Technology consulting is the process of providing professional technology advice to a business or organization. It may entail suggesting and implementing certain software or hardware solutions into the business or organization in order to streamline certain processes by increasing efficiency and cutting costs. For example, an accounting firm which has historically relied on hard copy records and ledgers may benefit from technology consulting that can recommend, create or customize a software program designed to organize those records electronically. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, technology consulting can benefit virtually any industry, including those considered “low-tech.”

Many businesses and organizations seek out technology consulting as they require the most updated technological acumen available, which in-house personnel may not be capable of providing. For example, a bank that already employs a webmaster, computer programmer, or other tech-related personnel might also contract a technology consulting firm to develop secure online banking solutions for their website.

In order to provide technology consulting on a professional basis, whether as an independent, self-employed tech consultant or one with a tech consultancy firm, one needs to have a proven track record of their accomplishments in technology consulting. This experience should be reflected on one’s resume, and may include such accomplishments as “procured a new software system to streamline company finances”, or “increased company’s bottom line by suggesting programming changes to database which cut billable hours.”

Technology consulting firms that are contracted by other organizations are often hired on a project basis, which means the technology consulting firm must fulfill a specific mandate outlined by the hirer. This mandate may include such goals as “implement a software for data-entry”, or “transfer our data and information to a secure, off-site storage unit.” These projects most often need to be carried out within a time frame agreed-upon by the technology consulting firm and the hirer, and typically require the formation of a “project team.” The project team usually consists of members of both the hiring organization and the technology consultancy firm, who work together toward achieving the project’s mandate.

As businesses and organizations have become increasingly reliant on employing the latest technologies, many employees of such businesses and organizations that solicit technology consulting have grown to see such consultants as a threat. This often arises when technology consulting is called upon to increase organizational efficiency, which may mean eliminating certain employee functions or positions altogether, and replacing them with technology solutions recommended by the consultancy.