What resource do you have at your fingertips that could boost productivity and improve efficiency in your fields, in your warehouses, at your offices and on the road?

You might be surprised to learn it can be found in your technology spend. Your IT spend isn’t simply new computers, hardware and software. While these investments are important to keeping the business operational, there are often gaps in maintaining equipment to manage updates and keep equipment working properly to ensure your organization remains up and running. When done strategically, both capital and operational technology investments, including engaging a managed services provider, are tools that not only plan for the expense of hardware and software, but also budget for the day-to-day expense of maintenance.

Speaking of maintenance, you provide regular service to field equipment, forklifts and machinery. That equipment is expensive, and you understand that maintenance is a better solution than waiting for things to break and then experiencing costly downtime and unplanned expenditures. Budgeting for IT maintenance through managed IT services is also a tool to manage your budget and maximize your resources. A well-managed technology function is an operational investment that can pay dividends in labor savings, productivity, efficiency and even company growth.  

But where should you start?
You might be asking, what should I budget or how much do I need to spend? There is no magic number. It is based on goals and a strategic assessment, as well as your burden of tech debt. Tech debt isn’t a loan reported on your balance sheet, it’s the theoretical cost of your needed technology upgrades. We can say that most businesses either under invest or outright neglect technology as they undervalue its vital role in their business.

The speed at which ag tech, the Internet of Things, remote workstations, connected business systems and even cybersecurity issues are expanding makes it necessary to revaluate and budget for increasing technology services.

With budgeting season getting under way now is the time to start planning.  

1. Schedule a comprehensive 360-degree technology review of your tech debt and tech needs with a qualified IT professional.
2. Work with an IT professional or managed services provider to evaluate and prioritize your needs and align those needs with your goals for budget, risk and business strategy.
3. Develop a budget plan with your IT professional in line with your strategic goals. This might include a combination of in-house and outsourced resources.

IT should not be thought of as a transactional capital expenditure, but an ongoing operational expense that is an investment in your business, your people and your future growth.

For more information, visit https://www.zagtech.com/.