Kamil Porembiński
In today’s globalized world, where technology plays a key role in all aspects of business, IT auditing has become an indispensable tool for organizations striving for operational efficiency and cost optimization. Reviewing infrastructure, systems, security, and processes can uncover potential areas for improvements that translate into real savings. In the article, I will reveal the secrets of IT auditing, we will discuss the benefits it can bring – both in terms of managing the budget and resources of our organization and in supporting our IT systems.
You may have heard about concepts such as security audit, hardware audit, IT audit before and wondered if this service is suitable for your business? I have been working in the IT industry for many years. Thanks to this, I can point out real examples of how an IT audit can optimize maintenance costs.
Conducting an infrastructure audit involves thoroughly examining and assessing all aspects related to a company’s IT infrastructure. The goal of an IT audit is to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency and propose an action plan based on these, often leading to significant financial savings. The audit helps to minimize costs associated with:
Remember, when we talk about “infrastructure,” we’re talking about more than just hardware. This broader concept also includes software, servers, networks, and data centers. Additionally, the audit itself can include performance tests and identify slow elements in the entire application, as well as its errors. It is this broad context of infrastructure that I will have in mind in this article.
Conducting an audit allows the detection of old versions of software and the identification of technology that requires change. Outdated software not only reduces work efficiency but also increases the costs of maintaining infrastructure. Specialists with narrow specializations are expensive, and on top of that, they do not want to undertake complex projects due to the lack of dedicated support. Furthermore, outdated technologies pose potential threats to the security of information and data. As part of the IT audit, the team may recommend updates or replacements of outdated systems, which translates into cost optimization.
A comprehensive IT systems audit allows for the evaluation of the performance and efficiency of the existing infrastructure. Based on this, the audit team can suggest optimization strategies that do not require the purchase of new equipment. Savings can result from better organization of server work, elimination of unnecessary applications, or improvement of the operating system.
It often happens that a company owns a server that essentially fulfills its task but does not operate optimally. In such cases, an infrastructure audit can help identify the causes of mismatches and find ways to optimize server operation. This could include adjusting the configuration, optimizing resource usage, or updating software.
During the audit of one of the more popular Polish tourism platforms, we conducted a thorough analysis of the client’s developmental needs. The company was considering purchasing a new server, as the current server seemed to be insufficient for their growing needs. However, after a detailed examination of the existing infrastructure, it turned out that there was potential to optimize and utilize the available space on the current server.
Want to learn more? We’ve described this case in detail in our Case Study. See what changes we recommended to the client and how they will impact the efficiency of the service.
An IT audit allows you to assess the real state of the IT infrastructure on which your service is based. The cloud can be a more flexible and scalable solution, which can reduce operational costs. An IT audit provides information that can help a company make a decision about moving part of the service to the cloud. In cases where the IT audit shows that the company network is overloaded, moving part of the service to the cloud can be an ideal solution. However, remember that migrating to the cloud does not mean you have to move everything. We usually only move those elements that generate the most load, and the maintenance costs of such a part in the cloud are usually small.
An infrastructure audit allows for the identification of potential threats to the reliability of IT solutions. This makes it possible to implement appropriate corrective measures that minimize the risk of system and device failures. The audit can include an assessment of security measures, service redundancy, emergency plans, and risk management procedures. Avoiding system and device failures translates into lower costs associated with repairs, data loss, and downtime in company operations.
Reliability of IT systems is an integral part of every company. To illustrate this, imagine a typical day at the office. Employees log into their computers, check their email, use the company network to carry out their daily tasks. Everything runs smoothly until there’s a server failure. Suddenly, email stops working, operating systems on company computers start to lag, and access to crucial data is impossible. The break in operations can last several hours, or even days, directly affecting the efficiency and profits of the company.
Such scenarios might seem like a nightmare, but they are a common reality for many businesses. An audit allows you to assess the stability and reliability of IT infrastructure, identifying potential problems before they become a reality. This means that we can plan and implement solutions in advance, instead of reacting to a crisis when it already occurs. In this way, the company can avoid costly interruptions in operations, which translates into savings. Regular IT audits are therefore not only a sign of good business practice but also a strategic investment that protects the enterprise from unexpected costs.
An IT infrastructure audit allows for an assessment of the security level of corporate data. It identifies potential gaps in security measures that could lead to information security breaches. The service also includes an evaluation of network security, operating systems, workstations, and management of access to confidential data. Actions taken based on the audit results help strengthen information security, reduce the risk of data breaches, and avoid costs associated with security incidents, such as data loss, identity theft, or compensation for violation of data protection regulations.
Data security is extremely important for financial and public institutions that are subject to legal regulations. However, it is important to remember that every company is subject to GDPR regulations, which clearly outline obligations regarding data processing and protection. An infrastructure audit checks the security measures in place, and in case they are lacking, it allows for their addition. This way, you can avoid the stress and penalties associated with official audits.
In conclusion, an IT infrastructure audit is essential for any company aiming to optimize costs. It helps identify outdated technologies, optimize existing infrastructure, harness the possibilities of the cloud, ensure the reliability of solutions, and protect valuable data. Whether you run a small business or a global corporation, a regular IT audit is an investment that pays off.
Do not delay, take advantage of the opportunities that an infrastructure audit brings and follow the path to success, achieving operational efficiency and real savings for your organization. Want to learn more, or have additional questions? Get in touch with me. We’ll discuss goals and opportunities for collaboration before conducting the audit.
