ICT Auditing

ICT is about understanding the Information Technology available to a business and having the capabilities within the business to put that technology to effective use. It is not about provision of technology. An ICT audit looks at 'where you are now' and how a business can make best use of what Information Technology it currently has available to it.

The advantages of an ICT audit:

• The ICT audit becomes the basis for an ICT/IT development plan that dovetails with existing business planning.
• Helps ensure best use of existing Information Technology within a business.
• Ensures 'ownership' of the technology available to a business.
• Identifies specific training needs.
• Give clarity of knowing 'where you are now' and where development pathways should lead.
• Puts a business in the best position for future informed decision making.

An ICT Audit will look at and report back on (with recommendations):

1) Information Needs of the Business.

1. Communication with clients
2. Communication with suppliers
3. Communication within the business
4. Communication with other significant individuals/organisations
5. Information Technology Policy
   

2) Technology Presently Available to the Business.

1. Current Hardware
2. Current Software
3. Mobile technologies
4. Current Web Sites and internet technologies
5. Social Networks

3) Business Data Held and Used by the Business.

1. Current systems for managing business data: manual and electronic
2. Critical business data
3. Data security

4) ICT Capability within the Business.

1. Individual Qualifications
2. Training history
3. Individual skills, understanding and knowledge
4. Management and Leadership
5. Roles and responsibilities
6. Decision making