There are typically two types of tech environments that most companies exhibit. Some tech innovators jump on every trend, buying all the toys and gadgets as soon as they are introduced. Others suffer from analysis-paralysis, unable to decide anything new for their organization without months of debate and budget negotiation. Unfortunately, both of these approaches can be the source of tech mistakes for organizations. Moving too quickly and spending money indiscriminately could cause confusion and financial issues; taking too long to adopt new technologies can leave organizations competitively behind the curve.
These days, making wise technology decisions requires strategy, planning, budget, and a tech-savvy staff that can evaluate and assess new options as they come available. However, if you are committed to making good tech decisions, you’ll want to avoid these tech mistakes.
- Give executives sole decision-making authority: It may seem strange, but the top executives are generally not the right people to give the go-ahead for a tech solution. In one instance, an executive hears of a new solution and decides to implement it for their organization. However, they may not know the problems that need solving at the department level or how well this particular tech solution addresses the issue. While it is exciting to have executives behind innovation, don’t just run out and purchase the new tech without ensuring it is appropriate for your organization.
- Ignore existing technologies and department standards: Tech departments are notorious for struggling to develop and maintain documentation for their standards, protocols, and existing hardware and software. If a problem emerges that needs solving, many move to purchase the new technology or put the new solution in place without assessing their current capabilities. Tech teams may be able to solve new problems with current capabilities if they take a step back and look at what they already have at their disposal.
- Don’t listen to customer feedback: Tech professionals sometimes make the same errors that executives make when moving too rapidly into implementing new technologies. They recognize the problem, are aware of a potential solution, and want to solve it quickly. However, the client’s input and feedback should be a part of the decision-making process. If you don’t, you could be paying for a solution that solves your issue but does nothing to help the customer or enhance their experience. Keep in mind; your “customer” may be departments within your organization utilizing the solution. It is not only outside clients or consumers.
- Become a one-vendor shop: While it is understandable to want to take advantage of discounts, good relationships, and convenience, only utilizing the same vendor for all of your technology needs could be limiting your innovation and competitiveness. It’s one thing to have a preferred vendor, but another thing entirely to refuse to consider alternatives from third parties and tech innovators. Staying up-to-date with what all companies are developing and providing can give you more robust solutions while keeping you on budget.
- Ignore the online forums: When there are multiple solutions to choose from, and tech teams are looking to make an educated decision, there are many ways to perform due diligence. Watching webinars and tutorials, reading industry white papers, and research reports are all pretty standard ways to learn more about the range of options. But tech decision-makers should also use the social networks utilized by other industry experts – IDGTechTalk and #CIOChat allow you to access expert advice, feedback, and alternative solutions.
If you have to make a major technology purchase and need expert advice, you can call an IT consulting firm to help you assess your needs and develop solutions. The team at Alliance IT provides a deep bench of knowledge and the expertise you need to avoid making tech mistakes when innovating your organization.
