I think we can all agree that 2020 was a year of surprises, forcing us to realign our expectations and shift our plans. While we are still going to be dealing with the fallout in 2021, I think it’s wise to pause and reflect on what we’ve learned and how we can apply those lessons in the year that lies ahead.
In this industry, we’re used to the fact that technology development happens at a rapid pace, but in 2020 we’ve seen accelerated changes in other areas too, which affect us and our clients.
These include shifting supply chains, increased demand for cloud capabilities, an uptick in regulation and the accompanying compliance requirements, more remote working, and a heightened awareness of the need for cybersecurity, among others.
We foresee these trends continuing into 2021 and will be working to help the businesses we serve to not only manage them but to enjoy the business benefits that technology can deliver in these areas.
Get your IT in order, ASAP
As you’re planning for 2021, I’d encourage you to prioritise your IT strategy, as 2020 has shown that in our digital era, agility and resilience are linked to an organisation’s ability to use technology smartly.
If you were let down by an IT provider in 2020, this will ring especially true. Don’t let the same happen in 2021.
Earlier this year we compiled an eBook called The SME Survival Guide to Changing IT Service Providers, which could serve as a helpful tool to use when navigating not only your routine IT needs but the challenging and fast-changing business climate too.
If you’re comfortable with your current provider, I’d recommend that you audit your IT systems and equipment at the start of every year (calendar or financial) to ensure it still meets your needs. The demand for data sharing, processing and storing continues to grow, and our increased reliance on digital tools such as video conferencing and online file sharing during COVID-19 may have highlighted issues related to this. Consider network hardware, computing power, physical and cloud storage, as well as backup capability and reliability.
Don’t forget compliance
Wherever your business is based, and wherever it operates, you will need to comply with various regulatory requirements in those jurisdictions. For example, when it comes to the protection of personal data, companies in the EU will need to comply with GDPR and those in South Africa must adhere to POPI.
Plan for business continuity
Business continuity planning is about more than disaster recovery. With cloud-based architecture, and on the back of COVID-19, companies are currently reassessing technology designs to work towards avoiding a disaster from occurring at all. The focus is on developing resilient business systems by leveraging enterprise-grade cloud systems and platforms.
It’s also important to safeguard your business against cyber attacks or data leaks. Given that 92% of data breaches are due to human error, cybersecurity measures need to be built into the fibre of your business so that every employee understands them. Find out more about protecting your organisation here.
Prioritise people
The best technology solutions in the world won’t help your business survive the tough times if you don’t have buy-in and support from your people. At Numata, we believe in human-centric leadership, and that putting people at the centre of what we do has never been more critical.
Everyone has been affected by COVID-19 and the harsh lockdown – the virus and the ripple effects it has caused does not discriminate. I’d like to encourage those of you who are reading this and who are leaders to remember this. You never know what battles people are fighting. Our job as leaders is to recognise the humanity in each person and to share our own. It means being honest, being vulnerable and being human, which is hard. But I believe human-centric leadership will stand us all in good stead for 2021 and beyond.
Article By: Jakobus Koorts | CEO of Numata Business IT
Connect with Jakobus Koorts on LinkedIn.