Our last article gave some high-level tips for "Balancing Innovation with Stability and Security: The Agile IT Approach." But then the next question we are often asked is:

“What if we have a lot of technical debt? How can we keep our systems up, secure from threats, AND still have the resources to innovate?”

In a nutshell, you have to start somewhere. And it’s better to start today than ask yourself the same question two quarters from now. Here is the step-by-step framework we often use with clients that you too can implement immediately.

Step 1: Stabilize What You Already Have

Before chasing the next big innovation, make sure your core systems are:

• Patched and monitored: Ensure all systems have current patches and comprehensive monitoring in place.
• Backed up and recoverable: Maintain reliable, tested backup systems with clear recovery processes.
• Operating within known, stable limits: Understand your capacity boundaries and operate with adequate headroom.

Key Actions:

1. Clear any critical ticket backlogs that directly impact uptime and reliability.
2. Review your monitoring tools to ensure comprehensive coverage across all critical systems.
3. Validate backup and recovery processes through regular testing—don't just assume they'll work when needed.

Note: If your team is already underwater with day-to-day operations, consider bringing in temporary capacity to clear these fundamental tasks first. Without stability, innovation efforts will continuously be derailed by urgent operational issues.

Step 2: Close Your Known Security Gaps

Once stability is under control, it's time to address your known vulnerabilities:

• Missed patch cycles: Catch up on delayed security updates across your infrastructure.
• Unconfigured tools: Properly implement security tools that may have been deployed but not fully configured.
• Overlooked access controls: Review and tighten permissions, especially for critical systems.

Key Actions:

1. Run a focused security assessment, either internally or with a trusted partner.
2. Prioritize fixes based on risk level and potential business impact, not by convenience.
3. Maintain transparent communication with leadership about progress—and about what still needs investment.

Note: If security initiatives consistently get deprioritized in your organization, consider scoping specific security tasks into prepaid service hours to avoid recurring budget battles.

Step 3: Carve Out Space for Innovation Safely

With stability and security actively managed, you can create capacity for innovation without sacrificing control:

Key Actions:

1. Segment innovation projects from production environments to minimize risk.
2. Utilize surge capacity resources to support your team without causing burnout.
3. Set clear expectations with business leaders regarding timeline, risk factors, and resource requirements.

Remember: The fastest way to lose credibility is to chase innovation while simultaneously firefighting preventable stability issues.

How FlexHours Support This Balanced Approach

Building on the agile methodology we discussed in our previous article, FlexHours provide the tactical flexibility modern IT departments need to implement this framework:

• Have a set backlog you control, to eliminate surprise costs and procurement delays.
• Have on-demand tactical capacity for maintaining uptime, addressing security concerns, and supporting innovation projects.
• Start with some low-risk, clearly scoped engagements that respect your team's ownership and expertise.

Whether you need assistance with:

• Managing ticket overflow during peak periods.
• Implementing security patches and updates.
• Delivering web or digital project components.

FlexHours enable you to scale your team's execution capacity without adding long-term overhead or fixed costs.

Need extra hands to make it happen? Let's talk about how FlexHours can help your team successfully balance all three priorities while maintaining your sanity.