SME – Subject Matter Expert

How does an SME function in an organisation?

For example, the SME is particularly familiar with a product such as Microsoft Data Protection Manager. They are thoroughly acquainted with how the tool works, understand policies, backup concepts, or data retention in detail, and can apply this knowledge effectively within the company. The SME is also particularly well-informed about team responsibilities and can establish connections if required.

Furthermore, the Subject Matter Expert can ensure compliance with internal company guidelines and address such topics with department heads. Examples include retention policies for deleted files, emails, and backups. In advance, the SME is also responsible for communicating these policies company-wide. In the event of an audit, the SME acts as a point of contact and can answer specific questions directly, as they are familiar with all the details.

Situations where the deployment of Subject Matter Experts makes sense

Many professionals are well-trained in various areas and possess broad, but not overly deep, technical knowledge. Most of the time, this is entirely sufficient; nevertheless, certain situations require more specialised expertise. A few examples illustrate such situations:

• Fixing a bug during software development
• Deployment of new technologies or management approaches
• Within a project where purely superficial knowledge is not sufficient
• Subject areas that deviate too significantly from day-to-day business (such as legal matters)

Subject Matter Experts at New Media Service GmbH

If you do not have adequately trained staff for an important topic or lack the resources for further training, our IT professionals will gladly act as external SMEs for you. Please feel free to contact us regarding which subject area you would like our specialists to cover.

Be sure to consider using Subject Matter Experts in your business. We are also reliably by your side during the current-state analysis and will advise you comprehensively, right through to the fully implemented solution.

Services offered by New Media Service GmbH in the field of Subject Matter Experts

Are there already experts for specific topics in your company? For clearer responsibilities and faster problem resolution with topic-specific issues, defining SMEs definitely makes sense. If you have not yet defined them, the NMS team will be pleased to assist you or provide an expert on a project-by-project basis.

We will happily work with you to create an overview of all specialist topics in your company and categorise them. Subject areas could include printers, backups, email, data storage (SAN), or specific software topics. Together, we will build an understanding of the duties of an SME and establish this understanding within your organisation. Naturally, we can also train your employees regarding the responsibilities of an SME, as well as in specialist subjects.

Even if you have already designated one or two specialists in your team, we can further refine and improve your approach. Creating an overview initially provides a clear picture for you and can also reveal potential areas for improvement or expansion.