VIDEO | Clark Schafer Hackett CIO: We Want Our Firm To Know More About Our Data

Randy Smith, CIO at Clark Schafer Hackett, speaks with David Hammond, Senior Account Executive at Parallel Technologies, in a video interview exploring how technology investments solve business problems, the focus of the IT organization, and the roadmapping process.

Smith has worked in the IT field since 2000. In his current role, he oversees everything related to technology, from cybersecurity to setting strategy. Smith notes that technology is one of Clark Schafer Hackett’s biggest expenses, and a new addition includes a workflow solution. This is to maintain transparency within the company concerning work status and staffing.

Additionally, the firm has invested in a new invoicing and payment collection system to digitize its processes. Smith notes that a lot of technology implementation projects are still underway.

In response to a question about the IT department's focus, he states that it's primarily about cultivating a data-driven culture and getting the firm to understand and use its data more effectively.

Smith emphasizes that as the company continues to grow, the IT team will grow with it. Additionally, he says the IT department will develop more custom applications, integrate various business-critical systems, automate repetitive tasks, and leverage data more effectively.

According to Smith, a 12-month IT roadmap typically begins with compliance and legal requirements, followed by speaking with leaders across the company to understand pain points and address them. The final leg of the process involves aligning the roadmap with the company's strategic plan.

Someone with the expertise and experience should handle a three- to five-year roadmap, Smith advises.

CDO Magazine appreciates Randy Smith for sharing his insights and data success stories with our global community.