Technology has always been more than just a tool for me—it’s a way to transform businesses, streamline operations, and create real competitive advantages. As a Director of IT & IS, I don’t just manage technology; I integrate it into the core of business strategy, ensuring that every investment in IT translates into meaningful impact.
Over the years, I’ve led some truly game-changing projects. One of the most challenging yet rewarding was consolidating multiple acquired businesses into a single ERP system.
Mergers come with a lot of complexity, and aligning different processes, data structures, and user needs into a unified platform requires both technical expertise and a deep understanding of how people work. It’s this balance between the technical and operational sides of IT that I find most exciting.
Another milestone was transitioning our entire company from on-prem Exchange and Office installations to Microsoft 365. Moving to the cloud is never just about the technology; it’s about making sure the business gains flexibility, security, and efficiency. I’ve also led data center consolidations, including building a private cloud infrastructure and designing automated failover systems that ensure seamless connectivity between all locations. Knowing that our infrastructure can handle anything thrown at it, while also being cost-efficient, is something I take great pride in.
Beyond the systems and architecture, I believe IT should never be just a cost center. I see it as a strategic asset that, when used correctly, can make an organization significantly more competitive. Whether it’s through security improvements, process automation, or business intelligence dashboards, I work to make sure technology drives results, not just expenses.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that the best technology is the one that actually gets used. That’s why I focus so much on making data accessible and actionable. I’ve built hundreds of custom reports, IQAlerts, and BI dashboards, allowing teams across the organization to see the insights they need in real time. Instead of digging through spreadsheets or waiting on reports, they have the information they need to make better decisions faster.
Beyond business intelligence, my expertise spans ERP administration, cloud infrastructure, security, and IT governance. I manage everything from desktops to enterprise networking, security policies, and standardizing IT best practices. My role isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about continuously improving, modernizing, and ensuring that technology serves the business, not the other way around.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my role in shaping IT strategy at the leadership level. I work closely with company executives to ensure technology aligns with business goals. Being part of those conversations means I get to influence how IT investments are made, ensuring they deliver measurable results rather than just being another line item on a budget.
At the end of the day, I see my role as more than just managing IT—it’s about building an environment where technology empowers people, supports business growth, and ensures long-term success.
I’m honored to be recognized as a DELMIAWorks User Champion, a distinction that highlights my expertise and contributions to ERP optimization and business intelligence. This recognition reflects my commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance data accessibility within organizations.
Copyright © 2025 Alan Lohman - All Rights Reserved.