Why Proper Integration of IT Operations During a Company Merger is So Important

1. Why Proper Integration of IT Operations During a Company Merger is So Important In today’s day and age, everyone depends on technology. Everyday people rely on their mobile devices for everything, including driving directions and finding the nearest gas stations. Businesses are no different; in fact, they rely very heavily on technology for their operations. That’s why the proper integration of IT systems and operations is so vital to the success of any merger. Streamlining Duplicate Systems and Applications When two companies merge, chances are good that they each have their own set of technologies. Each company will have separate software in place for everything from finance to inbound call handling, and one of the goals of a successful company merger involves streamlining this integration so that both companies use the same technologies. Aside from this, it’s also important to consider improving upon both companies’ existing technologies when merging. When you integrate your IT operations properly, you can achieve this and more. Adhering to Policies for Managing Information Today’s companies also depend on privacy policies and laws governing the management of information. Each company likely has its own set of guidelines for ensuring this compliance. Improper integration of IT operations can jeopardize the integrity of data, which can lead to a negative overall experience for customers. It’s vital that IT operations are integrated properly so that IT teams can handle bits and fragments of data that are stored in both companies’ databases. Modernizing Existing IT Practices Mergers can also present challenges for IT teams when one company’s IT practices are more modern than the other’s. Unless one of the companies continues to act as its own separate entity following the merger, it’s vital for both companies to utilize the same overall IT practices. This way, the result is a system that is organized and well-understood, and one company doesn’t have to sacrifice its modern technology to allow a successful integration. Proper integration would involve modernizing existing IT practices and getting everyone on the same page. Reducing the Likelihood of Disruptions

2. When IT isn’t properly integrated during a merger, disruptions can result. Any time business is interrupted, one or both companies lose not only revenue, but reputation, as well. Properly integrating IT operations ensures that business can continue, whether that means online conferencing, telephone calls, email access, or even maintaining access to databases required to provide clients and customers with the services they have come to expect. This is the reason many companies prefer cloud-based M&A applications; they minimize disruptions by housing information on the cloud. Keeping Up Morale Last, but most certainly not least, mergers can take their toll on the employees of one or both companies. When integration isn’t streamlined, disruptions can cause headaches and frustrations for even the most levelheaded employees. Properly integrating all your IT channels and software not only keeps your business up and running, but it makes it easier for your employees to do their jobs – even in the midst of major changes to the way they manage information. Your IT systems play a crucial role in your company’s success, and this doesn’t change when your company merges with another. In fact, it’s during these mergers that your IT operations should be at their peak. This way, you can expect streamlined processes, fewer disruptions, more modern IT practices, and happier employees – even in the middle of integration.