Taking a Closer Look at IT..
on the job observations the inside scoop on what's holding IT up.

Believe it or not some work places are still not automating. I don't mean head of class automation like voice activated software or even telephony initiatives.

All of these things are sleek, cool, add to efficiency but still may cost quite a bit depending on the size of the company.

I am referencing basic automations like eCommerce, Mail order, Customer reports, and sales transaction. Core business functions still being written by ..h - a - n -d.. yes I said it. Business forms being written by hand and customer data lying around in aluminum file cabinets.

I am talking about 10 + year customers with no order history file.

These businesses are out there.

The interesting thing about those resisting IT is that they all fit an actual profile.

One they are small to mid sized private business perhaps even family owned and operated.

Two they are all downsizing to the point of closing up shop.

Three they all claim to be unable to afford the advancements of IT;and claim not to know how to use it or pretend that they do but really don't.

Four they are all once productive companies at the top of their food chain being swallowed whole by less more organized competition.

Five they are all whether knowing or unknowingly victims of internal theft and fraud.

The saying goes "scratch a lie, find a thief". Today however, its 'no IT investing, find a thief'.

So who's really resisting IT? Companies that are not advancing are most likely being drained from the inside. Find a company that is not embracing the standards of IT implementation you will find that that company is harboring a thief.

So who's stealing?
Hmm could it be that mail guy downstairs with the lazy eye? Could it be the receptionist that consistantly pops her gum to the melody of hold muzak? Or better yet what about the new guy who dresses well but always looks confused and asks lots of questions?

Wrong..Whomever is ultimately in charge of human resources, office managers, and bookkeepers is the culprit everytime.

The most common response," Why would I steal from my own company?" The answer,"because you can."

It is interesting that all of the 'singing and dancing' at the average work place is not being done on Broadway, off broadway, or by an over caffinated sales group but by the executives themselves.

Afterall you have to have access to company funds and the authority to distribute them before you can have the opportunity to steal(staying with the means, motive, and opportunity addage).

But of course, there is so much material to work with rather than admit that you are a thief. Blame productivity, blame sales, blame customer service, blame politics, blame the economy, blame unemployment rates increasing.....

There are unlimited excuses as to why your business is losing money every year. Just keep firing people who look like they don't have as much to do. Yeah that makes sense call it "downsizing" call it "budget cuts".

We hired you because we could afford you. Never mind that we were losing money before you got here. What happened? You weren't written up..you weren't repremanded for insubordination..hmm
All of a sudden we just don't need you anymore. I can't explain why.

I can tell you why it is because you little peeon are a scapegoat. Your job function is only relevant in a growing thriving company. If the executives are spending all the profits then there are no funds left to reinvest in sales incentives, advertising, customer care, community services, charities, and donations. There is no allure for business development efforts and product/services extentions because the executives aren't spending their 2 hour lunches thinking about how to increase customers, optimize sales, or address complaints and returns...

No, they are thinking about whatever thieves think about when it isn't taking money they should not, to buy things they should not, or to blame someone they should not..

Power corrupts as much as stupid.

So the next time you're told there is just no budget for IT expansion and in the next breath you get to hear this wonderfully intricate story about how the company is losing their shirts..it is totally acceptable to let out a fake yawn/stretch manuever and urgently behave as if you have overlooked a terribly important appointment and then get the hell out of there.

Scratch at IT.. find a .. You know. I mean really who fires themselves?

Backin' dat ass up

Baseline Magazine is right on time. With their latest cover story Wanted: Chief Espionage Officer

Some of my favorite quotes:

"..But what if the felon you should fear,now or in the future, is standing next to you?"

"The Offenders: White Men who Snoop and Steal"

This article means to change the description of the "usual suspects" and at last put blame where it belongs; at the top.

Of course, the truth is a delicate thing. Delicate things break easily in the face of a cover up. But for every peeon that took the blame there is a manager or exec. who set it up.

I also liked the point that stealing doesn't always mean money; it can be miss placing valuable data on merchandise, ad campaigns, as well as customer information. All of these efforts that could result in huge losses if your information is leaking out.

I once sat and deliberated with a colleague about who may be stealing and how. I had nothing to offer as I have never stolen. However, the possibilities after a closer look are really quite endless. Some people come disguised as employees but are ready to destroy any business they work in.

Why? How will you make a living if you systematically seek financial ruin with every opportunity? Maybe that just doesn't come into the equation of fast money now.

Hmm?!

Just a couple of key phrases and ideas that jumped out at me after the first part of this post had been completed.

IT is making it more obvious to spot a thief but lets face it; those that have been indicting now were probably stealing before. Your technology upgrades made the mundane task of business as usual more efficient and effective. Now that you see the real problem, what are you going to do about it? Or, are you the real problem? You can run but you cannot hide.