O Gestor de TI no Processo de Inovação Tecnológica

The IT manager plays a hugely important role in any company. Broadly speaking, this professional must have deep knowledge of technology tools, as well as all the routines, processes, and business needs handled across an organization's systems. As we know, the world of Information Technology is one of the most dynamic, serving as the birthplace of numerous innovations and in constant evolution. In a sector where new trends emerge constantly, the demand for qualified, experienced, and continuously updated professionals is equally high. And that is where the IT manager's figure proves to be of great weight and importance. But who exactly is this professional, what is their role, and what characteristics are expected for them to fully perform their mission in the company?

Importance of the IT Manager for Innovation

As we know, the IT manager is the professional who seeks ways to optimize and enhance results by providing technology resources; they handle the IT projects to be developed and implemented, ensuring the connection between technological tools and business strategies. Thus, they facilitate the operation of a company's business according to its needs and those of its customers. Additionally, of course, they compose and lead the specialized teams that correctly execute the functions of each type of solution used. And here emerges the importance of each IT manager in driving innovations that can benefit the organization. By having a close relationship with all company departments and a strong understanding of technology tools, market specialization areas, and the availability of internal resources, they can adopt a future-oriented perspective and evaluate the potential for innovation within the company. Based on planned or ongoing projects and business problems that need to be addressed, they understand the main needs and expectations of the customer and the business as a whole better than any other professional in the company.

Responsibilities of the IT Manager

This constant need for innovation in companies and the search for applicable trends, however, often collides with day-to-day priorities, creating challenges for IT managers to craft new strategies and implement the best and newest technology tools to positively impact the company. In other words, to play an effective role in developing business innovations, the manager will need to take on more responsibilities while handling the various usual demands of their area. This would likely be a good time to assess the possibility of delegating or outsourcing part of the department's activities, as a way to focus on a more strategic role. Given this expected behavior, we find 5 competencies that a good IT manager needs to have in order to drive business innovations in their organization:

• Having an accurate business perspective to anticipate the company's future demands for new solutions and technological innovations;
• Possessing an entrepreneurial profile and viewing the IT area as a business within the company;
• Understanding all aspects of IT governance and always acting with a focus on results, adding resources to the team directly or indirectly, internally or externally, thereby strengthening the delivery capacity of their area;
• Ability to plan, design, and implement new technology projects for the company's areas, always with a comprehensive vision;
• Strong command as a strategist, capable of defending investments and implementing processes and technologies in priority areas for business success.

To ensure the correct execution of their responsibilities, an IT manager needs work tools that assist them in this process and that positively impact their team.

Tips for Good IT Management

• Seek to get involved in the company's general decisions and in medium- and long-term plans.
• Interact whenever possible with other departments. Be receptive to suggestions and requests for support.
• Carry out planning for the area, determine the importance of its activities in the strategy within the overall business vision;
• Closely monitor and support the development of technology resources, both team and tools, and how to optimize the achievement of objectives;
• Have adequate technical support so that the company's functions are not affected by unforeseen failures.

Pursuing good IT management is a step that every company should take, regardless of its field of activity. The reason for this lies in the increasing importance that the area has gained in recent years, and when well managed, its effects are fully reflected in the company. If you are an IT manager, how about evaluating how external support can make your department even more effective? Zamak has the technology and ideal services for your company. Click here to learn about our proactive management plan, one of the ways we help IT be more strategic!