What Managers Need To Know About IT Help Desk Software

By Sofia Heath


The IT help desk software that you select for your company should be purchased only after a thorough analysis of your requirements. Formal protocols ought to be rigorously applied to ensure that the selected package meets detailed specifications. The most important part of the system are the workers who operate it on a daily basis. In order to utilize the full functionality of the system, staff must be properly trained. Training is the secret ingredient that makes any support system successful.

The original concept has been expanded from a centralized team that is tasked with solving computer and technology problems. The mission has evolved. The information technology and computer support teams maintain a comprehensive span of services, work processes, customer interfaces and other mission critical operations. This includes both in-house support and customer assistance.

The most common organizational structure is by functional area. For instance, a team maintains employees computer work stations. They main security, software installation and configurations, and anything else that has to do with an employees computer work station. Another team may maintain printers. Most expert agree the most effective and efficient organizational structure is one based off of functionality. This is why most organization have adopted this structure.

Each problem or issue is recorded with a service request ID and filed under various categories. Hardware problems ought to be distinguish from software problems. Some problems may be server related, such as losing internet connection or slow download speeds. System support ought to monitor system performance levels. Sometimes employees are watching videos on the internet and this may slow down systems. The organization might have to restrict internet access. All these duties usually fall under the purview of system support.

Large relational database systems frequently have issues that require resolution by an expert. Data integrity is a mission critical issue. There are issues regarding viruses and hacking that must be addressed. Phone systems and telecommunications in general requires a large team with impeccable training and talent.

Support team members must have extensive cross-training. Each team member must be there to back another team member. In the rare event that an analyst can not resolve an issue, there will be clear guidelines that will direct the problem to the next person in the chain of command. Cross-training is important in making the whole system work. The objective is to resolving problems rapidly. A small problem can quickly grow into a big problem, if it is not taken care of promptly.

Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, off-the-shelf canned programs might be all that is necessary. Each enterprise is may be unique, but most face common problems when it comes to these types of issues. The common sense approach might be to take a hard look at the application packages with the best reputations. Perhaps a free trial version of the application may help you make a good decision.

The selection and implementation of IT Help Desk Software requires complete analysis and review from all levels of the organization. The functionality that system support supplies is critical. The organization can not realize its mission without rapid resolution of problems.




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