Using Appropriate Technology
Introducing new technology into an organization requires attention to how the technology will be used, and confirmation that the technology will be used appropriately by internal and external stakeholders. An information system that works well in other organizations may not work for you. Its effectiveness is not driven by functionality alone - staff have to be ready for it, and the organization requires policies and procedures to guide how it will be used. |
Consider the implementation of a sales management (Customer Relationship Management) tool that centralizes contact information so that everyone can share it. If you have been through this experience,
“Technology should be implemented to support business productivity”, says Patrick Binns, President of Abinsi, “Our approach is to identify productivity opportunities and implement them through technologies that are appropriate for the organization.” Unfortunately, this is not always the case - technology is often implemented for the sake of technology – or its “cool factor.” Our clients expect more."
Productivity gains are attained through innovative application of technology; or re-application of technology during the replacement of older IT systems. This latter area of active is Abinsi’s magic zone. “Don’t expect stellar results if you replace your existing information systems without reviewing your business processes. Quite simply put, today’s technical and information environment is completely different from 10 and 15 years ago (the typical life expectancy of a corporate system is 10-15 years unless renovated) – your business processes have been limited by the entrenched limitations of the information systems you’re using. Want a 50% productivity improvement? Look at your processes first, and then select technology to support these processes.
Innovation is not about replacing information systems, it’s about optimizing processes around new approaches to business – approaches that were previously unavailable because of limited technical capability, unacceptable business risk, or lack of innovative thinking.
Unfortunately, a lot of information systems available on the market are based on old-style approaches to problem solving – IT Systems built 10 or 15 years ago often lack innovative approaches that are enabled by new approaches – e.g. mobile devices. This is where Abinsi differentiates itself as an integrator and developer of information-system solutions. “We work with management to identify strategic business goals, identify core competencies, and barriers to growth. We then assess current processes, assess gaps, and model future-state processes enabled by emerging technologies and social trends. Your people have to be ready for the tools otherwise there will be internal resistance or external adoption risks.
“We are interested in portal solutions that enable business eco-systems through communications and supplier relationships”, says Patrick Binns, “These are not the ‘portal websites’ commonly pitched in the 1990’s, but systems designed to increase productivity of a supply chain. As a solutions company, Abinsi works with partners and suppliers to change the way products and services are delivered to the client.”