One of the fastest growing segments in the world is technology and innovation, with a strong expansion in several areas of knowledge. Coordinating all these related activities is the role of the IT manager.
It is a responsibility that requires experience, technical knowledge and planning to ensure that all functions are performed efficiently. To help you in this task, follow 5 practices that can be applied to improve your company’s IT management!
Invest in training and qualification
Investing in training your team is extremely important to keep employees updated on their activities and related techniques. Besides providing more knowledge, this can generate improvements in the quality of the work delivered by each one of them.
But not only your employees must be updated. Investing in your own training is also essential for you, as an IT manager, to optimize the results of your work and your team.
Another point is that, for the manager to improve his IT management and make the sectors more and more efficient, he must maintain good communication with his employees and always have the doors open for criticism and suggestions.
Make a planning for IT management
Much of an IT manager’s job is to plan, organize and coordinate the execution of projects. It is up to him to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks and meet the established deadlines.
The planning not only outlines how the projects should go, but establishes a communication bridge between the sectors and the manager. Such interaction allows different points of view to be presented, making the final result even more efficient.
Review industry operating costs
Another important task to optimize IT management in your company is to evaluate the operating costs of the sectors. There are solutions that facilitate the day-to-day work of employees and make the execution of tasks more efficient.
A PBX system, for example, eliminates the need for multiple telephone lines, centralizing on one platform the needs of communication via the call. As a result, it optimizes and simplifies the work of managers and all employees.
Choose an agile management methodology
One of the best ways to make management simpler and more efficient is to choose an agile management methodology. The practice consists of planning so that the processes and sectors are integrated and can lead to improvements and more agility.
Some techniques known as Scrum, DSDM, Agile and Waterfall have several similarities, and their use has become frequent in the most diverse IT segments. The practice points to the division of projects by stages, allowing for a significant reduction in errors and more responsible planning regarding deadlines, negotiations and interactions with clients.
Use performance metrics to track performance
A good way to improve IT management in your company is the adoption of performance metrics of employees and the institution itself. Employees should be evaluated by metrics that can indicate possible ways to improve performance.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are crucial for monitoring overall IT performance. Many IT departments, however, focus on the wrong indicators. Select performance indicators on what’s important to the business, not just IT.
There are several ways to evaluate employee performance that point to the quality of results, involvement and dedication to the company, individual proactivity and the methods used in day-to-day life.
Analyze facilities to improve infrastructure
Does your equipment meet current standards and requirements for the physical space required? Your IT audits and reviews also need to examine the space in which your equipment is located. Proper IT facilities reduce costs and extend asset life.
Talk to your vendors about the best possible installation environments as well as your baseline requirements. Your spec lists should address a wide range of issues, from a windowless server room and computer racks with at least 42 inches of slack to guidelines on how the environment should be designed so you leave enough room for future expansion.
Offer your team the tools they need to succeed
Equipping an IT team with inadequate and/or outdated software and equipment ensures poor performance. Forcing team members to waste time with monotonous and easily automated tasks also hinders long-term success.
Automation strategies, such as continuous deployment tools, help prevent the team from working on manual and repetitive tasks, focusing on more strategic work. Outsourcing operational activities can also be a good way out at this time – which brings us to our next tip.
Outsource IT operational tasks
Is it really the best use of an employee’s time to put it to manage your network security or IP communication system? Often, a more efficient option is to outsource these tasks to a managed service provider who specializes in information security.
A service provider has the knowledge to manage your company, without the need to spend time or money developing that knowledge internally.
Furthermore, outsourcing allows your employees to remain focused on productive activities related to your company’s core competencies. And it also helps keep your business competitive.