Ever wondered what happens when a company is merged or acquired? How are job roles defined, and how is the network managed? When M&A happens, a lot of transition takes place. Even a bit of ignorance can affect productivity of an organisation a lot.
So, what’s the key?
Careful planning. One has to strategically think of all possible probabilities – more importantly, about network integration. Having said this, let’s explore a few challenges that come with integration. And also tools that can best help with the same for network inventory management.
What are the challenges in network integration for network inventory management?
As per Slurp’it there are multiple challenges that come with network integration. However we’ll be looking at the ones that affects M&A more, like:
- Aligning disparate systems
- Setting up protocols
- Understanding the infrastructure.
Many a times differences in hardware, software, and network architectures between merging companies leads to compatibility issues. Data migration problems, and communication breakdowns happen often.
Yet another challenge is stability. Since we are combining networks here, the integration process brings in new vulnerabilities. This sometimes leads to a huge risk of cyber threats.
Lastly is the most common problem, that’s the cultural differences. When entities merge, employees can create resistance to change. Hence it gets difficult for IT teams to implement a unified network strategy for network inventory management.
What are the benefits of efficient network integration?
Now that we have explored the challenges for network integration in network inventory management, it’s time to look into the benefits to understand the brighter side for network inventory management. One of the major benefits of Efficient network integration is improved operational efficiency.
If a business is able to align IT infrastructure and communication channels, they can eliminate redundancies. Also, administrative overhead costs reduce, and productivity enhances too.
All of this helps with cost savings and profitability.
Yet another benefit is better data management and security. Since over here we are doing centralised data storage, time is saved. There is a disaster recovery system. And the last benefit, collaboration. Employees make decisions, they get to innovate, and serve better to customers for network inventory management.
Here’s how you can successfully integrate network inventory!
A successful network integration demands a thorough assessment. Businesses must know their existing IT infrastructure and network environments. In case of M&A, one must have information about both companies for network inventory management.
- Firstly, the organisation must map out hardware, software, and communication systems. This will help with identifying potential compatibility issues.
- Next, one must develop an integration strategy. This strategy should align with overall business objectives and timelines. The strategy must include specific steps, milestones, and resource requirements.
Remember, right technology matters a lot over here. If you are going with cloud based solutions, the technology must match your needs. And the same way, the technology you’re choosing should be scalable, and user-friendly.
After building the strategy, comes the integration aspect.
The best implementation strategies you must try as per Slurp’it!
Once planning is complete, the next step is to implement the network integration strategies.
This typically involves a series of coordinated activities. It includes data migration and the integration of communication and collaboration tools.
Careful planning and execution are also required to ensure data integrity. This helps with minimising downtime, and maintaining business continuity. Even during the migration process.
Additionally, a good security assessment is needed. This will help protect your network from cyber threats, even if the network is combined.
Coming to tools for network inventory management,
As per Slurp’it initially companies must do network mapping. For this discovery solutions are required. This tool will help with identifying and documenting existing network infrastructure.
The very next tool that’s needed is a project management platform. This tool will help with planning, coordinating, and tracking integration activities. Next, cloud-based collaboration and communication tools are also needed. As these ones will help with cross-functional collaboration.
Case studies of different companies on network inventory management:
To give you a quick understanding, down here we’ll walk you through two cases that’s all about network integration. This will help you with how you can ensure a smooth transition if you are thinking of network integration.
- A merger between two leading telecommunications companies. Initially a meticulous assessment of existing network environments is required here. Going with a phased approach will work the best. The companies must prioritise critical systems and data migration. The companies must work on communication platforms to minimise overall downtime.
- A merger between two global financial institutions. There will be a lot of cultural and organisational differences. A comprehensive change management strategy will be needed the most. The integration team can overcome resistance to change. All of this will ensure the successful adoption of the new network infrastructure.
As per Slurp’it, successful network integration during mergers and acquisitions requires careful planning. One has to strategically implement the right tools. There will be a lot of challenges that might come in, but all of them can be resolved with the best practices stated above! For more information contact us today at Slurp’it!
