How to effectively plan your IT strategy for the upcoming year

Do you have an IT strategy in place for the upcoming year? If not, it’s best to get ahead and start now. With technology shortages happening throughout the world, it’s taking much longer to receive the orders you need. 

The global chip shortage is causing prices to increase and affecting many industries. This shortage is making it harder to get computers and other devices crucial for the daily operations of your business. 

Here are six tips to work through when you’re devising an IT strategy for the coming year.

Where to start

Start with your business priorities and identify what you need from your IT this coming year. For example, maybe you need to upgrade your computer systems. If you know that your devices are outdated, it’s important to start thinking about that now and create a list of all the devices that need to be updated. After that is done, start browsing different devices that would work best and put the order in as soon as possible.

Whatever your objectives, set clear business goals and keep them in mind as you draw up an IT strategy. 

Determine your budget

You can’t improve your IT strategy without knowing your starting point. Starting out with your IT budget is the first step. You don’t want to spend too much and end up sacrificing in other areas of your business. 

Identify strategic goals

Next, is determining your strategic goals. 

If your budget is limited, decide which items are most important. From upgrading your cloud security to boosting employee awareness, there are cost-effective ways to improve your technology strategy, so set a clear budget and stick to it. 

Create a roadmap for hardware/equipment refresh 

Every product – be it hardware or software – has a “lifecycle”. How long the cycle lasts for each product depends on factors like your company’s risk tolerance and your business growth strategies. 

You can determine your company’s IT infrastructure lifecycle by returning to your business goals, performing risk assessments and staying on top of your compliance requirements. You’ll also need to factor in the speed of supply chains – there’s no doubt we could face tech inventory shortages as supply chains face continued disruption from Covid-19, so start planning now. 

Mapping out IT refreshes is complex, so reach out for help from a managed service provider professional if you need it. 

Create a proactive plan

Next, set out a written agenda for reaching your technology goals. Review your progress at regular intervals, and ensure personnel understand any responsibilities you assign them.

What’s in your plan varies depending on your high-level goals identified earlier. However, here’s something all business owners should bear in mind. Semiconductor chips, an electronic component used in many devices, have been in shorter supply since late 2020 because of decreased manufacturing as plants shut down, straining international supply chains. This strain means devices that used to take a few weeks to ship are now taking a few months. Making a plan ahead of the time when you really need a device for daily business operations is more important than ever. 

Consult an IT provider 

While you can go it alone, it’s worth consulting with an experienced IT services provider. A specialist can quickly identify weaknesses in your system and help you strengthen your company’s technology all without breaking your IT budget. 

What’s more, they can support your in-house IT personnel, so you and your team can focus on running your business rather than stressing over your technology needs and timelines.  

Technology support from CTSI

Unsure where to start with IT strategy planning? CTSI can help. As an experienced managed services provider, CTSI has the expertise to help you achieve your technology objectives this coming year. Reach out today to get a head start on your 2022 IT planning.