Ensure IT is all you hoped it would be

2 May 2011

I recently watched a Chelsea game. I’m not a Chelsea fan in particular, I just enjoy watching most sport.

What always strikes me about Chelsea is that whenever the camera cuts to shots of Roman Abramovich he always looks miserable. I suppose having paid millions for a football team that can’t win you any silverware would make most people pretty miserable.

Getting a good return on investment is what we all want. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line you want to ensure what you have spent the cash on will give you value for money.

It is easy to discuss expectations with individuals and the steps you will take if they aren’t met. But what happens if the software you bought to run your business doesn’t have the effect you hoped?

My basic expectations of an IT system is that it will remove unprofitable activities and increase revenue opportunities, while ensuring I provide the best service possible for my clients.

Because financial services is a people business, the main challenge of IT is that none of us are as familiar with our systems as we are in dealing with people.

Spending time familiarising yourself with the capabilities of the IT you use and understanding its value is time well spent.

Indeed, making sure you are familiar with its attributes means time invested now can save money later. Get the provider to help you out if necessary.

Get your IT right and you’ll get the right result if only that applied to the money Abramovich invested in his players.

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