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BENEFITS OF CONSULTING The past few years have seen a rise in the number of organizations seeking the assistance of consultants with various aspects of their information systems operations. Different organizations may engage consultants for a variety of reasons, including: Specialized Expertise Fulfillment of Shorter-Term Needs Facilities and Equipment Broad Industry Perspective Independence and Objectivity Specialized Expertise The most common reason organizations seek information systems consulting services is to bring in additional expertise on a specific area. A client may require assistance with various technologies or techniques, including any of the following: Systems analysis and design tools, techniques, and methodologies. Databases. Communications, including Internet/Intranet strategy and technologies. Systems development, including specific tools and environments. Operating sytems. Return to Top of Page Fulfillment of Shorter-Term Needs Often an organization's resources possess the knowledge and skills necessary to complete a task, but are either committed to other tasks or are insufficient relative to the amount of work needed. This may be particularly true of information systems projects, where a large amount of effort is required over a defined period of time, but after which staffing needs go back down to their previous levels. In these situations it is often far more cost effective to engage consultants for some of this effort than it is to hire additional employees who are only needed for a relatively short period of time. Return to Top of Page Facilities and Equipment Although some consulting engagements require the extended presence of a consultant on site with the client, in most cases much of the the consultant's work can be performed off site at the consultant's offices, relieving the client of the need to invest in additional facilities and computing equipment for individuals who will only be present for a limited time. Return to Top of Page Broad Industry Perspective Consultants generally work with a variety of clients, and usually follow industry developments very closely. Information systems consultants often possess a broad perspective towards systems projects that may be helpful to an organization in such areas as: Industry standards for systems analysis, design, and development. Successful approaches towards systems projects by similar organizations. New and developing technologies. Return to Top of Page Independence and Objectivity In some cases, management may require an independent third party opinion about a particular problem, opportunity, or approach, from someone free from influence by the organization's internal politics and history. This may to confirm a decision already made, to present alternatives that may not have been considered, or to analyze alternatives already identified. Return to Top of Page WCS: Home | Qualifications | About WCS Consulting: Benefits | Services | Engagements Links: IT Resources | Portland | Site Map

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