How to choose the best IT infrastructure for your business
07/09/2018 eSpida
When choosing the design and architecture of a complex IT project, it is imperative that businesses select a solution that is fit-for-purpose and sits in line with the business strategy. Here, Nigel Crockford, Business Development Manager of IT consultancy and infrastructure specialist eSpida, explores the fundamentals of rightsourcing.Today, many hold the view that IT plays a pivotal role in a company's success. This is because business environments are becoming increasingly complex, with functional units requiring more and more timely, inter-functional data to make decisions. Even hands-on industries such as agriculture use computers for production records, financial planning and procurement.
Not only does an efficient IT system drive innovation, but it can also improve competitiveness by cost reduction and better logistics.
The problem for many businesses is that, often, in-house IT teams have silo skillsets and an array of hardware and software solutions to choose from. Without effective communication, businesses have a limited understanding of what to consider when reviewing an existing system, which leads to many managers outsourcing their IT.
A common mistake made when outsourcing IT is that many businesses are faced with additional or unwarranted costs for the maintenance of applications and its contractors. This was the case for the digital team at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who were found in 2016 to have overspent their yearly budget by £60 million because of having multiple third-party IT contracts.
This is why as a business that offers IT consultancy for a wide variety of customers, we at eSpida believe in the concept of rightsourcing. Rightsourcing is the process of deciphering what it is you want from your IT and what your business requires, by identifying areas such as efficiency, practicality and timeliness among your internal teams and contractors.
By rightsourcing IT, business leaders can identify any skill gaps and issues that need to be addressed to enhance the overall performance of the business. This information can then be used to tailor the requirements and planning for their new IT systems.
A successful project requires the right people for the job and the technology skills gap is making it increasingly difficult to fulfil all tasks in-house. As such, businesses should not be concerned about working with third-party suppliers or consultants, especially if doing so will improve IT to deliver value to the business.
For example, at eSpida, we have worked with material installation manufacturer Kingspan Insulated Panels for over 15 years. Our short video details how we've helped the company to update and integrate its IT infrastructure as and when business requires, ensuring the company gets the right solution to drive value in its operations.
By considering the options by analysis, IT leaders can implement an IT system that complements their businesses requirements and objectives. So, the next time you are deciding whether to insource or outsource your IT, take a moment to consider your business actually needs and then begin rightsourcing.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Bradley
eSpida
The Waterdale Group
111-113 Fort Dunlop
Fort Parkway
Birmingham
England
B24 9FD
Tel: +44 (0) 344 880 6145
Email: rebecca.bradley@waterdale.co.uk
Web: www.espida.co.uk/contact
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