In today’s digital world, technology plays a crucial role in the success of any business. It helps organizations streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and drive innovation. To achieve these goals, companies must ensure that their IT infrastructure is reliable, scalable, and flexible.

One way to do so is by integrating packaged business capabilities (PBCs). PBCs are pre-built, modular software solutions that can be easily integrated into an organization’s IT infrastructure to support specific business functions. These capabilities can range from customer relationship management (CRM) to supply chain management (SCM) to human resources (HR) and beyond.

To effectively support PBCs, your organization’s IT infrastructure must have a strong foundation. This foundation comprises several key components that work together to provide a stable platform for the PBCs to run on. If you’re looking to implement PBCs yet unsure about the essential elements required, this article is specially made for you. Here, we will explore some foundational IT components crucial to supporting PBCs.

Critical Components to Support PBCs

1. Hardware

Hardware comprises the physical elements of an IT infrastructure, such as the motherboard, processor, memory, storage, and peripherals. To support PBCs, a company’s hardware must handle the software’s computational and storage demands.

For instance, suppose an organization is implementing a CRM system. In that case, they may need hardware with a fast processor and adequate memory to handle the large amounts of data the system will be processing. On the other hand, if your business wants to implement an HR system, it may need hardware with ample storage to store employee records and other HR-related documents.

2. Operating System

The operating system (OS) is the software that manages the hardware resources of a computer and provides a platform for other software to run on. Some common examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

To support PBCs, an organization’s operating system must be compatible with the implemented software. For instance, if the PBC being implemented is designed to run on a Windows OS, your computers must support and run a version of Windows.

3. Network Infrastructure

A network is a group of computers and devices connected to share resources and communicate. The network infrastructure refers to the hardware and software that make up the network, such as routers, switches, and cables.

To support PBCs, your organization’s network infrastructure must handle the software’s data transfer and communication needs. For example, if the PBC being implemented is a cloud-based CRM system, your network must be capable of handling the large amounts of data that will be transferred between the cloud and the local computers.

4. Database

A database is a collection of data organized and stored in a specific way. It is used for storing and retrieving data efficiently and accurately. There are various databases, such as relational and NoSQL databases, each with unique features and capabilities.

To support PBCs, an organization’s database must be able to store and manage the data that the software generates. For instance, an HR system will create employee records, salary information, and other HR-related data. The organization’s database must be able to store this data in a structured and organized manner, and it must also be able to support the queries and searches the HR system will perform.

5. Integration Platform

An integration platform is a set of tools and technologies to connect different systems and applications. This allows data and information to be shared and exchanged between the systems, enabling them to work together as a cohesive whole.

Various integration platforms are available, including on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid solutions that combine on-premises and cloud-based elements. The choice of integration platform will depend on an organization’s specific needs.

Some common features of integration platforms include:

  • Data integration: The ability to extract, transform and load data from multiple sources into a central repository or data warehouse.
  • Application integration: The ability to connect different applications and systems, enabling them to share data and functionality.
  • Business process integration: The ability to connect and automate business processes across different systems and applications.
  • Event-driven integration: The ability to trigger events and actions based on specific conditions or data changes.

Organizations can easily connect their PBCs to other systems and applications by using an integration platform, enabling them to share data and functionality. This can help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and drive innovation by allowing the organization to leverage the capabilities of multiple systems and applications in a seamless and integrated manner.

6. Security

As businesses increasingly rely on technology to support their operations, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. A robust security infrastructure is essential for protecting your organization’s data and systems from cyber threats, such as viruses, malware, and hacking attacks.

To support PBCs, your company’s security infrastructure must be able to safeguard the data and systems that the software relies on. This can include measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies. It is also important to have robust user authentication and access control measures to ensure that only authorized users can access the systems and data.

7. Support and Maintenance

To ensure the smooth operation of PBCs, your business must have a strong support and maintenance infrastructure in place. This includes having a team of IT professionals responsible for managing the IT infrastructure and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Proactive maintenance is also key to ensuring the long-term viability of the IT infrastructure. This can include software updates, backups, and hardware replacements. By keeping the IT infrastructure up-to-date and well-maintained, you will minimize downtime and ensure that their PBCs run smoothly.

Final Thought

Packaged business capabilities (PBCs) can provide organizations with a powerful tool for improving their business processes and driving innovation. However, to effectively support PBCs, your business must have a strong IT infrastructure. This includes hardware, an operating system, a network infrastructure, a database, an integration platform, security measures, and a support and maintenance infrastructure. By investing in these foundational IT components, you can build a stable and flexible platform to support your PBCs and drive the business forward.