay updated with the latest technological trends.
Addressing the IT Skills Shortage
A common way to address the IT skills shortage is to use external consultants, especially among small and medium-sized companies that often lack a dedicated IT department or IT manager. Engaging external IT consultants offers several advantages, including flexible adaptation to the company's changing needs and efficient access to specialist expertise, which strengthens internal capacity and promotes knowledge transfer. By collaborating with external partners, organizations can quickly acquire necessary expertise and strengthen their internal capacity. It's also important to invest in ongoing training for existing staff to increase internal expertise and reduce dependence on external resources in the long run.
3. Support from Management
Many IT managers face the challenge of securing management support for digital changes and IT investments. Unfortunately, many feel that management views the IT department as a support function rather than a critical function for the company's success. One reason for this may be the lack of effective communication between the management team and the IT department. If the IT department is not actively involved in the company's business development, it becomes difficult to successfully implement the digital journey. It can also be challenging to create a shared vision and objectively prioritize IT investments when bridging the gap between operations and IT is difficult. Bridging this gap is crucial for creating a coherent and forward-thinking strategy.
Securing Management Support
To secure management support, it's necessary to clearly communicate how IT initiatives directly impact the company's overall goals and success. Additionally, involving the IT department early in the planning process creates a common understanding and vision. Establishing two-way communication makes it easier to bridge the gap between operations and IT and gain management support for digital changes and investments. It may also be beneficial to inform management about the strategic role IT plays in creating a culture of collaboration and mutual understanding.
Do you have the resources needed to maintain and further develop your IT maturity?
To facilitate an effective IT strategy, it's worthwhile to have good expertise in place and a good understanding of how IT can contribute to business development.
Twoday is one of the largest tech companies in the Nordic region, with extensive experience and strong expertise in IT strategy development, process automation, and platform and tool implementation. With us as your IT partner, you gain access to over 2700 experts in digital transformation and development.
Together, we identify your needs and desires and determine which areas should be reviewed and improved to help you more easily achieve your goals and create a future-proof IT strategy. We assist you with:
- An effective IT strategy, including digital strategy, data strategy, and IT security
- Preliminary study and gap analysis of your data
- Advice on technology choices within IT infrastructure and functionality
- Addressing critical skills shortages with experienced consultants
- AI implementation for automating your processes
Learn more about how we can help you create a useful IT strategy here.