Technology continually evolves and businesses can’t afford to be left behind if they want to continue delivering an effective service or product. Making changes as technology becomes outdated, or new, better solutions come into being, is essential. However, planning for such changes is essential if problems are to be avoided.
A technology roadmap is a document outlining how an organization plans to make technological changes. It can set out a plan for upgrading a system in the near future, or even discuss what might happen when current systems become obsolete. A good technology plan looks at short-term and long-term goals.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of a technology roadmap.
The Bigger Picture
Implementing a new IT system or upgrading components of an existing system will require everyone to be on board, from stakeholders to senior managers. The problem with technology is that not everyone “gets it”. To ensure your budget isn’t slashed by corporate, you need to make them understand the value of your plan or project.
Use a technology roadmap to outline the plan, summarize strategic thinking, and sell the benefits of what you intend to do.
How Changes Affect the Business
Change will affect the business in many ways and it’s important to anticipate these changes. A technology roadmap is a great way to ensure changes are managed in an appropriate manner. Use it to think through what might happen when you implement Plan A. For example, if you are planning to revamp the company’s website, you can work out how to make the switch to the new site without too much downtime.
It’s also important to plan around your employees. How will technology changes affect them? If you are installing new operating software, will employees need extra training? Are you planning to upgrade servers? If so, how will data be moved?
Use a technology roadmap to plan for every possible outcome, good and bad. That way, you are not caught with your proverbial trousers down when something goes wrong.
Keep Everyone on Track
All projects run into obstacles sooner or later. A server might crash, a ransomware demand might cripple your hardware, or people higher up the food chain could decide to adjust the budget in the wrong direction. The more complex the project, the more likely there are to be difficulties.
A technology roadmap helps you take a step back. You can look at the bigger picture and gain some perspective about where changes can be made to ensure the project stays on track.
How to Create a Technology Roadmap
Unless you have an IT department, your organization might not have the experience or skillset needed to create a technology roadmap. This is where an IT consultant can come in handy. Outsourcing your IT consulting lets you reduce costs and take advantage of specialist expertise. This gives you more time to focus on your company’s core functions.
Remember to revisit your technology roadmap and update it as often as needed. This will ensure you are ready for any problems before they manifest.