Mergers and Acquisitions
A merger or acquisition within a company is always an exciting event, and a sign of significant business progression. However, as many enterprises can testify, it’s not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to incorporating IT systems and existing operations.
Historically, the IT department was traditionally called upon to integrate the two systems as best as possible; however, in many cases, merging and incorporating systems and files can prove problematic, not to mention highly complicated for even the most practiced IT professional to manage.
In recent years, rather than adopting a ‘fire-fighting’ approach; utilizing the IT department to deal with the complexities of the merger after the event, an increasing number of savvy business owners are using the skills of their IT experts to help with their decisions, identifying which companies offer the best compatibility in terms of existing IT systems and operations.
Effective Use of IT to Manage Your Merger or Acquisition
Be realistic. It’s important to acknowledge that a merger or acquisition is never likely to be simple. Allow your IT department free range to examine the existing systems of both your current organization and the newly acquired company and devise a fresh system that takes elements from both. In order for them to do this successfully, they will probably require some time, in order to fine-tune an effective integrated system.
Keep everyone in the loop. Whilst going through a merger or acquisition, it’s important to keep all staff informed and to communicate freely with all employees and executives involved. When the new IT system is in place, it is, of course, vital to ensure that all staff know how to operate it successfully.
Invest in a virtual directory. After a merger or acquisition has taken place, a virtual directory can really help to speed things up, in terms of creating a single, combined entity. Companies like Optimal IdM focus specifically on incorporating a working virtual identity server for companies. It can provide a swift method of deploying all applications to users in multiple repositories, without the need to alter data or make application code changes, and can provide a single, collated view of the merged companies in a matter of hours.
Project manage effectively. From the very start of the acquisition or merging process to the end, it’s important to manage the project as effectively as possible, to ensure that your growing business ‘hits the ground running’ with as few hitches or false-starts as possible. Formulate a plan for the entire process, organize all employees throughout and talk regularly to your IT department, to get updates on progress.
Mergers and Acquisitions: New IT Systems and New Beginnings
Whether acquiring a business or merging, it’s important to see the process as a new beginning and to look upon it as an invaluable opportunity to review your current IT practices and develop it for future growth. Allow your IT department the opportunity to make suggestions in terms of best practice, and see the merger or acquisition as a great opportunity to update your current system and create a new mode of operation, designed to reflect your plans for growth and expansion.
