Here's how you can align IT Operations Managers' decisions with industry best practices.

To align IT Operations Managers' decisions with industry best practices, you can start by implementing industry standards and guidelines, providing relevant training and resources, and regularly reviewing and updating operational procedures to ensure they are aligned with the best practices in the industry. Additionally, creating a culture of continuous improvement and fostering open communication between IT managers and industry experts can help ensure that decisions are in line with industry best practices.

IT Operations Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing IT operations, managing IT staff, resolving issues, implementing projects, ensuring system performance and security, and maintaining documentation and reporting. Ensuring smooth functioning of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure to meet business requirements and service level agreements.

In industries like retail banking, industry best practices are often shaped by regulatory authorities. IT Operations Managers must thoroughly understand relevant regulatory frameworks, such as the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) standards. Keeping up-to-date with these standards is essential. For example, recent FFIEC updates focus on enhanced cybersecurity measures, robust risk management practices, and stringent data privacy protocols.

To ensure smooth wind power projects, IT Operations Managers should: 1. Use Data Analytics: Predictive analytics for proactive maintenance. 2. Enhance Cybersecurity: Implement strong protections and real-time monitoring. 3. Foster IT-OT Teamwork: Promote collaboration for seamless operations. 4. Optimize Asset Management: Track turbine conditions and use real-time data for maintenance. 5. Ensure Sustainability: Adhere to environmental standards and comply with regulations. 6. Invest in Training: Keep the team updated on new technologies and best practices. 7. Leverage Cloud Solutions: Use cloud platforms for data management and remote monitoring. 8. Monitor KPIs: Regularly check performance metrics to identify improvement areas.

1 Embrace Standards Industry standards such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) provide a comprehensive set of best practices for IT service management. By embracing these standards, you can improve your service delivery through well-established processes and procedures. Implementing ITIL's framework ensures that you're not reinventing the wheel but rather leveraging tried-and-tested methods to enhance efficiency and predictability in your

2 Continuous Training The technology sector is dynamic, with new developments emerging constantly. For IT Operations Managers, continuous training is crucial to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. Investing in professional development not only keeps your skills sharp but also demonstrates a commitment to excellence. Encouraging your team to pursue certifications and attend workshops can foster a culture of learning that aligns with industry standards.

One thing i have found helpful is having active memberships in Tech communities and professional bodies. Learning curve is a 45 degrees line without end. Therefore, to keep up with the dynamics of IT operations it is important to enroll in professional certifications and renew professional memberships. Active subscriptions on Tech publications such as journals and magazines will keep you informed on the latest disruptions.

Continuous training in engineering and service desk operations is crucial for maintaining high standards and adapting to technological advancements. In engineering, it ensures that professionals stay current with new methods, tools, and regulations, thereby improving efficiency, safety, and innovation. For service desk staff, continuous training enhances problem-solving skills, customer service, and familiarity with emerging software and hardware. Regular training sessions, workshops, and certifications help both fields address evolving challenges, boost employee morale, and maintain competitive advantage. Ultimately, continuous training fosters a culture of learning and excellence.

3 Leverage Automation Automation is transforming IT operations by streamlining repetitive tasks and reducing the potential for human error. Tools like configuration management and orchestration can automate routine maintenance and deployment tasks. By incorporating automation into your operations, you can free up valuable time for your team to focus on more strategic initiatives that add value to your business.

Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, reduces errors, and frees up human resources for more complex and creative endeavors. By integrating automation into workflows, businesses can achieve significant time and cost savings. Tools like robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) enable seamless operations, data analysis, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, automation fosters innovation by allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Ultimately, embracing automation is a crucial step for organizations aiming to stay competitive and agile in an ever-evolving marketplace.

4 Risk Management Effective risk management is a pillar of best practice in IT operations. Identifying potential issues before they become problems is key to maintaining uptime and service quality. Regularly conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies can help you anticipate and prevent disruptions, ensuring a resilient IT infrastructure that aligns with industry best practices.

Risk Management is a crucial part of IT operations. Industry standards like ISO 27001 and PCI DSS requires organizations to conduct enterprise risk management with emphasis on information security. An ideal risk management framework provides for risk assessment and risk treatment processes. The framework should contain: Risk identification, Risk Analysis, Risk Evaluation, Risk Treatment and Risk Monitoring, Review & Improvement. Some of the actions that can be taken to address the risks include risk avoidance, transferring the risk to another party or minimizing its effects. For instance risk of data loss through malware infection, loss of PCs or PCs damage can be mitigated through real-time PC backup and endpoint security solutions.

Organizations utilize risk management strategies to mitigate potential losses and enhance opportunities. Key steps include risk identification, where potential risks are pinpointed; risk assessment, evaluating the likelihood and impact of risks; and risk control, implementing measures to manage or mitigate risks. Tools like risk matrices, SWOT analysis, and scenario planning are commonly used. Effective risk management ensures business continuity, protects resources, and supports strategic decision-making, ultimately contributing to an organization's resilience and long-term success.

5 Measure Performance To align with best practices, you must measure and analyze your IT operations' performance. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as system uptime, response time, and incident resolution rates are vital metrics that can guide your decision-making. By tracking these KPIs, you can identify areas for improvement, justify investments, and align your operations with the high standards expected in the industry.

A complete management system provides for performance evaluation and improvement processes. The foundation of best practices in IT Operations is having clear objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound(SMART). For instance; To ensure customer data is secure at all times. KPIs can be derived from the objectives, for instance the number of security incidents reported. KPIs will provide measurable insights that can be utilized in IT Audit and management reviews to point out areas of improvement. Then improvement action log is created to track the implementation of the resolutions.

If people talk, communicate and collaborate without walls or silo's, then you are on the way to creating an excellent IT Operations capability. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” - Drucker

I am very passionate about collaboration, especially for IO. We are often the people behind the scenes so I really push to take the time to understand internal and external customer, partner, business and work together to resolve issues, increase productivity or just to really understand the sense of joint purpose in the organisation. A great example during Covid was hybrid working and the collaboration needed between IT and the business to really ensure the delivered solutions were the right outcome for all.