By their very nature, IT projects are complicated. They are complex, involving many moving pieces, and it can be challenging to predict just how much expenditure will be needed—to say nothing of time and other precious resources. As such, overspending is a common problem in any IT endeavor. The good news is that cost saving on IT projects is possible—so long as you’re strategic in your approach.
At the high level, it’s essential to keep your team aligned to a core mission, and to keep them in check with a fixed budget—one that allows for the possibility of surprise complications or unexpected expenses. But how is all of this possible? Read on for five of our favorite IT cost reduction strategies.
Cost-Cutting Approach: A Common IT Project Failure
Before we get to those five tips, however, let’s say a quick word about what not to do. It’s only natural to want to contain IT expenses, but you should never cut costs to the detriment of the project’s reach or its effectiveness—because when you do so, you just end up spending money on a program that doesn’t do what you wanted it to do. This isn’t an “efficient” IT undertaking, but a failed one.
There are smart ways to control IT expenses without cutting corners. Allow us to explain.
5 Wise Cost-Saving Ideas for Your IT Project
Here are some of the methods we’d recommend for cost-effective tech management.
Inform your employees
As with any workplace project, communication is really the key. We recommend speaking candidly with your team before the project begins, making sure everyone is on the same page about what the IT project is meant to accomplish. Simply put, if you can’t define exactly what the goals of the project are, then you have no guardrails in place—no way to ensure your project stays on track (and thus within budget). This is really a matter of effective leadership.
Imagine the technicalities
The next step is to do some brainstorming, thinking through all the nitty-gritty issues that could arise as you begin the project. Consider any possible complications that could present themselves. Walk your way through each step of the projects and ask yourself what all is involved—programs that need to be replaced, systems that will need to go offline, etc. Ensure that you enter into your IT project with a good sense of the logistics.
Be wise about resourcing
It’s important to choose the right people to handle the IT rollout, too. Sometimes that might mean having internal staffers do it—especially if your team is really enthusiastic about the project in question. But what if your internal team members are all tired, disengaged, or burned out? If so, then tasking them with something as overwhelming as an IT rollout may be a bad move. It’s as likely as not to result in blown deadlines, overextended costs, or a job that isn’t done as well as it could be. All that to say: Be prudent in your resourcing.
Select a method, then stick to the plan
It’s always wise to use a standard methodology. Before you get going on the project, map it all out—and then make sure you stick with that method, even as unexpected surprises arise. Veering from your chosen plan is almost always a recipe for budget or timeline overages. A crucial part of tech management is adhering to that standard methodology.
Involve trusted analysts and experts
A final note is that you don’t have to go it alone—and probably shouldn’t. Hiring a business analyst or an IT consultant involves some expense on the front end, but it can be worth it down the road. A trusted advisor can help you spot potential vulnerabilities, or else identify process improvements that can make your IT project go smoother. Make sure you find an IT business analyst with a good track record in tech management.
Salient Networks Can Save You Money
To that end, we’re proud to say that Salient Networks is a leading tech management company—and not only that, but we can help you save money on your next IT undertaking, no matter the scope!
Involving the resourcing and internal team management can both be a tough task for a leader but key for successful project implementation, particularly complex work involving tech installations or upgrades. Salient Networks can bring everything together, though, and ensure the project is completed on time and within budgetary parameters.
Learn more about our solutions, or reach out to us today regarding how we can help develop a technology plan for your business. Contact Salient Networks right away!