{"id":10015,"date":"2022-12-06T08:45:56","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T14:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datcomllc.com\/?p=10015"},"modified":"2022-12-06T08:45:56","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T14:45:56","slug":"why-you-need-a-year-end-technology-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.datcomllc.com\/index.php\/2022\/12\/06\/why-you-need-a-year-end-technology-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You need a Year-End Technology Review."},"content":{"rendered":"
This week, enjoy evergreen principles for conducting a year-end technology review. Technology changes quickly and it can be hard to keep up. You don’t have to be “trendy” to keep up if you conduct a systematic review of technology at your business.<\/p>\n
Let’s face it, some of your technology is aging out soon, while new technologies you haven\u2019t utilized have moved from \u201cearly adoption\u201d to standard use. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Also, if you\u2019re\u00a0looking to\u00a0use budgeted funds quickly or discover ways to curb spending next year, a technology review can yield answers. \u00a0<\/p>\n
More importantly, a technology review can help you align old and new technologies with your business goals, and here\u2019s how to do it.<\/p>\n
Assess Your Current Technology\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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First, assess your current technology. If this sounds like a daunting task, then perhaps it’s time to consolidate into fewer vendors and platforms. Look at your major business processes and list the software involved. Then look at other tools that you use less often.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next, ask yourself these questions:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Does this serve a critical business process?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Do I need this regularly or only once in a while?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Is it serving its original purpose?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Does the developer or manufacturer still support this?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Am I still licensed\u00a0to use this?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Evaluate or Establish Your Technology Goals\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Know what you want to achieve and align your technology with business objectives. With so many technology tools available, it’s easy to unintentionally reach technology bloat. Its also easy to miss out on wonderful new solutions for getting things done. Don\u2019t assume that you know of a specific technology to solve a problem or reach an objective. Leave that for the research step below.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then ask:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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What are my priorities and goals next year?\u00a0<\/li>\n
What are my pain points?\u00a0<\/li>\n
What are some areas where the business needs improvement?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Are there any areas where technology clearly failed you this year?\u00a0<\/li>\n
Is my technology hardware up-to-date and tidy?<\/li>\n
Is my software well-supported?<\/li>\n
Do you recall any technologies that you meant to investigate this year and didn\u2019t?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Technology Research\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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If you\u2019ve looked at your business challenges and goals first, you\u2019ll be primed to notice great technologies when you discover them. Now it\u2019s time to do your research. In our experience, if you just use google\u00a0for this, you\u2019ll have to wrangle with advertisers and salespeople who might not tell you everything you really need to know about a solution upfront.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Diversify your information sources:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Use Internet search engines to prime the pump.\u00a0<\/li>\n
Check trade magazines and industry publications.\u00a0<\/li>\n
Use Reddit or other online discussion forums.\u00a0<\/li>\n
Ask other businesses aligned with your industry.\u00a0<\/li>\n
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