More than ever before, business users are directly influencing IT workflow, and in turn, how companies conduct business.
This is because workers increasingly have the ability to handle issues that have traditionally fallen under the umbrella by IT; end users can perform application integration tasks such as new partner and customer onboarding, data mapping and more. Leveraging the technologies at their disposal, business users can do this even without the oversight of IT by creating their own workarounds and ad hoc solutions.
This clearly poses certain security risks for any organization, so how can companies prepare for this new generation of technology savvy business workers?
First, it’s critical to find a solution that both empowers business users with the tools they need and keeps IT in the picture. IT departments need to have visibility in the data connections being created across the organization to main compliance protocols. Also, when it comes time for network updates, roll out processes will run much more smoothly when IT has that high level oversight, saving the organization time, money and resources.
Second, the solution must be easy for business users to employ. Business moves fast, and employees must be able to keep up. If the solution they’re leveraging for integration doesn’t allow them to respond to customers and partners quickly, end users will quickly find their own integration solutions and short cuts that do allow them to keep up with business demands.
Embracing and empowering the new breed of business user also comes with significant benefits for the entire organization. In fact, research we’ve recently conducted with our own customers suggests that companies that enable business users to become self-sufficient data consumers experienced increased speed and agility; reduced IT backlog; time and money saved as a result of faster integrations; and more satisfied customers and partners.
So, what is your business waiting for? The new generation of technology experts has arrived, and they’re your employees. It’s critical to prepare accordingly now.