Technology has empowered businesses to do more and expand like never before through the digitalization of virtually every component of their operations. However, this reliance on IT means that any loophole or gap in your IT environment can wreak havoc on your efficiency and ability to get things done. An IT assessment is essential for any business looking to identify ways to make technology work for them.
What is an IT assessment? It is a complete audit and evaluation of an organization’s IT infrastructure, processes, and systems. The goal is to find out what’s in place, and what risks are prevalent given the structure of the IT environment, and then develop a plan to optimize and improve that environment as a whole.
The purpose of an IT assessment is to give any business a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of its current environment, and a clear vision of how to enhance the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of the entire infrastructure. Assessments help organizations prioritize projects and investments, and offer a blueprint for filling in gaps and organizing resources to align with business goals.
A quality IT consulting company will check every aspect of IT when conducting an assessment, including an examination of the policies and procedures in place and the employee’s level of training and familiarity with the system. Specific aspects detailed in an assessment include hardware and software, security, network infrastructure, compliance with industry regulations, and disaster recovery planning.
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Why an IT Assessment Makes Sense for Your Business
Identify Risks and Vulnerabilities
Knowing your weaknesses is a key component of an assessment. This can include finding instances of data theft or data breaches, weak cybersecurity measures, and where potential avenues of attack could manifest. It also includes checking the ‘health’ of the IT infrastructure and noting potential issues in the network or specific hardware and software elements. By discovering these vulnerabilities, businesses can take proactive measures to mitigate and prevent future potential disruptions and downtime.
Optimization
Investing in IT should lead to improved efficiency, better productivity, and reduced costs in certain areas. An IT assessment can detail areas where those goals are being met, and where they’re not. For example, an assessment could show areas where streamlining is possible by eliminating redundant systems or implementing new technologies.
Regulatory Assistance
An evaluation of your IT environment can help businesses adhere to the rules and standards as dictated by their industry. If you’re working in the payments space, PCI DSS dictates that certain regulations must be met; the same applies to healthcare and HIPAA. With an assessment, your business can ensure it’s in compliance and avoid penalties for failing to comply.
Roadmapping the Future
Technology is always evolving. Today’s solutions and cutting-edge features will eventually need to be replaced. An IT assessment gives you the roadmap you need to figure out the next steps, figure out what is most pressing to fix in the short term, and where to put long-term investment or planning efforts in the future. In addition, you’ll know resources are being committed to an IT strategy that aligns with your goals.
Putting it All Together
After completing an IT assessment with a vetted, experienced consulting partner, businesses will be able to answer a whole host of questions related to their operations, IT environment, and general preparedness. An experienced consultant will help you map out answers to questions such as:
- How does technology support your overall business strategy and organizational objectives?
- Does your current IT infrastructure align with technology best practices?
- Is your organization’s security posture where it needs to be?
- Do you have a disaster recovery plan? What do you need to create one?
- Are you getting your money’s worth from your current IT environment and how does it compare against others in your industry?
- What steps do you need to take to improve your IT infrastructure and how do you make it happen?
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Assess Your IT Future with Arnet Technologies
Arnet Technologies has more than a decade of experience in providing critical IT consulting services to businesses around Columbus and across the state of Ohio. From conducting initial assessments and implementing new solutions to maintaining and supporting your technology, we make sure you get the most out of your IT investment by optimizing processes and reducing costs.
We remove the headaches from IT by not only ensuring your tech stack is working and supporting your efforts but also by ensuring technology is aligned with your company's goals in the long term. With experience across every aspect of business technology — from cybersecurity to the cloud and beyond — our consultants can assist in identifying the solutions you need for any IT-related situation.
Our expertise is only exceeded by our commitment to superior customer service. We don’t avoid onsite visits when warranted and every client works with a dedicated Account Manager to outline a tailored plan for their specific environment. Most importantly, all service tickets and requests are acknowledged in minutes — not hours or days.
Ready to tap into the benefits of an IT assessment for your business? Connect with our team today to learn how Arnet Technologies helps turn your technology into an asset.
