If you are in the business world, it’s imperative that your company regularly audits all aspects of operations, including those related to information technology. Here are a few simple questions to keep in mind:
- Is the development of your quality management software compatible with the intended analysis? Automating manual tasks through software control can help, but it’s important to ensure that the solutions being proposed align with your analysis of needs. Otherwise, it could lead to serious problems down the line, potentially requiring a complete restart or disrupting current business processes.
- Is the information being maintained accurate, reliable, and up-to-date? Ensure that the integrity and response time of the information is maintained through regular testing. If the information is accurate, it builds trust in the software. To further establish trust, consider finding a neutral third party for assessment or conduct an internal assessment. This way, any potential errors can be identified and corrected before the system is put into use, saving time and money.
- Are IT systems available and functioning properly at all times? Quality information technology should ensure that the processing of information – computers, software, peripherals, and networks – works seamlessly and without interruption while the company is active. Availability of IT systems directly impacts the availability of company operations. A breakdown in systems, even for a single hour, could slow or halt the company’s operations. It’s important to consider the cost-benefit when choosing quality solutions, as a small difference in budget could result in significant damage.
To conclude, it’s crucial to regularly conduct audits of IT systems, software, and overall quality to ensure that technology serves the business, not the other way around.