Managing business growth and IT 

Business growth is a scenario all business owners strive for but when growth is not managed well, it can become a real headache.

Business growth can include many things like increased staff numbers or a change of premises. IT requirements to meet these types of expansion can be complex and should be planned for and budgeted for well in advance.   

IT infrastructure for the majority of businesses is crucial in its day to day running but surprisingly enough it is usually put on the back-burner till the very last minute when business expansion is concerned.

Lets take for instance when a new employee starts at your office. What are they going to require in order to be able to carry out their new roles?

Firstly we suggest that you look for suitable IT equipment at least one month before the new employee starts work. From experience, IT equipment supplier stock numbers fluctuate greatly and you might find there isn’t suitable equipment available when you go to buy it. Worst still you may be forced into buying a piece of equipment that sits outside your requirements or budget.

Also take into consideration software purchases. A number of widely used products such as Office 2003 are now considered obsolete by Microsoft so you might find there’s a two month wait before a copy of this software becomes available if at all. If you are running Antivirus software on a server an additional license will need to be purchased. If you are unsure of what a new employee requires contact your IT provider who can advise you accordingly.

In terms of communications needs you will also need to check whether you need to establish new data-points, phone ports, power outlets or additional switches. 

In the instance of moving your business (or a division of it) to new premises, it is best to get a communications technician to undertake an infrastructure survey before you move in. At the same time contact your communications provider to discuss your phone and internet requirements to discuss you move. This is also a great time to discuss and review your services and plan ahead for any further expansion. 

Business expansion in our examples of new staff and moving can be time consuming and stressful activities where costs can easily get out of control. We suggest that you keep your communications providers and IT people in the loop well in advance so they can help you organise your requirements. Where possible seek the advice of experts. 

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