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Advanced
How To Guide
Formulating an IT/eBusiness strategy for SMEs
1 . Introduction
Formulating
an ICT strategy thus requires a thorough understanding of the company's internal
and external environment as well as of the available technology. External experts
can help with the technology but an SME's managers are the only people who really
understand the company and to an extent its external environment. Enterprise Ireland
clients who have gained significant benefits from ICT investment, have emphasised
the key importance of close and informed involvement by business oriented members
of the SME's senior management team. This document sets out to provide some background
information for non-IT managers faced with the task of formulating an ICT strategy
for their SME.-
Do formulate an overall IT and eBusiness strategy for the company as a whole.
Don't operate in an ad hoc, fire fighting manner.
- Do
review your plans and suppliers periodically.
- Do
consult users and customers when formulating this plan.
- Do
consider paying for independent external advice to formulate your strategy.
- Do
check whether you are getting the full potential benefits from your existing system
before deciding to buy a new one.
- Do
check whether your existing systems and processes pose risks such as security
breaches, loss of key data or obsolescence.
- Do
factor the likely work disruption and demands on staff time, into your plan.
- Do
base your ICT strategy on your own particular circumstances, including current
and future business needs and opportunities.
- Do
make sure business-oriented management have the final say in selecting and prioritising
projects.
- Do
try to avoid short-term solutions that inhibit later moves towards greater computerisation
and greater integration internally and/or with your trading partners.
- Do
consider the human factors.
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your homework thoroughly, including analysing existing processes, data and IT
systems, before making any major investment decisions. .
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Do monitor what your competitors, suppliers and customers are doing on the ICT
front.
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Do remember that the right strategy is no good without a lot of hard work, people
management and sound project management.
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