Manage Computer Assets including Hardware, Software and Networking
Technology infrastructure is critical for everyday congregational work, from email communications to accounting to tracking information about members. Only a slight interruption reminds us of our dependence on technology. With that in mind, it makes sense to think about these assets as a special class of property and equipment that needs a specific plan.
When tools significantly affect productivity, we don’t want to be penny wise and pound foolish. Just because members donate their old computer gear to the church, it may not make sense to think this is the best way to equip the staff. With technology changing rapidly (operating systems, mobile devices, applications, cloud solutions), workflows and solutions should be part of a one- or two-year review cycle. Perhaps a simple and inexpensive RAM upgrade can noticeably boost performance. There might be other affordable opportunities to increase internet access speeds or move server functions to the cloud. Maybe a laptop, as opposed to a desktop, makes more sense for a given role.
Planning and deliberation around system and component redundancy, getting failed equipment replaced or repaired quickly and keeping data backed up and secure (see practice in the Risk Management module) is needed before disaster strikes.
