Opkalla skilled volunteer delivered a technology plan to Charlotte Museum of History.
As a result of the implementation, the museum anticipates a 90-95% reduction of time spent on technology fixes. This will allow them to focus more on their mission of connecting the past to current issues and opportunities in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Museum of History (CMOH) believes a shared understanding of the past can enrich the community’s future, and they work to tell the stories of all parts of our community and all those who have inhabited our area. Museum programs and exhibits explore important civic themes and how their meaning has evolved over time, including ideals of liberty, freedom, equity, justice, democracy, and citizenship.
CMOH leadership reached out to Apparo to request a documented and strategic technology plan for their organization. They are currently operating without one and envision a technology landscape that seamlessly enables and supports their work internally with staff and externally with partners. Apparo matched them to a volunteer with Opkalla who conducted a technology assessment of the organization’s current infrastructure, operations, and security, as well as their technology policies. As a result of this project, CMOH will now have a comprehensive technology plan and roadmap which identifies gaps, pain points, and prioritized action items.
- Volunteer team:
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- Opkalla – Colin Schaffer
- Change Agent – Lisa O’Connell
- Nonprofit team: Mea Agazio, Tracy Ryals, Lauren Wallace, Terri White
When CMOH reached out for assistance with their technology plan, they identified the following pain points:
- Hardware and software – outdated laptops, printers/scanners – unreliable
- Monitors breaking down
- Internet is extremely slow and unresponsive
- Poor technology impacts events, which provide a large part of CMOH’s revenue
- Security of the museum compromised
Their goals through this technology plan were:
- Hardware/software upgrades
- Plan in place to financially and culturally upgrade and maintain technology items moving forward, including prioritization in the budget
- Reliable internet for staff and public WiFi
- Having security on this WiFi network to prevent hacking
- Short-term – Staff training on basic IT knowledge and procedures in place
- Long-term – IT staff member or MSP (Managed Services Provider) to manage Museum IT, internal and external
By investing in technology, CMOH anticipates increasing the revenue from events from 40% to 50% in the next 2 years. They also anticipate saving 5-6 hours per staff member (8) per week on troubleshooting and technology fixes with an MSP in place.
We recently met with Terri White, the President and CEO of CMOH and she shared, “When we needed answers or connections, Apparo came through and delivered. It’s helpful knowing that we have a support system outside of our walls that can help us improve our technology.”
Colin Schafer, the skilled volunteer from Opkalla shared regarding his experience as a skilled volunteer, ” I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to give my time and help an organization that is right in my backyard. It was a pleasure getting to meet and work with the whole team at The Museum!”
