ベンダー丸投げ、手配師の情報システム部門は不要である
ある企業は、過去に大赤字を出したとき、なりふり構わず人員削減をした。そのため、あらゆる部門で深刻な人手不足となっている。設計開発や工場もそうだし、人事部や経理部もそうだ。そして、情報システム部門もそうなっている。
企業の情報システム開発というのは、非常に奥が深い。IT全体を俯瞰しランドスケープを考えるスキル、要件定義のスキル（ユーザーのニーズを把握するスキル）、計画をたてるスキル、UI/UXのスキル、プロジェクトマネジメント、下流工程のスキル、などだ。
下流工程をベンダーにやらせるのは、まあ良いと思う。下流工程は労働集約型の仕事なので、そこまで人員を抱えるのは部門の肥大化になるので、アウトソースが一般的だろう。
だが、どこぞの企業は、戦略的な上流工程の仕事までアウトソースしている。これは、一番付加価値が高く、頭脳労働的な部分なのに、それをアウトソースするのだから、頭が空っぽになるのと同じことだ。その企業でやっているのは、プロジェクトマネジメント、ベンダーコントロールだけだ。
もはや、それは丸投げ、手配師と言っていいだろう。
良い子のみんなは、そのような頭がスカスカの情報システム部門に転職してはいけませんよ。
Hollowing Out of the Information Systems Department: A Cautionary Tale
**Introduction**
The information systems (IS) department plays a critical role in the modern enterprise. It is responsible for developing and maintaining the IT infrastructure that supports all aspects of the business. However, in recent years, there has been a trend of outsourcing IS functions to third-party vendors. This trend has the potential to hollow out the IS department, leaving it with little more than a skeleton crew of project managers and vendor coordinators.
**The Importance of IS**
IS development is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a wide range of skills. These include:
* **IT landscape**
* **Requirements definition**
* **Planning**
* **UI/UX**
* **Project management**
* **Downstream processes**
Outsourcing downstream processes to vendors is generally considered acceptable. These processes are labor-intensive and do not require a high level of specialized knowledge. However, outsourcing strategic upstream processes is a much riskier proposition.
**The Risks of Outsourcing Upstream Processes**
Upstream processes are the most value-added and knowledge-intensive part of IS development. Outsourcing these processes to vendors can lead to a number of risks, including:
* **Loss of expertise:** The IS department will lose its ability to develop and maintain its own IT infrastructure.
* **Reduced control:** The company will be at the mercy of the vendor for critical IT services.
* **Increased costs:** Outsourcing can be expensive in the long run, especially if the vendor locks the company into a long-term contract.
**The Hollowing Out of the IS Department**
When a company outsources too much of its IS function, the IS department becomes little more than a glorified administrative office. Its employees are reduced to the role of project managers and vendor coordinators, with little or no involvement in the actual development and maintenance of the IT infrastructure.
This hollowing out of the IS department can have a number of negative consequences, including:
* **Reduced innovation:** The IS department will be unable to keep up with the latest technologies and trends.
* **Increased security risks:** The company will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
* **Decreased agility:** The company will be unable to quickly adapt to changes in the business environment.
**Conclusion**
The decision to outsource IS functions should be made carefully. While outsourcing can be a cost-effective way to improve efficiency, it can also lead to the hollowing out of the IS department and a number of other negative consequences. Companies should carefully consider the risks and benefits of outsourcing before making a decision.
**Advice for Job Seekers**
Job seekers who are considering a career in IS should carefully research the department's function and staffing levels. They should also be wary of companies that outsource too much of their IS function to vendors. These companies may be at risk of experiencing the negative consequences of a hollowed-out IS department.