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  • IT Assessments Defined

    IT Assessments Defined

    We mention IT assessments as part of the work we do at RB Consulting.  Unfortunately, this is a new concept to some people.  Thus, it may help to look at what one is, and why anyone would want one performed.  A good start is to think about an accounting

    A good start is to think about an accounting audit or similar assessment process.  A financial audit is done to help you get a picture of your financial state on paper and in reality.  An IT assessment is similar; it helps you get a view of the state of your IT situation on paper and in reality.

    The evaluation of IT strategy and implementation is becoming more common as IT has grown to be more critical to the success of companies in any industry.  We now have the quick answer to the question of why one would want to do an IT assessment.  IT is a critical factor in the success of a company so knowing whether IT is a strength or weakness is an essential piece of proper management and decision making.

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  • 3 Things to Do Before Outsourcing

    3 Things to Do Before Outsourcing

    It is becoming easier and easier to outsource some, most, or all, of the everyday business needs.  These requirements may be IT, HR, accounting, marketing or almost any other part of business.  Outsourcing is becoming an attractive option as there are a lot of positives that can come from outsourcing.  However, there are also big negatives that can come from it.  The key to outsourcing, just as any other business activity, is to do due diligence first.  Let’s look at some dos and

    The key to outsourcing, just as any other business activity, is to do due diligence first.  Let’s look at some dos and do not’s when measuring whether to outsource a function.

     

    Have an Outsourcing plan

    I have come across a lot of companies that outsource a function to cut costs or avoid headaches.  The function is not a core part of the business, but one just required as part of existing.  Avoiding pain points is a good reason to outsource.  Unfortunately, it still requires some consideration and planning.  Outsourcing is never as simple as “throwing it over the wall” for a vendor to handle.  In all cases, the details need to be nailed down.

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  • The Cost of Technology

    The Cost of Technology

    It is hard to run a business without paying attention to IT at some level.  The required amount of work might be as simple as keeping up with a couple of subscriptions to websites.  On the other hand, it can be as complex as running a team of thousands.  Although IT provides several options, the cost of technology in solutions is often estimated incorrectly.

    In these cases (and all points between) one of the most important factors to keep in mind is cost.  The cost in both time and treasure.  The world of IT provides many options.  There are going to be solutions that are too cheap and will never support your business. Alternately, there will be solutions that are too complex and expensive.  Either of these can sink your business through lost time or finances.

    If you are an IT professional with decades of experience in building and assessing solutions this cost analysis might come quickly to you.  However, for those non-IT people in the world, let’s look at some areas of research to determine if a solution is right for you.

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