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Four Steps for Upgrading Your IT Department

It is often difficult for a business operation to keep pace in these times of rapid technological advancement. So you may be contemplating an upgrade in your information technology (IT) department. However, it is important that you investigate the options before you start making wholesale changes. Here are four steps to take before you make any firm commitments.

1. Identify the reasons for changes. Ask yourself these basic questions at the outset:
   

   *Is your current IT system unacceptable for your growing business?

   *Will new solutions lead to increased productivity and profits?

   *Has a change in your business operation necessitated an upgrade?

   If the answer to one or more questions is "yes," you can proceed to the next step.
   
2. Communicate with your IT employees. If you are looking into a software upgrade, talk to the people who actually use the system. They can provide valuable feedback on problems and potential solutions. Don't leave all the considerations in the hands of the higher-ups.
   
3. Analyze your needs carefully. When it comes to IT purchases, companies often overspend or underspend. Put yourself in a position for securing the optimum benefit. Reminder: There will be a learning curve before the system is fully functional. But you don't want your business to grind to a halt while you implement new software.
   
4. Examine your existing processes and procedures. A new IT system will not do your company much good-in fact, it might even be harmful-if you do not have the proper infrastructure in place. Decide what your expectations are and if the new equipment can deliver what you need.

Usually, there are thousands of dollars at stake when IT upgrades are contemplated. If you act with great haste, you may have to revisit this issue all too soon. Take the time to get it right the first time.

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