From ongoing maintenance to software updates, IT projects run the gamut. Here’s what you should know about the most common.
IT projects are part of everyday business for most enterprises. In any industry, there is change and growth in the way technology is used. IT projects in business might include:
- Audio-visual setup
- Desktop reimaging
- In-person desktop support
- Resolving hardware issues
- Infrastructure deployment: networking and servers
- Staff augmentation
… and more. These services, both proactive and reactive, are critical to your system’s performance. They pertain to hardware, network, and project issues.
It’s critical to trust your enterprise IT issues to experts in the field with a track record of success. Read on to learn more about the challenges and types of IT projects.
Overview of IT Project Types
IT projects to consider include improving business processes, updating infrastructure, and refreshing software. Here’s an overview of each.
Software Development Projects
Companies often need software developed for their specific needs. It requires planning, creation, testing, installation, and maintenance of customized software.
Usually, developers maintain the software and deploy updated features and bug fixes. Technicians can help with troubleshooting these projects.
Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Installing upgraded hardware for your team can be complex. Whether it’s a network upgrade or brand-new devices, an IT management team can help. You’ll want expert guidance from the start to ensure smooth operation throughout the system’s life.
Cloud migrations don’t involve hardware, but their processes are just as complex. It’s a major project for a company and one that should be entrusted to seasoned professionals.
Business Process Improvement Projects
IT management can help with onboarding and offboarding personnel on your network. It can also install upgrades for audio-visual optimization for virtual work. If your projects are more than a simple step, consider staff augmentation. A third-party company like Techmate has the seasoned staff to step in, long- or short-term.
The Role of IT Project Managers
IT project managers supervise many aspects of IT projects, including the planning, execution, and delegation of responsibilities. Their responsibilities include:
- Administering resources
- Building project strategies
- Establishing project goals
- Sustaining IT budgets and schedules
Experienced IT project managers can ensure projects stay on time and within budget and often manage teams from more than one location and team. Techmate has a dedicated regional manager who can help deploy and manage the experts you need for your projects.
Challenges in IT Projects
IT management isn’t always easy. Technologies change and opinions on strategy might differ within teams. Here are some challenges to expect in IT projects.
- Changing technology. As one technology comes to the forefront, another is waiting to become the next big thing. IT project managers must constantly weigh capabilities and objectives to make the best future-proofed decisions possible.
- Speed of progress. Stakeholders have varying expectations of projects. IT managers must navigate various outlooks and factors to keep projects on time.
- Clear communication. Communicating is the key to success, and a lack of clarity can hold progress back. If your IT manager can keep everyone on the same page, you’ll have happier teams and satisfied clients.
- Adjustments mid-project. Agility is a huge asset for IT teams, and managers in particular. Experience can be the difference between completion and regressing to square one.
- Transparency. This is essential, regardless of the project scope, and without it comes risks. Impediments, delays, and wasted resources hang in the balance if transparency isn’t prioritized.
- Lack of agreement on methodology. Clarity is critical at the planning stage. The most meticulous game plan will fall short if teams aren’t sure why the project is happening at all.
- Working without the end user in mind. Why is this project a priority? Consider the IT consumer at every step of the process. A result with incredible potential falls short if it’s not easy to use.
A company’s need for IT management evolves at a quick pace, and it’s not always easy to have the resources in-house to keep. The trusted professionals at Techmate have the know-how and bandwidth to help. For projects of any scope and importance, turn to us for support today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of IT projects?
IT managers take on projects like network configuration and software implementation. These can include onboarding and offboarding personnel and system maintenance. For a hardware swap or system upgrade, IT managers can ensure a smooth deployment.
How is the complexity and scope of an IT project determined?
The complexity and scope of an IT project is influenced by a number of factors including the communication channels being used, the role of teams and personnel, the stress of the project and the existing workload, and the resources available. Also, the IT manager must factor in any divergence from the budget and project schedule, and having knowledge of the above factors can help the IT manager adjust the process.
What roles and skills are typically required to complete an IT project?
Roles and skills will vary depending on the project. Some common roles include:
- Sponsor. Who initiated this project? They’ve invested in the project’s success and appointed teams and personnel to execute. They manage the budget and schedule and make final decisions.
- Project manager. They’re charged with assembling the team, developing a schedule, planning the execution, and managing the project life cycle. They must work with internal and external teams and report on progress. An IT project manager is the hub for all involved who are there to produce deliverables.
- Project team members. They carry out the jobs assigned to them. You might see a team leader who reports to a project manager, but most are equal in this role. They’re chosen for their specialty in the project and their skillset.
As for skills, these stand out:
- Creativity. Even the most thoughtful plans will change. Creative IT managers are open to a variety of solutions and can use their experience to guide them. Bonus: Explaining ideas to teams and implementing feedback.
- Complex thinking. Strong decision-making in a fast-paced project is essential. They must buy into their choices so that the team can follow suit.
- Leadership. Initiatives vary among personnel, so a strong leader is critical. They must be able to capitalize on their strengths and demonstrate ways to improve. This includes engaging in active listening, showing empathy, and having strong ethics and organizational skills.
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