Information Technology (IT) Consulting is a varied field. Generally speaking, it focuses on connecting people with technical skills to businesses that need that knowledge.

Technology consultants work with businesses to create new solutions and solve problems. It is a very diverse field, as consultants can specialise in a multitude of areas. You may call on an IT consultancy to help create a new database or install an email client. You may need help with cyber security or training staff. Anything that requires an understanding of computing can be considered IT.

This article will outline what is involved with technology consulting in a little more detail.

IT consulting takes many forms

Technology consultants can be found in a number of configurations. They may be hired as part of an outsourced team of professionals to establish or maintain a company’s IT systems. They may work as temporary employees who are hired to fill absences or cover staffing shortages. Still others work independently as freelancers, finding new and diverse clients weekly.

Why are technology consultants beneficial?

There are so many ways hiring a technology consultant can benefit your business. A technology consultant can be hired:

• to provide specialist information and expertise
• to offer objective advice or recommendations about a project or system
• to solve temporary staffing issues
• to provide project-based assistance
• to certify or authenticate programs or certifications

The term ‘technology consulting’ is extremely broad. The range of tasks a consultant can complete depends greatly on their individual expertise and the reasons for their employment.

Let’s take a look at some broad strokes examples of what technology consultants can do.

Project planning

Sometimes a business owner or manager may have a desired outcome in mind for their business, but a lack of knowledge about how IT can be utilised to achieve it. In this case, a systems analyst or business analyst may be able to examine the goals and the requirements, then make recommendations. This can be a combination of technical and business knowledge.

Implementation

A technology consultant can be involved with the creation of both hardware and software systems. From designing and installing a brand new office setup (think workstations, networks, internet connections) to installing and maintaining a cybersecurity protocol. IT consultants can also set up cloud storage accounts to help manage remote access to data.

Training

Technology consultants are sometimes called on to provide training for new systems or software. This is likely if the consultant has been involved with designing the program or its installation. They can also provide training for established professional software packages. This can be done on site or sometimes in specialised training facilities. Ongoing support can also be provided, in the form of additional training or software upgrades.

Maintenance and fixes

A professional IT environment is not static. There are frequent requirements to update software, add new users, create layers of access, manage data storage and more. Technology consultants can provide these services, either on premises or remotely in some cases. They can also manage product licensing and product warranties.In addition, if something goes wrong, a technology consultant can be called on to fix it, usually within a short timeframe. Alongside these maintenance roles, IT consultants can provide ’help desk’ or tech support’ roles as well.

Connectivity

These days, IT is not limited to hardwired desktop computers. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are integral to business, and all come with specific IT challenges. Connectivity also extends to internet and network establishment – everything from your printer to your smart whiteboard can be connected wirelessly. Connectivity can relate to hardware installation of routers and modems but also to establishing networks like VPNs and secure Bluetooth.

Cybersecurity

The digital environment is growing faster than is easily imagined. As such, it’s vital to keep security procedures and practices up to date. This can be daunting to a business owner who may not have experience in the field. A technology consultant that specialises in this area can provide establishment support and ongoing maintenance to provide a more secure environment for ecommerce and sensitive data storage.

Specific tasks and support

The broad descriptions of technology consulting listed above help to give a general understanding of what can be involved in this sector. Like many professional roles, the job of providing IT support is a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. A technology consultant may undertake any combination of the following:

• meeting with clients to clarify goals and requirements
• defining the scope and sequence of a project
• estimating costings and timelines
• confirming client needs, current practices and legal obligations
• outlining software and hardware needs
• analysing business IT requirements and provide objective recommendations
• travelling to worksites and liaising with staff from various departments
• developing plans and strategies to achieve goals
• purchasing and installing new software or hardware
• assisting with training and change management procedures
• creating and preparing documentation to support new processes
• preparing or generating legal support documentation
• designing and testing new software
• installing and maintaining new programs or systems
• providing updates to new systems
• providing status/performance updates to clients
• developing and maintaining customer relationships
• selling new software offerings or product packages
• managing a complex and diverse client database.

At first, the field of technology consulting may appear monolithic, but this is far from the truth. If you find yourself thinking, ‘I didn’t know they could do that’, you’re not alone. There is great potential for IT consultants to make a positive impact on your business. Working with a supportive team of IT professionals who can tailor their expertise to meet your exact requirements can see immense improvements in efficiency, security and the bottom line.

About Mustard IT

Mustard IT can provide technology consultancy services including everything from the design, build, installation and maintenance of IT systems. Our team is highly experienced and is able to help you clarify what IT support your business needs in a language you’ll understand. Contact us today to find out how we can help.