Technology and its cost

Technology has a lot to offer, but many get caught up in the hype.

I have many discussions with my clients where we discuss their use of technology. My experience has been to work with clients to identify what technology they use and to see that they are maximise their investment. Many businesses either make their technology purchased based on emotional or direct influence by other people, the so called experts. Its not until someone questions why and asks for the justification of the choice that they understand that many of their choices have not been in the interest of the business.

I have four simple rules to apply to any technology solutions that is proposed to a busines and that is:

1. Will it save me time,
2. Will it save me money,
3. Will it make me money, or
4. Will it do all of the above.

Unless the item or solutions is able to offer one of these rules then I have to questions it real benefit. A lot of the time technology decisions are taken by well intentional and very technical people, but a lot of the time the viability and return to the business is not considered. The decision usally are based on comfort and personal views.

This area of management needs to fall to the Knowledge Officer. This has been a position which I have indicated to many busineses. A Knowledge Officer is someone who not only is able to understand, research and apply technology. They have an understanding of the implication that a particular chocie will have on a buisness and the path the buisness will need to take.

Marc Dimmick