Choosing the Right Technology: Focus on What Matters

Agenda

7.30 am – Arrival, Breakfast and Networking

7.55 am – Introduction to Speaker by Adam Harris – MD of www.ourcloud.nz

8.00 am – John Burns – "Choosing the Right Technology: Focus on What Matters"

8.50 am – Q+A with John

9.15 am – Networking

Session Summary:

In this session, we will explore the critical aspects of choosing the right technology for your organization. We'll dive into the importance of understanding where your organization's intellectual property (IP) sits and the benefits of outsourcing when no strategic advantage exists. Emphasis will be placed on the often-overlooked non-functional and data-oriented requirements during the procurement process, supported by real-world examples of both successes and failures.

We'll discuss the ongoing debate between Platforms and Products and the elusive search for a perfect solution. Additionally, we will address how to seamlessly integrate technology into your working environment without letting it overshadow your core functions. The discussion will cover automation, virtual assistants, and assistive technology, with insights drawn from the disability sector to highlight the expansion of the supporter resource pool.

A key component will be the importance of having a robust communications technology strategy, including a thoughtful approach to AI and automation. We'll focus on the interaction between AI and human oversight, particularly in the health sector, and share experiences on the common implementation problems that arise, acknowledging both vendor and internal challenges.

Reasons to Attend:

1. Gain Insight on IP Management: Understand where your organization's intellectual property resides and how to manage it effectively.
2. Evaluate Outsourcing: Learn when and why to outsource functions that do not provide a competitive advantage.
3. Procurement Best Practices: Discover the importance of honesty in the procurement process, focusing on both functional and non-functional requirements to avoid common pitfalls.
4. Platforms vs. Products: Participate in the debate on the best technological approaches and understand there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
5. Effective Technology Integration: Learn how to integrate technology into your organization without letting it dominate, with a focus on automation and assistive technologies.
6. Communication Strategy: Understand the necessity of a comprehensive communications technology strategy and its impact on your organization.
7. AI and Human Oversight: Explore the role of AI in your organization, emphasizing the balance between automation and human oversight, especially in sensitive sectors like health.
8. Real-World Examples: Hear about real-world implementation challenges and learn from both successful and problematic cases to better prepare for your technology initiatives.

Join us to make informed decisions about your technology choices and ensure they align with your organization’s goals and values.

Our Speaker: John Burns

Technology Consultant, Director and author/ Working with businesses to enable success

I am a technology consultant, director and author that is passionate about how technology can be used to enable success for organisations and the people that are their biggest asset.

I am a software engineer and am focused primarily in the “for purpose” space.  After 30 years in the technology industry it was time to “give back” and so I have spent the past 10 years working in the not for profit space in CIO, consultant and governance roles, as well as running training courses for such frameworks as Organizational Change Management, Better Business Cases, Agile Project Management and Prince2.

Currently I sit on the Board of Canteen Aoteroa (a youth cancer charity where rangatahi impacted by their own diagnosis or cancer in their whānau can connect and find support) and Ember Korowai Takatini Services (Mental health and Addiction Services provider), and provide both governance advise as well as technical consulting to the organizations to enhance there ability to focus on their purpose and optimse the link between technology and people.

I recently co-authored a book on digital workforces (“Adopting a Digital Workforce”), and am currently in the process of writing another book aimed at technology for organizational leaders.  I want to take a specific view of the problems faced by organizations when adopting new technology and how best to address these problems and ensure we focus on what matters.

On a personal note, I live on what is affectionately called a “life-sentence” block north of Auckland overlooking the Kaipara harbour, with my lovely wife Denise, 2 dogs, tropical fish, sheep and chickens. I have 3 beautiful grown up children and 1 adorable grandchild.  I love to read and try to play the guitar (although that has been temporarily banned on account of the impact it was having on the animals, the neighbours and allegedly the village).

All proceeds of this event will goto www.ourcloud.nz partner ICT Gateway,  https://www.baf.org.nz/project... that supports local Charities and Not For Profit organisations with IT Support.