Chances are, no matter what business you’re in, IT systems are a vital part of it. A study in 2020 found that 76% of businesses, in general, have long-term plans for how they will work with IT.
It’s true, even for teachers in the classroom, workers in a hardware store, and chefs in the kitchen, regardless of where and how you work, we all use technology to help kids learn new concepts, catalog and keep track of inventory, or resource new ingredients or recipes and make orders.
But if that’s true, how do you make sure your IT systems help you grow instead of holding you back.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are IT Systems?
IT stands for information technology and it covers everything from your phone and laptop to the programs running on it, the internet, and your emails.
Implementing an IT infrastructure simply means coming up with a plan and process for the hardware and software that you will be using and how all of that tech will communicate with each other. This is referred to as an IT network once everything works together.
Where Do I Start?
First things first, make sure that your computer network is suitable, simple, and scalable. Keep these S’s in mind when building your IT infrastructure:
Suitable
Suitable means you should be getting the right tech for whatever tasks you will need to perform. Think of it in terms of one of the most popular software packages in the business, Microsoft Office.
Microsoft office has a growing number of programs to suit businesses, but not every business will use every program. An accountant is more likely to use Excel and create spreadsheets using the in-built formulas, while a writer will stick to Word to complete their work.
Use the right tools for the job and try not to get distracted with programs you won’t need as this will slow down your network, your ability to train new staff, and your output.
Simple
Simple, if you have a lot of devices hooked up to a single server, why not color code IT cables to make it more organized.
If you make sales and you need a tablet to process payments, you don’t need the newest model iPad Pro. A much cheaper tablet running android will likely do the same job.
But the reverse might also be true depending on the size of your business. If you are just starting out and you want to set up shop, don’t buy new tech if you have an iPad sitting at home that you could use.
Find out what you need and use the simplest solution available.
Scalable
Scalable, most business owners want their business to still be operating 5, 10, or 25 years from now. What you need right now, might not be the same in a few years.
Always keep future growth in mind when making IT management plans. Many different programs and IT services offer different packages to suit smaller businesses and help grow with them as they expand.
Get to Work
Setting up IT systems for your business doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep the S’s, Suitable, Simple, and Scalable in mind and you won’t go wrong.
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