Mid-Year IT Strategy Review: Ultimate Checklist for SME Leaders

Posted on July 5, 2024

Hello there, decision-makers! As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and assess how your strategies to boost profitability and manage IT costs are faring. One crucial area to scrutinize is the technology that powers your day-to-day operations.

We’ve put together a 15-point checklist to guide you through this review process. It will help you identify areas where you could be saving money or where new or better technology could enhance operational efficiency.

1. Take Stock of Your Technology:

Conduct a thorough inventory of your current technology assets, including hardware, software licenses, and peripherals. Look out for outdated or underutilized equipment that could be upgraded or decommissioned.
2. Review Software Licenses and Subscriptions:

Ensure all software licenses and subscriptions are compliant. Identify any unused or redundant software to eliminate unnecessary expenses.
3. Optimize Cloud Services:

Evaluate your usage of cloud services and consider optimizing resources based on actual needs. Regularly monitor and adjust cloud service subscriptions to match fluctuating business demands. Don't forget to evaluate security protocols for cloud-based services to avoid costly data breaches.
4. Boost Energy Efficiency: Title

Implement energy-efficient practices, such as consolidating servers, using energy-efficient hardware, and optimizing data center cooling. Consider virtualization to reduce the number of physical servers, saving both energy and hardware costs.
5. Enhance Remote Work Infrastructure:

Optimize remote work capabilities to support flexible working arrangements. Invest in secure collaboration tools and virtual private network (VPN) solutions for remote access.
6. Optimize Data Storage:

Assess data storage needs and implement data archiving strategies to free up primary storage. Consider cloud storage options for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
7. Improve Network Performance:

Regularly monitor and optimize network performance to ensure faster and more reliable data transfer, reduce downtime, enhance the user experience, and support cost savings.
8. Strengthen IT Security Measures:

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities. Ensure that antivirus, anti-malware, and other security solutions are up-to-date and active. Conduct regular security audits and employee training to prevent security breaches.
9. Streamline IT Help Desk:

Implement or optimize an IT help desk system to streamline support requests. Use a faster, more efficient ticketing system to track and prioritize IT issues, improving response times and resolution rates.
10. Manage Mobile Devices:

Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to manage and secure mobile devices used by employees. Enforce policies that ensure data security on company-issued or BYOD (bring your own device) devices.
11. Optimize Vendor Management:

Review vendor contracts and negotiate better terms, or explore competitive options. Consolidate vendors where possible to simplify management and potentially reduce costs.
12. Empower Employees Through Training:

Provide ongoing training programs to enhance employees’ IT skills and awareness. Reduce support costs by empowering employees to troubleshoot common issues independently.
13. Invest in Energy-Efficient Hardware:

Invest in energy-efficient hardware to reduce electricity costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. Consider upgrading to newer, more power-efficient devices when replacing outdated equipment.
14. Go Paperless:

Explore paperless solutions to reduce printing and document storage costs. Implement digital document management systems for greater efficiency and cost savings.
15. Optimize Telecommunications:

Review telecom expenses and consider renegotiating contracts or exploring alternative providers. Utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for cost-effective and scalable communication solutions.

By systematically addressing these areas, you can enhance your IT infrastructure, drive productivity, and achieve cost savings that contribute to overall profitability. Regularly revisiting and updating this checklist will help your business stay agile in the ever-changing landscape of technology and business operations.

If you need help implementing the action steps on this list, our team is ready to help. Feel free to book a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call with our team, where we’ll discuss what your company needs and answer any questions you might have. Happy reviewing!

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Mid-Year IT Strategy Review: Ultimate Checklist for SME Leaders

1. Take Stock of Your Technology:

2. Review Software Licenses and Subscriptions:

3. Optimize Cloud Services:

4. Boost Energy Efficiency: Title

5. Enhance Remote Work Infrastructure:

6. Optimize Data Storage:

7. Improve Network Performance:

8. Strengthen IT Security Measures:

9. Streamline IT Help Desk:

10. Manage Mobile Devices:

11. Optimize Vendor Management:

12. Empower Employees Through Training:

13. Invest in Energy-Efficient Hardware:

14. Go Paperless:

15. Optimize Telecommunications:

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