Strategic Technology Cycle

There are many levels of technology implementation, from the mundane and simple to what we call "High Technology". High technology, while not “bleeding edge,” is certainly leading edge and is meant for world class organizations that recognize what technology can do to add profits to the bottom line. Drawing from University Professors, Researchers, and Engineers across the country, the firm can help you.

Here is a small sampling of the technology the firm has helped clients implement over the past year:

• Sales Force Automation
• Customer Relationship Management
• Internet and Intranet Development
• Electronic Commerce
• Document Imaging
• Optical and COLD Storage
• Data Warehousing
• Remote Access
• Wireless Communications
• Security Consulting

1. Technology Assessment

The Technology Assessment process provides the client with a good understanding of the current level of technology in their organization. This is the first step in developing a Strategic Technology Plan. The Technology Assessment will attempt to identify areas where improvements can be made and will make recommendations where appropriate.

2. Strategic Technology Plan

The Strategic Technology Plan defines the organization's technology objectives and how to achieve them. The consultant will assist you in preparing a plan which supports your business plan. The Strategic Technology Plan allows the organization to prepare for the future at a comfortable and affordable pace. Once the plan is completed and approved, the firm will continue assisting the organization in the implementation phases and with annual updates as required.

3. Plan & Procedures

For an organization to perform well, and to succeed, it must have a set of written plans and policies that clearly define how technology is to be used by everyone in the organization and what to do should an emergency occur so as to minimize the economic impact of such a crisis. The firm has developed and implemented a number of these plans in several industries. The following is a sample of the types of manuals and procedures with which we are prepared to assist you:

• Policy and Procedure Manuals
• Disaster Recovery Plans
• Emergency Preparedness
• Strategic Technology Plans
• PC, Email and Internet Use Policies

4. Technology Integration

It is often not enough to simply develop a plan and make recommendations. Therefore, the firm offers a complete range of technology implementation and integration services. With national resources, we can bring the technology of such companies as Microsoft, Novell, Sun, as well as professionally certified systems professionals to you to provide the needed level of services. The firm has been successfully serving million dollar and billion dollar companies from the ground up.

5. Training & Education

An investment in hardware and software must be followed with tailored and intense user training. Generic training has proven limitations, while a program developed specifically to the organization has shown significant returns on investment. Through national affiliations, the firm will design an educational program for your organization to help you maximize your technology investment.

6. Business Continuity Planning

NMGI has partnered with the industry leader in Business Continuity Planning software for small and medium sized organizations. We have a Hosted Portal that provides the software, tools and education needed to develop a complete and actionable "Business Continuity Plan" at a reasonable cost.

Using our tested methodology, an organization can be confident that they can build a Business Continuity Plan that will enable them to recover from virtually any Business Interruption. Using these software tools from NMGI we help support the development of your Business Continuity Plan providing a time effective methodology that captures the proper amount of business critical information.

Awareness, Prevention, Recovery and Continuation - These 4 seemingly simple words are the foundation of building a thorough and actionable Business Continuity Plan. Let us visit with you today about a complete Business Continuity Planning solution that focuses on Awareness, Prevention, Recovery and Continuation for your business

7. Information Systems Review

The process of reviewing the client’s information systems facilities in light of acceptable operating procedures and insuring that the site is safe and secure, and that processes conform to generally accepted practices is called the Information Systems Review. The review also attempts to insure that there is proper back-up of program and information files, an alternate processing site, and that the facilities have been properly tested. The firm will review security procedures, passwords, access codes, and so forth.

The IS Review is the first level and should be performed every few years. For larger institutions over $100 million, the IS Review should be done every one or two years, with a full IS Audit in the intervening years. The IS Review is an interview and walk-through process. The interviewer does not validate all the answers given, but simply records and observes with random checks for security. A walk-through is done to validate that terminals and printers are secure, and that confidential data is being managed properly.

The firm conducts IS Reviews for several financial institutions each year. The firm also provides services through Certified Public Accounting firms for their clients to augment current accounting reviews and audits.

8. Information Systems Audit

The IS Audit more closely represents the processes of the traditional accounting audit in terms of the expertise and resources required. The IS Audit begins with the same interview approach as the IS Review. After the interviews are completed, the firm then validates the information provided to the degree possible. All facets of operations are reviewed and observed.

In conducting the IS Audit and the IS Review, the firm follows guidelines established by the Federal Financial Institution Examiners Corporation, which is recognized for conducting qualified technology reviews and audits for financial institutions. For non-financial institutions, the questionnaires and procedures are adapted to the client's specific industry and needs.