The benefits of digital and online technologies are familiar to most of us and have transformed the way we work, communicate, bank and shop. Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides the behind-the-scenes systems that enable easy access to the tools that assist us with our day-to-day business. The importance of ICT may only come to our attention when a computer system fails or equipment breaks, but as we become increasingly reliant on ICT to efficiently deliver services and access information, addressing ICT strategy and management has become an integral part of business planning.
The Victorian Coalition Government is seeking public input until October 17 on a proposed ICT strategy developed by the Victorian Information and Communication Technology Advisory Committee (VICTAC). The public consultation will help to inform the final version of the strategy, which will look at future management of ICT by the government. Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich Phillips said that the Victorian Government is in a strong position to make the most of a changing ICT landscape and harness developing technologies. It is an initial step in recognising ICT strategy, not as a cost centre or ‘add-on’, but as an integral part of business planning.
Strategic ICT planning enables organisations to more efficiently pursue their mission. In a research project, commissioned by the Department of Human Services, Infoxchange audited 120 small to medium community sector organisations and found that 84% did not have an ICT development plan. Understanding and investing in ICT planning and management is a key driver to improving service delivery, managing risk and increasing digital proficiency across all sectors.
“Put simply, ICT should be a strategic asset for any organisation, embedded across all functions – it is not simply an issue for the IT department,” said Peter Walton, CEO of Infoxchange.
Infoxchange has been providing ICT support to the not-for-profit sector in Australia for over two decades. Recently the team has taken their services to Christchurch, New Zealand where they are working to develop the ICT capacity of NGOs, demonstrating how good ICT planning can enhance business continuity and effectiveness, especially in times of disaster recovery. ICT Services assists organisations to manage and understand the value of ICT and provides advice, consultancy, management, infrastructure and support services to the sector. Through resources on the iTaNGO Knowledgebase, ICT Services also helps to address common ICT issues affecting organisations, ensuring that common challenges do not require a re-invention of the wheel but can be solved through collaboration and sharing of tools, resources and experience.
With more of our personal and business lives moving to online platforms, ICT management and planning is part of developing a robust business model that factors in all key drivers of an organisation. ICT strategy, planning and management is key to improved service delivery and increased work efficiencies.
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