Better Ways to Develop A Strong Technology Plan

February 25, 2021

There is no doubt that technology has changed how you do business nowadays. Unlike in the past, when you relied on paper-based maps when travelling, today, you can use a few tech devices to address most issues in your business.

If the recent IT trends and developments are anything to go by, you should prepare for a business environment where everything requires technology to accomplish.

So, how can you align your business with the changing IT environment?

Having a robust technology plan can help your business grow. Read on for a few insights into why your business needs such a plan and how to develop it.

What Is a Technology Plan?

A technology plan refers to a high-level strategy that outlines your business's current position and the expected growth in terms of the entire IT infrastructure. It would help if you had such a plan to run your business successfully in today's digital era.

Whereas it may appear daunting to develop and understand a technology plan, you can get started quickly by assessing your company's IT development level.  

How to Develop a Technology Plan

The right technology strategy will provide you with answers to some of the crucial questions when running your business, such as:

  • Is a mobile strategy or app necessary for my business?
  • Should you get new software perhaps to help track business expenses or streamline specific processes?
  • Is the current technology infrastructure appropriate for long-term goals?

Developing a Technology Plan: 3 Key Questions to Ask

When selecting and implementing new technologies in your business, you need to have the right processes. You stand a higher chance to achieve a competitive edge if you address your limiting self-beliefs and focus on developing a robust technology plan.

Here are critical questions to help you develop an effective technology plan:

What Are Your Long-term Business Goals?

Any technology roadmap's success depends on its effective alignment with your business goals – technology-related or not. When setting your business goals, your focus should be on addressing specific issues in your company.

Do not forget to emphasize the goals being realistic and actionable because without considering these aspects, it will be challenging to achieve your objectives.

What Are Your Business's Current and Future Needs?

Evaluate the current technology in your company to determine areas that would require some improvement. Make sure that any decisions around these goals align with your business needs. Watch out for any organizational barriers you can alleviate by implementing better technology.  

The goal in evaluating your current technology and business needs is to establish whether the infrastructure is sufficient or you need an upgrade. Always, your focus should be on technological advancements that will serve you better currently and in the future.

What Plans Are in Place Currently?

The last step of your planning process is to evaluate the current strategies or plans. At this stage, gather all the information that might assist you budget well for your technology plan needs. Benchmark with other companies, but do not forget to put more emphasis on your business needs.

Having a comprehensive technology plan should help you create the necessary platform for your business's future growth. The rationale for this is that the technology and software you have in your business can influence your company's long-term growth. Thus, develop an effective technology plan by focusing on your business needs, current infrastructure, and required upgrades.

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

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