Budgeting season often reveals a familiar challenge for growing organizations: the disconnect between IT and finance. Your financial team may not fully understand the technical needs of IT, and your IT team may not grasp the financial constraints and priorities. This budgeting paradox can stall progress and lead to missed opportunities in their efforts to develop a better 2017 IT strategy.
To build a better IT strategy for 2017, leaders must collaborate to align technology investments with business objectives. Instead of viewing IT as a cost center, consider it a strategic asset—one that drives efficiency, innovation, and growth.
Step 1: Align IT with Business Strategy
Start by asking:
- What role does IT play in helping us achieve our goals?
- Are we investing in technology that supports both short- and long-term objectives?
A better IT strategy for 2017 begins with understanding how technology impacts daily operations and future initiatives. Consider both financial and non-financial implications of IT decisions, such as productivity, scalability, and risk management.
Step 2: Identify and Audit Your Assets
Create a comprehensive inventory of all technology assets used in daily operations:
- Hardware: Workstations, laptops, servers, mobile devices, printers, routers, switches, phones
- Software: Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, CRM platforms, Dropbox, SaaS tools
If you’re working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), they can help compile this list. Your goal is to understand the cost of maintaining these assets in the coming year. Ask:
- Will hardware need replacing due to depreciation or performance issues?
- Are software licenses expiring or due for renewal?
Reviewing expenses from the past 12 months will help you forecast and build a realistic budget for 2017 as part of a better IT strategy.
Step 3: Audit Your IT Management
A better IT strategy for 2017 also means evaluating the people and processes behind your technology. Ask:
- Who manages your IT infrastructure?
- Are you satisfied with their performance and responsiveness?
- Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined?
Create a checklist to assess your needs:
What you may need more of:
- Data storage
- Bandwidth
- Collaboration tools
- IT compliance
- Disaster recovery solutions
What you may no longer need:
- Excess workstations
- On-premise servers
- Outdated software or unused licenses
This evaluation helps you eliminate waste and focus on what truly supports your business, creating a basis for a better IT strategy for 2017.
Step 4: Collaborate and Finalize Your Budget
Once you’ve audited your assets and management structure, begin collecting quotes and planning for upgrades or changes. Your IT partner or MSP can help prioritize potential issues and recommend solutions that align with your goals.
A better IT strategy for 2017 isn’t just about spending—it’s about smart investments that empower your team, protect your data, and position your business for growth.
📞 Need help building a better IT strategy for 2017?
Contact us today at info@vcsolutions.com or call (248) 369-6115 to schedule a consultation.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.