As the year winds down, it’s a great time to reflect on your current technology setup and prepare for what lies ahead. Most businesses strive for growth and streamlined operations, and technology often plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

Taking a closer look at your IT infrastructure can uncover ways to improve efficiency, enhance security, and set your organization up for success in the coming year. A thorough review can also help mitigate risks like cyberattacks, which can be costly without the right precautions in place.

Organizations that leverage technology effectively tend to outpace their competitors in many areas. For example:

• They see significantly higher revenue growth per employee.
• They achieve more consistent year-over-year growth.
• Their teams grow at a faster rate, reflecting overall success.

Effective use of technology doesn’t just boost growth; it also strengthens security. Research from IBM shows that having a strong incident response plan can dramatically reduce the cost of data breaches. Adding automation and AI into your security measures can further reduce these expenses.

By dedicating time to a year-end IT review with your internal team or a trusted IT partner, you can identify gaps and opportunities to build a more resilient and efficient technology framework for the future.

Key Areas to Focus on During Your Review

A comprehensive technology review allows you to assess critical aspects of your IT environment. Focus on areas that align with improving security, streamlining operations, and supporting business goals.

• Technology Policies
  Outdated policies can create confusion or lead to non-compliance. Review and refresh your guidelines to ensure they reflect current work environments, including remote or hybrid setups. Once updated, share these policies with your team to reinforce important practices and address any forgotten procedures.
• Disaster Recovery Plans
  An effective disaster recovery plan is a cornerstone of business continuity. Review your current plan and schedule training sessions or drills to ensure your team is prepared for cyberattacks or natural disasters. Regular updates and practice can minimize downtime and protect your operations.
• Employee Feedback on IT Tools
  Your team’s experience with technology can highlight valuable insights. Ask employees about the apps and tools they rely on daily. Find out what they like, what frustrates them, and how technology could better support their work. This feedback can guide investments in tools that improve productivity and job satisfaction.
• Privileged Accounts and Security Risks
  Privileged accounts pose a significant security risk if not managed properly. Conduct an audit to ensure that only essential personnel have admin-level access. Reducing the number of privileged accounts limits vulnerabilities and protects your business from potential breaches.

A year-end technology review isn’t just about identifying issues; it’s about building a roadmap for smarter IT decisions. With a proactive approach, you can create a foundation for growth, security, and success in the year ahead.