IT department

[richardlayne]

Not sure if this is the right category, but to any of you guys that work in an IT department or go at it solo I'm curious as to what things you may do to keep busy when there really isn't no problems going on at the moment? Even if it's just looking like your busy. I'm starting to come under some fire over this, maybe I should have ordered some e machines instead of those dells? lol

[vass0922]

Maybe take a book to learn new stuff?

It depends on what tier you are I guess
For myself, most of my work is project work trying to improve our services.
For instance I wrote up a script to monitor the number of files in a mail queue folder... if it gets above a certain level I send out an email.

If your services are good.. figure out a way to make them great.

[DVNT1]

(no offense intended of course)

That is so funny from my perspective! I have never had even an hour like that. The closest I get is when working on some major issue late at night and having to wait for a process to complete (too tired and brain dead to work on something else while waiting).



Given that situation though, I would suggest you look at ways to improve efficiency of...

*IT tasks*
- automate software system patching/checking
- add automation to new computer software setups

*other employee job functions*
- automate or streamline data collection
- find ways to reduce repetative data entry
- reduce redundant reporting (consolidate reports when possible)
- create databases for data where spreadsheets are less efficient

Reduce spending by testing/evaluating/implementing open source solutions (ie: Open Office)

Document items to aid in troubleshooting:
- network layout details
- identify common failures or problems and create troubleshooting flowcharts
- identify critical systems and develope/document emergency plans in case of failure (component, theft, fire, corruption, etc...)