In information technology (IT), change is constant—which means success hinges on having a strategy that’s as agile as the industry itself. You need a clear plan that aligns with the broader goals of your organization—one that delivers real value to your internal teams and external customers.

In today’s digital-first world, the role of an IT manager has never been more essential—or more exciting. From safeguarding critical information systems to leading teams that drive innovation, IT managers are at the heart of every organization’s success. They’re the ones making sure your favorite apps don’t crash, your company’s data stays secure, and your tech runs smoothly, whether it’s a small internal tool or a massive enterprise system.

A business contingency plan is a backup strategy for your team or organization. It lays out how you’ll respond if unforeseen events knock your plans off track—like how you’ll pivot if you lose a key client, or what you’ll do if your software service goes down for more than three hours. Get step-by-step instructions to create an effective contingency plan, so if the unexpected happens, your team can spring into action and get things back on track.

Companies today must embrace new technology to stay competitive—it’s no longer optional. But rushing to adopt digital tools without proper planning can be costly and disruptive, leaving teams struggling to adapt while trying to maintain daily operations. So, what’s the solution? IT strategic planning. More than just a to-do list or a tech blueprint, IT strategic planning connects your IT goals to your overall business objectives.

In October, Asana announced AI Studio, and it’s been a game-changer for how our security team manages work. By reducing busywork and freeing us to focus on high-priority tasks, AI Studio has literally changed how our team operates—empowering us to take on more impactful, strategic projects in place of time-consuming, low-impact work. Here’s how our security team uses AI Studio internally.

Embarking on a new project can be daunting, but the right tools make all the difference. Discover a suite of versatile project planning templates, ranging from simple charts to comprehensive agile and waterfall plans, designed to streamline your project management process. Setting objectives, defining deadlines, and improving teamwork are all made simple with Asana's free project plan templates. We all love it when a project runs smoothly.

Project managers and teams can struggle to make balanced resource allocation decisions, often opting for too much or too little. But the key to navigating this delicate balance is continuous adjustment and real-time responsiveness to project needs. This approach ensures that resources are optimally utilized, preventing both surplus and shortfall and steering towards project success with precision and efficiency. When you think of the most important elements of project planning, what comes to mind?

When team members struggle to understand their individual responsibilities and deadlines, it can lead to confusion and delays. And without a clear view of a team’s project progress, it's difficult for managers to identify which tasks are lagging behind or need immediate attention. Project tracking addresses these issues by providing a transparent and real-time overview of all tasks, responsibilities, and due dates, ensuring everyone is aligned and on schedule.