The Top 3 Priorities of Every IT Team When Procuring New Tech
The implementation of new payment technology affects everyone in an organization. The best approach to mitigating risk, ensuring more equitable revenue collection, and optimizing payment processing is with the introduction of multiple payment channels solutions that support both in-person and online payments.
Many teams within an organization are intimately involved in vetting, selecting, and implementing the new solution(s), while others simply want their best interests considered in the process. Often, the IT personnel are the first team on board to kick off the project. They are instrumental in every part of the process from procurement to implementation and maintenance.
Here are the top 3 priorities that every IT team should consider when selecting and introducing new technology.
1. Speed
This priority is particularly multi-faceted. Speed is an expectation of all stakeholders. IT teams are looking at speed of procurement when selecting new technology to introduce to customers. A quicker procurement process that doesn’t skimp on research and thorough vetting helps assure a timely implementation. The speed of the implementation also plays a critical role in building trust between vendor and client, something IT teams are keen to find in a potential partner. Being able to get tech up and running, especially in urgent situations where legacy solutions are on their last legs, sets up the bases for trust. After that, the operating speed of the technology, expedient security upgrades, and the timely responses to client support requests play a crucial role in keeping IT teams satisfied with a vendor that understands and operates on urgency.
Nashville Electric Service ignites change Through Modern Payments. Watch here.
2. Security
Having spoken to countless IT leaders and stakeholders, it’s clear security expectations must go beyond the basics. Doing the bare minimum serves no one. PCI compliance and SOC 2 certifications should be just the start. The importance of a sound foundation in security can not be overstated. Beyond that, a consistent infrastructure across all payment channels is essential. Proactive monitoring should be an extension of the foundational security measures, staying aware of any irregularities experienced by the overall network infrastructure to prevent security breaches. Further, continually collecting data related to security across a vendor’s client base will allow them to leverage insights to maintain consistent and updated protection for all clients, leading to upfront risk mitigation practices that prevent security breaches.
Las Vegas Valley Water District launched an in-person payment solution with a priority on security. Watch here.
3. Performance
Reliable tech is its own endorsement. Clients shouldn’t have to worry about technology breaking down frequently and easily, especially in the early stages of use. Having software and hardware that holds up, integrates easily with existing systems, and runs smoothly is not out of arm’s reach. Innovation coupled with continued due diligence reinforces reliability that organizations come to expect from cutting edge technology vendors. And rightfully so. The investment of money, time, energy, space, and others is no small thing. Breakdowns in newly introduced tech risk the breakdown of trust between organizations and their valued customers. A smooth experience has the power to build additional trust and even repair prior damage in the relationship between the two parties.
Mt. Prospect unveiled a multi-channel solution that consistently supports every customer. Watch here.
High Standards for New Technology
IT teams are the most prominent participants in the selection and introduction of new technology. So it comes as no surprise that the leaders of these teams have high and extensive standards for the vendors they hire and the technology they introduce to customers. Any vendor interested in working with local governments and utilities must bring their A game and nothing less.
