Why should I write an ICT plan?

Starting with a plan

Whether you’re thinking about getting your very first computer, networking the office, setting up a corporate email system or producing a community video, you’ll need a plan.

Many people think they need detailed technical knowledge before making decisions about ICT, or are confused about what it can do because they’re not familiar with it. Working on an ICT plan helps over come that problem.

Writing your ICT plan

Preparing an ICT plan is a collaborative process that everyone can help with – irrespective of their technical skills. It's about working with others to decide where you want to go and how ICT can help get you there.

Planning helps you focus on your administration, information, communication and management needs, rather than the technology for its own sake. The plan that emerges can be as long or as short as you like. It’s up to you to decide which bits are relevant or useful and to discard or adapt things as you go along.

You should be clear about priorities and have some idea of the scale of resources you need, but you may find you have unanswered questions and issues that need further investigation.

Getting outside help

At any point you may ask for expert help, to make sure you're on course or to focus on specific issues, but remember that the planning process is a management issue. Ideally it will be led by a manager or senior decision-maker, rather than being handed over to a ‘techie’. This helps make sure it is focused addressing on wider organisational issues, rather than being simply a technology shopping list.

Where do you want to be?

Remember that your ICT plan is not just about hardware and software – it must explain how investment in ICT will help you achieve the goals laid out in your latest business plan or funding bid. Once you agree where you want to be, ICT planning is a way of deciding how computers, the internet and other technologies will help you get there, as well as the skills and support you'll need to use them.

Your overriding goal is a tangible improvement in the way your organisation works and what it can achieve.

For a more detailed guide you could work through the planning worksheets in the 'How to Cost and Fund ICT Guide'.