Managing an extensive portfolio that spans investment projects, consultancy centres, IT services, medical companies, and assets spread across Libya, the Libyan Social Security Fund (SSF) relies heavily on its in-house computer maintenance team to keep operations running smoothly. However, as systems age and technology advances, the task of maintaining these diverse and outdated IT infrastructures has become increasingly challenging. Recognising the need for specialised expertise, SSF engaged Qabas to elevate their technicians’ capabilities, focusing on empowering them with the skills to manage and repair their vast range of computer systems.
The Situation
The Libyan SSF’s IT environment is exceptionally diverse, consisting of modern systems alongside legacy computers and outdated software that are still integral to the operations of various subsidiaries and assets. From investment firms and research centres to medical service providers and maintenance companies, the wide-ranging functions supported by these systems require a broad skill set from the IT team. The challenge lies in ensuring that technicians are equipped to maintain and repair not just current technology but also systems that are decades old. These older systems are crucial to supporting essential operations across SSF’s vast network of entities.
Given the varied nature of the IT infrastructure, the maintenance team often faced difficulties in sourcing parts, managing compatibility issues, and understanding the intricacies of outdated software. Additionally, training opportunities for handling legacy systems had become scarce. SSF recognised that without targeted capacity building, their ability to ensure reliable IT services would be compromised, ultimately affecting the performance and reputation of the organisation.
Our Approach
Qabas designed a wide-ranging training programme, over a 2-weeks period, tailored to address the diverse needs of SSF’s IT technicians. The training focused on building expertise across both modern and legacy systems, ensuring technicians could effectively manage and repair the full spectrum of computer infrastructures within the organisation.
Key focus areas included:
- Advanced Repair Techniques for Legacy Systems: Provided in-depth instruction on diagnosing and repairing older computers and software, covering troubleshooting methods specific to outdated hardware and systems that still underpin critical operations.
- Modern IT Maintenance and Compatibility Management: Trained technicians on integrating new technologies while maintaining the stability of legacy systems, focusing on compatibility issues and seamless system updates without disrupting essential services.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Skills: Enhanced the team’s ability to identify and address issues across a wide range of systems, from ultra-modern to decades-old computers, ensuring consistent performance across SSF’s network.
- Customised Practical Workshops: Delivered hands-on sessions that simulated real-world scenarios technicians face, including repairing obsolete hardware, handling outdated operating systems, and resolving software compatibility challenges.
- Sourcing and Managing Rare Components: Offered strategies for identifying and procuring hard-to-find parts required for legacy systems, ensuring that technicians can keep older computers operational without delays.
Implementation
The capacity-building programme was delivered through a blend of classroom sessions, practical workshops, and real-time problem-solving exercises. The training was designed to reflect the unique challenges posed by SSF’s varied IT environment, with scenarios drawn from actual cases within the organisation. Technicians participated in group activities and collaborative troubleshooting exercises, enabling them to learn from one another and apply their knowledge in realistic settings.
Results
The training significantly enhanced the skill set of SSF’s IT team, equipping them to handle the complexities of maintaining both old and new systems. The technicians can now effectively manage repairs across all levels of SSF’s IT infrastructure, ensuring that operations remain smooth and uninterrupted, regardless of the age or condition of the systems. This improvement in IT reliability has been noticeable to both internal users and the broader public, reinforcing SSF’s reputation as a well-managed and responsive organisation.
This initiative has not only empowered SSF’s IT team but also laid the groundwork for future-proofing their operations, ensuring that both legacy and modern systems can continue to support the diverse portfolio of services and assets managed by the Libyan Social Security Fund.
