What is Information Management Technology (IMT)?
Information Management Technology (IMT) refers to the processes, systems, hardware, and software that an organization uses to carry out its day-to-day operations. Information Management Technology is considered a professional discipline in which a student learns to manage the selection, delivery and organization of all technology and related processes in a business environment.
The budget line covering all systems and the costs involved in setting up and maintaining them is referred to as information management technology. Information management technology is also referred to as information technology (IT), and information management and technology.
Key takeaways
- Information management technology refers to the processes, systems, hardware, and software that an organization uses to carry out its day-to-day operations.
- There are very few business processes that do not depend on or benefit from information management technology.
- IMT allows organizations to efficiently manage data regardless of its format.
- Not only does implementing IMT allow employees to be more productive, but it can be tailored to the specific needs of an organization.
- There are many career paths in IMT, all of which require strong analytical and mathematical problem-solving skills.
Understanding Information Management Technology (IMT)
Information management technology is an important part of every business. It enables big data type insights that drive business strategies, accuracy of retail supply chain management, records retention policy for compliance and more. There are very few business processes that do not depend on or benefit from information management technology.
As information comes in tangible, physical forms and electronically—and therefore, ambiguously—organizations need a way to manage all their data. That’s where information management technology comes into play. It provides a way for organizations to manage their data regardless of its format. To get the most out of IMT, companies need to keep their business strategies aligned with the technology they’re implementing.
IMT is commonly found in financial management, service management and infrastructure management. But any organization that relies on IMT must ensure that its technology is safe and secure. Without taking proper precautions, systems can be vulnerable to cyber attack by hackers. For example, companies such as retailers must put safeguards in place to prevent the theft of information such as their customers’ names and credit card numbers.
By centralizing process and equipment, organizations can operate more efficiently by allowing employees to focus on their own work without having to resort to data management. Even if IMT is done, it will lead to layoffs and elimination of some positions within the workforce. This is because some tasks that were once done by human labor can be replaced by computers and networked systems.
Elements of Information Management Technology
Information technology management usually falls under the responsibility of an organization’s chief information officer or chief technology officer. Employees in this department are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s data and computing resources are reliably accessible and secure from outside adversaries.
IT management tasks include maintaining databases and cloud storage systems, computer and network security, and providing technical support to other employees. They may be responsible for protecting customer data and ensuring that the company’s IT policies comply with local or national laws.
Special considerations
Information Management Technology, as mentioned above, is both a discipline and an organizational function. It is often placed under a science program, but it can be a disciplinary specialty area, such as a Bachelor of Health Administration with a major in information management technology. Generally, these programs include:
There are many specialties in information management and technology when considered as a career. Data scientists, for example, work with different data sources and sets to create insights, metrics, and key performance indicators.
Advantages of information management technology
Information management technology is often considered a driver of organizational performance because technology traditionally enables workers to be more productive than without it. As the applications of technology in business proliferate, information management technology is further divided into meaningful categories that capture the functionality of the technology being used. This includes enterprise-class IMT such as enterprise resource management, enterprise relationship management, and enterprise records management.
Any of these subtypes refers to a system that relies on hardware—computers, terminals, sensors, etc.—for processes such as training, auditing, enforcement, and software. A large company will operate many of these systems, some of which will be purchased and some of which will be proprietary.
Those working in information management technology are considered part of the highly skilled workforce and are sometimes referred to as knowledge workers.
Computer network architects deal with building and maintaining a business’s network, including managing remote access. Computer hardware engineers design hardware and configure machines to optimize their specific function.
In addition to typical IT skills, a career in ITM requires strong interpersonal skills, management skills, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Information Management Technology (IMT) industry
There are many paths to a career in information management technology, most of which require technical or computer skills. The following are common roles in major technology companies.
Software developers
At the most entry-level, developers occupy one of the most common roles in information technology, creating applications and services used by a company’s employees or consumers. They may be responsible for designing a company’s website or protecting customer data to prevent leaks. Most software developers must be proficient in one or more programming languages.
Database and system administrators
Large organizations are likely to hire specialized administrators and analysts to maintain their data and network security. Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data with redundant backups to prevent accidental loss. Systems analysts are responsible for identifying bottlenecks and weak points in a company’s processing systems and improving compatibility so that information can be easily shared.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts occupy one of the most important roles in a modern organization – protecting the data of an organization and its customers. They do this by probing computer systems for potential weaknesses and investigating possible breaches. They are responsible for establishing safeguards and ensuring that company policies comply with local laws.
Information Systems vs. Information Technology
It is important to understand the difference between information systems and the more commonly used expression of information technology. Information technology refers to the machines and mechanisms used to organize and process data, including computers, data storage or cloud systems.
Information systems is an umbrella term that refers to any way of organizing and sharing information. Although this umbrella includes information technology, it may also include less sophisticated systems such as card lists or paper filing systems. Although modern-day information systems are largely computer-based, IS professionals often aim to achieve a company’s business goals, whereas IT professionals focus more on maintaining software and hardware systems.
What skills do you need to be an IT manager?
In addition to the normal toolkit of an IT professional, an IT manager needs strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Modern IT systems require coordination between a team of professionals, so the IT manager must understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as resolve conflicts with each other and set achievable goals.
What qualifications does an IT manager need?
There are several important qualifications that can help you develop a career in IT management. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification provides useful skills in project management, while the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification provides the knowledge needed to operate information processing systems.
Is IT hard to learn?
Learning IT skills can be very difficult unless you are already very computer savvy. IT requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as logical and mathematical reasoning skills. It requires strong determination and time management, as solving many IT problems requires long hours and intense focus.