Technology is always changing, which leaves uncertainty in the workplace in the forever advancing industry.
It is important to keep the office as connected as possible. Keep
employees informed to whats going on with the business and they will see
how they are the lifeline to the businesses success.
End users and IT departments often see systems in different ways,
which causes tension. End users want a simple online app where users
can chat or use voice-mail.
IT sees back-end integration work, backup, security, device
compatibility, and many other “invisible” functions that must be thought
of when building an app.
Timelines and expectations will differ, depending on who you are and which side on the end user/IT divide you sit on.
Here are a few steps to take to gap the bridge between end users and your IT department:
1. Know the business
If you understand the business from a business perspective, you will
have first-hand knowledge of how the business works. Departments tend
to focus on their role and forget how they are really working as a
whole.
2. Form alliances with key end users
By forming relationships, successful application development and
deployment are nurtured. With open communication, it is easier to ask
questions and give honest feedback in development.
3. Talk less and listen more
Listen and be responsive, application developers aspire to be great,
but often have tunnel vision when on to something good. By listening to
input from co-workers, they can get a better understanding of their
progress.
4. Arrogance is ignorance
End users love technology but may not understand it very well. IT
professionals need to leave out jargon when in meetings, sticking to the
business and purpose of the app. When acronyms are used by IT that end
users don’t understand, a barrier of communication takes over. Less
collaboration for the app are likely the result.
5. Understand the process
The IT department sometimes start building an app without
understanding the business workflow. Application developers should
spend time with the end user, observing business operations and goals.
6. Understand the business
It may be surprising that IT developers have never taken a business
course. It is important for them to know how the business runs and how
technology affects performance of the company.
7. Read the corporate financials
If employees at a business know how the business is doing, it will
give employees appreciation for what the company is and how they are
involved. Employees that know the businesses financials and the status
of the company, apply themselves with more dedication.
8. Be service oriented
Analysts and application developers who succeed are the ones who
understand the value of the business and the people they work for. When
people know they are relied on, they feel more important and put more
effort into their performance.
9. Check back
Check with end users to see if they are having issues or problems
with application deployment. Ensure that end-user training on the new
app is part of your application deployment.
10. Look for ways to fix whats wrong
When finding out there is an issue, work immediately on fixing the
problem. Pilot testing and other test techniques are ways to eliminate
end-user pain.
With a company working as a team instead of a single unit will ensure
successful development. Have company meetings and involve the staff
with whats going on, on a regular basis.
Comradery within a company between departments is something
businesses often fail to be mindful of. Talk to your employees, make
sure they understand the ins-and-outs of the business and how they can
work together, as a team.
Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet, “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.
10 things to help you bridge the IT/end user divide – Tech Republic
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-things-to-help-you-bridge-the-it-end-user-divide/
