ICT is an indispensable enabler in the administration of social security programmes. It often determines whether services and processes can or cannot be done, within the institution and between the institution and its external partners. For this reason, the board and management must promote an efficient and adequate ICT infrastructure to support programme administration and operations.

Taking into account the rapid evolution of ICT products, investment proposals for (new) ICT should be considered with care, diligence and prudence. Board and management concerns often arise not from the size of an investment per se but from issues stemming mainly from the degree of confidence that can be attached to, for example, the suitability of recommended technology vis-à-vis the needs of the institution; the delivery of promised capacities and services; or the anticipated impact upon and interaction with existing ICT platforms, as well as any hidden and indirect costs for complementary or maintenance products and services.

These three guidelines will assist in evaluating new ICT investment proposals, ex-post evaluation and infrastructure maintenance. The ISSA Guidelines on Information and Communication Technology provides further guidance on ICT investments and technical advice on the governance and management of ICT in social security institutions.