Q:  We need to reduce our overhead and operational expenses and we’re looking at all options as it relates to our technology costs. We don’t want to jeopardize quality. How would you recommend we go about this? We’re now looking at our project management systems, email marketing and awards technology. Thank you!

A:  Many organization are confronting this challenge as they look at reducing expenses in the current economic environment. As stated in your question, it is critical to consider quality and value delivery to members in the context of any decisions to eliminate cost. The best approach is to conduct a comprehensive technology assessment, including building an inventory of current technology and cost, defining key business processes, identifying which technology supports which business processes, defining future state technology and cost, and creating a roadmap to transition from current state to future state seamlessly. Given the complexity of the assessment and the number of options available in the market, my recommendation would be to engage an experienced and knowledgeable partner. Engaging a partner helps mitigate risk and ensures that the decisions you make will not negatively impact your organization’s ability to deliver value to members.

Now that NYSAE is headquartered at Kellen, feel free to reach out to me for further questions! tgooding@kellencompany.com

Tom Gooding, Vice President, Kellen 

Tom Gooding, Vice President at Kellen, leads a number of shared services teams, including client technology, design and corporate partnership development. He also provides strategic guidance to several trade associations focused on federal advocacy in the technology, energy and transportation industries.