Selecting and Utilizing Technology
DO's...
- Do address critical issues before you make final purchasing decisions. Consider:
- the technology required to fulfill office goals;
- the staff’s level of comfort and skill with technology;
- whether your district/state has any quirks that could demand unique technological resources;
- how much of your budget you want to earmark for technology.
- Do follow the “six-step process” when purchasing:
- Inventory your current hardware, software, and functionality.
- Talk to the institutional experts in the House and Senate who can help.
- Shop around.
- Try before you buy. Test the equipment in a similar environment.
- Be sure your planned purchase is compatible with your existing system.
- Pay close attention to the installation and maintenance details. Maintenance contracts, services and costs can vary significantly.
- Do establish technology policies and procedures for data management, district/state office operations, social media use, and constituent communications.
DON'Ts...
- Don't get mired in the details when purchasing hardware and software. What you want to accomplish is more important than how you will accomplish it.
- Don't plan just for today’s needs. With the rapidly changing environment and increasing demands from constituents, offices need to be prepared to expand their technological capabilities quickly.
- Don't treat technology as an afterthought. Think of it as integral to every function of your office.
- Don't buy anything without consulting available resources or other offices that currently use the system. House and Senate staff should consult with their assigned technology/support representatives.
- Don't neglect training the staff. Your system will run more smoothly and staff will be more productive after training.
Details
Copyright 2020, Congressional Management Foundation
Paperback/Softcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Congressional Management Foundation; 17th edition (November 3, 2020)
ISBN: 978-1-930473-24-9
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
- Download the entire book in PDF:
Setting Course: A Congressional Management Guide - 117th Congress Edition(2.6 MB)
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