Defining the Technology Gap

In business, gaps are defined as the difference between what an organization needs and what it currently has or the difference between where they are and where they want to be. These gaps exist on nearly every level within an organization — personnel, marketing, legal, and support.

What makes a technology gap unique is that it never truly goes away. As new technologies emerge, businesses become more aware of where they lack (the gap). Organizations move forward as their technological realities continually chase technological needs.

Technology gaps can only exist if:

1. an organization is measuring business requirements and
   
   
2. is defining technological solutions for those business requirements.

Business Requirements

Business requirements are those goals which a company attempts to meet. These goals can be internal or external although most businesses focus on external goals.

For example, a business might set a goal to answer all customer emails within 24 hours. Right now, the business might have employees write down the date and time when they receive a customer email. Then write down the date and time when they respond. But, the business needs a way to track this information automatically via an automated, system process.

The business has defined their requirement, respond to emails within 24 hours and their need to track this process automatically. Now, a gap exists between a need, or requirement, and the current reality.

Technology Solutions

The problem with defining technological solutions is that most managers focus on the technology itself. They focus on technology as an end to itself rather than a means to an end.

Just because you can spend money doesn't mean you should. Are you upgrading because you need more computing power? Or did you just see a commercial that made you feel like you should upgrade?

The key to effective technology gap problem solving is to follow an incremental approach. Instead of throwing everything out, and starting over again, take the necessary steps to plan ahead.

Instead of focusing on the latest gadget, focus on how your business is or is not meeting its requirements. On the same note, make sure your requirements are actually that — requirements.

By focusing on your organizational goals and connecting those goals with legitimate, and sensible, technological solutions, you'll meet your business goals with the right technology.

 

Written by: Frank J Klein - CIO

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