EA are keen to have a really good IT system in place
EA Board releases update on the sport’s IT strategy
Since the October 2012 Board meeting, the current EA Board has been considering numerous options for the future of EA’s IT strategy.
Identified as one of the three major priorities for the current administration, the Board quickly sought to review how ‘equnect’ was working since it was launched 12months ago and what options were available to the sport both in the short and long term.
An analysis was conducted through the assistance of independent providers which looked at equnect as well as other commercially available systems. From this the EA Board resolved that terminating the current IT system and moving to a new system, would put too much burden on the State Branches from an administration perspective and determined that it was not cost effective for the sport to shut down the current system.
Therefore the preferred option is to continue with the development of the current IT system.
EA will be talking to the State Branches, Government organisations and sponsor(s) in regards to the funding options available for development and ongoing costs for equnect.
Equestrian Australia’s Chairman Paul Biancardi, said the Board is confident with the decision to remain with the current IT system but also acknowledged that further work is still required on system.
“After reviewing the business cases presented, continuing with our current IT system is believed the best option for the sport both financially and from an operational aspect,” said Mr Biancardi.
“An online IT system is extremely important for a national sporting organisation in this day and age and as such we need to look at all funding options available to EA to ensure the system can be maintained long term.
“There are improvements still to be made and EA will be working with the States as to what upgrades need to occur to ensure it is operating to its full capacity,” he said.
An online membership system remains important to EA as it will allow the sport to deliver the services required by members in this day and age. Mr Biancardi said that Equestrian Australia is experiencing the same level of IT change as other major sporting groups.
“EA is not alone in terms of finding the right IT solution to better assist all levels of the sport. Any time a new IT system is implemented in either sport or business, it takes a while for users and administrators to get used to the changes which can at times, cause disruption.
“We have advertised for an IT Manager who will work closely with the State Branches for the next stage of upgrades to the system.
“As the IT system continues to develop, the EA Board and State Branches will continue to provide updates to members via the EA website,” he said.
To keep up to date in relation to the EA IT system CLICK HERE
