What Is Management of Technology?

In today’s workforce, technology is indispensable. Whether internal and external communications, budgeting, or decision making, technology tools can improve efficiency and simplify routine tasks. Getting the most out of those tools requires a technologically proficient workforce, and those who can navigate and leverage technology are incredibly valuable to employers. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors of technology management, the benefits to employees and employers, the common technology tools that companies rely on, and how you can succeed in a technology management role. 

What Is Management of Technology?

Management of Technology (MOT) involves the implementation and oversight of technology tools within an organization. Zooming in, this can include elements of procurement, strategic planning, and customization. The latter is notable because not all tools are built for the same business need and are often tailored for specific purposes or teams. MOT ensures the tools you use will be optimized for maximum efficiency and aligned with your goals.

What Are Four Benefits of Management of Technology?

Every new advancement in technology has the potential to benefit a business if implemented successfully. Here’s how common technology tools can give you and your company a strategic advantage.

1. Improved decision making: In today’s workforce, we have access to more and more data that can inform decision making. For example, customer relationship management (CRM) tools offer companies insights into the behavior of their customers, so they can personalize experiences and target specific audiences. A data-driven approach can improve customer engagement and retention, while ensuring marketing communications are tailored specifically to the needs of your customers. 
2. Internal communications: Technology is essential when trying to reach specific people or audiences within an organization. The tools that we use every day connect us with colleagues and teams across work campuses, cities, and the world; and are especially useful for companies with remote workers.
3. Management of resources: MOT allows workers to better allocate and analyze company resources. Budgeting and forecasting tools, for example, allow companies to keep track of how much money is being spent or taken in, while giving them the ability to see how resources — including people — are impacting the bottom line. 
4. Risk management: Risk management tools are used in various areas, including human resources and information technology (IT) departments. These tools can help prevent security breaches, improve overall security, analyze technical infrastructure, and assist in crisis communications.

What Are Examples of Management Technology Tools?

From the simplest peer-to-peer instant messaging tool to department-wide performance management software, employers rely on MOT to keep their operations streamlined and effective. Examples of technology tools include:

1. Project management: Organizations utilize project management tools to visualize project timelines, communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, manage workflows, and ensure projects are completed on time.
2. CRM systems: In a world where consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions online, companies have grown reliant on CRM systems to help gain insight into what their audiences want. CRM systems can help companies keep track of purchases, know where customers are in the buyer’s journey, and manage communications. 
3. Supply chain management software: MOT is crucial for any activity impacting the supply chain. From vendor communications and management to quality control, logistics, and distribution, workers who understand how to use supply chain management software are highly valued. 
4. Document management systems: Document management systems are used to share and manage files across departments and organizations. These tools are especially helpful to companies keeping a digital archive of their documents, and they can be made accessible to as many, or as few, employees as necessary. 

What Skills Are Needed to Succeed in Management of Technology?

Success in MOT hinges on your ability to master multiple skills, and as you grow in your position, you may find yourself more reliant on skills that extend beyond your hands-on technology expertise. Among the skills you need to succeed:

1. Technical acumen: You must have a foundation of understanding when it comes to technology tools and how they work. Notably, you must be able to adapt and evolve in sync with these tools.
2. Communication skills: In MOT, you’ll need strong communication skills in order to explain to others how technology tools function, why they’re necessary, and how they can be used within your organization.
3. People management: Managing people is another critical soft skill for MOT. If you’re elevated to a leadership position, you may find yourself overseeing teams of any size, and possibly, in multiple locations. This can be especially true for companies that outsource projects to third parties. In these cases, you may find your people management skills just as vital as your project management abilities. 
4. Business acumen: This is a wide-ranging skillset and can include negotiation abilities and an understanding of financial concepts. Your business acumen can go hand-in-hand with your technical acumen, making you a more well-rounded leader in MOT. 

What Are Some Jobs in Management of Technology?

As MOT involves a combination of leadership, strategic planning, business, and technical skills, you’ll find a variety of opportunities to contribute and grow your career. Four of the many roles you could pursue include:

1. Operations manager: Operations managers are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of an organization, and technology plays a vital role in their success. Business intelligence, data analysis, CRM, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, among others, are often part of an operations manager’s toolbox. According to O*Net, as many as 300,400 job openings for operations managers are projected through 2031.
2. Management analyst: Management analysts often use technology tools – spreadsheet software, data mining software, and cloud-based management software – to evaluate organizational processes and people. Their goal is to increase efficiency and effectiveness, and management analysts can help a company improve in many areas, including communications, production methods, and more. Like operations managers, O*Net predicts a bright outlook for management analysts. The field is growing much faster than average, with as many as 101,900 new job openings projected through 2031. Most of these roles will require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Information technology project manager: Information technology project managers must bring knowledge of multiple technology tools to their roles. These managers are responsible for overseeing technical teams and often serve as the communications link between IT and other departments. For that, it’s important to bring a combination of soft and hard skills to the table. IT project managers continue to be in demand, according to O*Net. Not surprisingly, the organization predicts faster than average growth, with nearly 35,000 new IT project manager jobs coming online through 2031. 
4. Computer and information systems manager: Organizations rely on computer and information systems managers to plan and implement strategy, analyze workflow, and establish priorities for systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related staff. In addition to knowledge of computers, electronics, engineering, and management, they must understand multiple technology tools. O*Net projects much faster than average growth for computer and information systems manager roles, with 48,500 new jobs projected through 2031. The majority will require a college degree, with 14% of roles requiring a master’s degree.

Other careers in technology management include:

• Engineering program manager
• Process engineering manager
• Engineering group manager
• Project engineering manager
• Engineering director
• Product manager
• Information technology director

Overview

As businesses navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, skilled technology managers are needed to drive innovation, eliminate redundancies, and reduce risk. The opportunities to succeed in MOT are not at the entry level but require the skills and knowledge earned through a college education in order to make difficult decisions and ensure organizational success. If you want a career with job security and the ability to be hands-on with technology tools that can shape the future of your organization, technology management could be a path for you.