Today, IT is a vast field that requires teams of people for each specialisation. As business owners we need to step back from the technology, leaving that to specialists and engage at a strategic level to ensure the direction of the overall company is sound.
So let’s talk about the 5000-foot view – as a pilot, this one appeals to me. From 5000 feet we do not get a view of what an individual is doing, we can no longer make out individual houses or people on the street. What we can see is the shape of a suburb, the flow of a highway, we can distinguish cars from trucks and houses from sky scrapers, we can see swimming pools and parks and so on.
So how does this relate to IT in business?
Well, the 5000-foot view of IT is about the shape of it, you need to be able to see a strategy for each of its parts without seeing who is pushing the buttons or the label on the box. You can see an accounting system, a backup solution, the general flow of a network, a website and an e-marketing solution and so forth.
When you appreciate that this is a 5000-foot view you will also realise that you can’t just reach out and touch the solution. So from here you are able to get a real overview of the systems your business needs. You are not about to come down for a hard landing so you have plenty of time to plan your options and take advice on approach paths.
So with this level of overview established, we now need to dip down to 1000 feet. At this level we can see individuals and identify familiar objects, we can see individual fence posts and can just make out the thicker wires on a power pole. We are ready to join circuit traffic and identify our landing position.
At this level we can see the technologies we need for our business such as the type of software and hardware and the business processes that need to be replicated and automated in these systems. We are still at 1000 feet here so we still are not at the level where we can jump in without breaking our legs. So we can make more detailed assessments of what is required in each part of the business. We can lay the plans and select the suppliers and solutions.
So now it is time to line up and descend onto the runway. This is the bit where all the prior planning determines the level of pain you will cause those on board. Hopefully you have the wheels down now and have your rate of descent under control and you can slide in for a smooth landing on the right strip.
In business this is the bit where the solutions go in. If you have planned well at the higher levels you will slide the systems in alongside the existing solutions and they will integrate well and add value to your business through improved productivity or capability.
If it all lands well, you are in for a smooth taxi run to the terminal and will have delighted passengers and crew.
If you can break up your thinking about IT at the high level and not get stuck in the detail too early it will help you to design better systems that deliver on the business requirements rather than just delivering the ‘out of the box’ solution from poorly selected boxes. This will help you streamline your business processes and gain productivity and functionality from your IT.
Just don’t assume the solution lies with one person. No matter how large or small your business is you will need a team of people to get good solutions in different technologies.
Don’t try to step off at 5000 feet, only to discover you have no parachute. If you doubt your ability to handle the altitude, call a pilot.
Got a question for one of our Experts? Choose one that suits your area of inquiry and send it in to asktheexperts@smartcompany.com.au
Click here to read more IT Systems expert advice
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
