Why a comprehensive technology assessment is crucial for business continuity

Why a comprehensive technology assessment is crucial for business continuity

Any company facing decisions regarding IT can benefit from a technology assessment. Whether upgrading existing equipment, migrating to different business applications, or budgeting to support future business strategies, having an independent evaluation of the entire IT environment provides invaluable insight.

What is a technology assessment?

A technology assessment should include a complete analysis of business IT systems, which include infrastructure layers such as:

  • Active Directory
  • Data Integrity
  • Desktops and Laptops
  • Collaboration and Communication
  • Mobile Computing and Devices
  • Network Devices
  • Printing
  • Security
  • Servers
  • Software
  • Virtualization
  • Voice
  • Wireless

Roebuck Technologies conducts technology assessments using proprietary processes and noninvasive software. Results of a technology assessment are compared against best practices for key metrics such as performance, availability, security, and business continuity.

Roebuck consultants hold in-depth discussions with key personnel regarding the company’s current IT issues and goals. Conversations with stakeholders, together with data from the IT systems analysis, are used to create a technology roadmap that addresses what the organization needs today and what will most likely be required in the future based on growth plans.

Why are technology assessments important?

Some benefits of a technology assessment are listed below:

1. Increase awareness through network reports
In addition to a technology roadmap, an assessment includes comprehensive documentation of IT infrastructure and a diagram of the entire network. These documents give the following information:

  • Categorized list of assets available on the network
  • Basic network structure and drill-down diagram for each node
  • Status, settings, and configuration information of devices

The technology assessment also provides reports pertaining to network performance using metrics such as availability, connectivity, latency, bandwidth usage, data transmission rate, and packet loss.

2. Provide insight into strengths and weaknesses of current IT systems
A technology assessment provides insight into strengths and areas for improvement, enabling proactive management of resources. Issues such as rogue wireless activity, aging equipment, and high CPU usage are identified. With early detection, technical resources can be focused on planning and implementing solutions.

3. Identify weak cybersecurity protocols
As cyberthreats continue to grow in number and sophistication, preventing data breaches becomes increasingly challenging. During a technology assessment, vulnerabilities in IT systems can be identified and mitigation measures planned. A technology assessment can also enable conformation to data privacy and security standards such as the Payment Card Industry, General Data Protection Regulation, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, etc.

4. Set goals for future technology investments
With a clear understanding of existing systems, companies make more accurate and informed decisions for capacity planning, budgeting, and prioritization. If aspects of IT equipment or software have been overlooked or under-budgeted, a business case for necessary investments can be created.

Tip: Best practices are for third-party IT experts to conduct the technology assessment because they are trained to ask the right probing questions and have fewer preconceptions about a company’s workflow and technology. Team members may also be more comfortable expressing frustrations to an impartial outsider than to a manager.

The technology assessment is a valuable tool for businesses seeking to be proactive with IT strategy. For professional and unbiased technology assessments, contact Roebuck Technologies today.


Mary Francis Roebuck

Mary Francis Roebuck

Mary Francis is Vice President of Marketing at Roebuck Technologies where she leads all efforts in branding, communications, social presences and advertising. She possesses expertise in business analysis for mergers and acquisitions, valuations, market and feasibility studies, and the development of continuing education programs in both a live and e-Learning format. Mary Francis earned a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia.