What other technology solutions can be part of a strategy that promotes efficiency?
- Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) is used in multisite operations, connecting all locations and creating an open flow of communication. Converged voice, video and data run over a secure, private network scalable to the growing needs of a company.
- Ethernet provides more bandwidth at a more reasonable price and can lower support expense for a company. This scalable solution offers a variety of bandwidth options, which makes it easier for companies to change as they grow.
- Managed services provide expertise, particularly for small and medium-sized companies that need to focus their IT resources in other areas. Outsourcing services such as a router, firewall and bandwidth monitoring unburdens a company’s IT staff to focus on more critical issues.
If blended with the same vendor that provides your telecommunications, you can achieve relatively inexpensive pricing and get a single point of contact for the services.
What should IT managers know about implementing new solutions?
Not every solution is the right fit for every company. What are you trying to accomplish? Can you accomplish your goals with the staff and expertise you currently have?
You may need to work with a technology provider that can bring the expertise and resources that will help you structure that strategy.
For example, you may hear that VoIP is a really good technology, but you’re not quite sure how it works and whether it’s right for your company. The right technology provider will have a staff of engineers that will help determine your needs and design a solution specifically for your company.
How can companies measure the ROI of technology investments?
A simple, high-level metric to use is expenses as a percent of revenue. If you want your technology to make you more efficient, then your operational expenses should come down as a percent of revenue. It’s very simple and easy to measure, and it’s something you can do every month.
But if the strategy of installing a new technology such as VoIP, for instance, is to make you more effective in generating sales, new sales growth would be a better barometer. Just make sure that your metrics are parallel to your goals and you’ll be able to effectively measure your investments.
Bill Dvorak is the Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of CIMCO Communications. Reach him at (630) 691-8080 or [email protected].
