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tability.ioWhat are Systems Administrator OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
How you write your OKRs can make a huge difference on the impact that your team will have at the end of the quarter. But, it's not always easy to write a quarterly plan that focuses on outcomes instead of projects.
That's why we have created a list of OKRs examples for Systems Administrator to help. You can use any of the templates below as a starting point to write your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Systems Administrator OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Systems Administrator Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to successful Exchange and Migration of Server Systems
ObjectiveSuccessful Exchange and Migration of Server Systems
KRConduct a thorough inventory and categorize all existing servers by end of Week 1
Complete inventory by end of Week 1- Compile a comprehensive list of all existing servers
- Categorize servers based on their function
- KRMigrate 50% of identified servers without causing any system downtime by Week 6
- Execute migration plan during off-peak hours to avoid downtime
- Identify non-essential servers for initial migration to minimize potential impact
- Develop and test migration strategy for selected servers
- KRComplete the migration and ensure all systems are fully functional and optimized by Week 12
- Conduct thorough testing on all systems
- Optimize system functionality by Week 12
- Finish the migration process by Week 12
OKRs to consolidate and streamline server infrastructure
- ObjectiveConsolidate and streamline server infrastructure
- KRCreate comprehensive upgrade plan for remaining servers
- Analyze necessary improvements for each server
- Identify all servers that require an upgrade
- Sketch a detailed upgrade timeline
- KRImplement updated server technology in 40% of systems
- Identify the systems suitable for updated server technology
- Commence 40% system upgrade with updated server technology
- Prepare servers for technology upgrades in chosen systems
- KRReduce active servers by 15% without impacting performance
- Execute server consolidation without affecting user experience
- Identify least-occupied servers and potential consolidation opportunities
- Monitor server performance regularly post-consolidation
OKRs to streamline and enhance documentation retrieval and maintenance process
- ObjectiveStreamline and enhance documentation retrieval and maintenance process
- KRImplement a reliable and user-friendly content editing system for easier maintenance
- Conduct user training for new system
- Research and identify suitable content editing systems
- Install and configure chosen content editing system
- KRDecrease time spent finding documents by 25% via an upgraded search system
- Implement an upgraded document search system
- Train employees on utilizing new search system
- Monitor and adjust system as needed
- KRIncrease documentation accuracy by 30% through improved categorization and indexing
- Train staff on proper document indexing techniques
- Implement a standardized categorization system for all documents
- Conduct regular audits to ensure documentation accuracy
OKRs to enhance the reliability and efficiency of our infrastructure
- ObjectiveEnhance the reliability and efficiency of our infrastructure
- KRIncrease server response time by 20% for faster processing
- Optimize application code to reduce processing time
- Upgrade server hardware for improved performance
- Implement effective load balancing techniques
- KRImplement an upgrade to the latest networking technology, improving speed by 25%
- KRAchieve a 15% decrease in system downtime incidents
- Implement a robust incident response plan
- Provide routine maintenance and updates to system software
- Assess system regularly for potential vulnerabilities and areas of improvement
OKRs to optimize ManageEngine for efficient patching and software deployment
- ObjectiveOptimize ManageEngine for efficient patching and software deployment
- KRIncrease software deployment success rate on ManageEngine by 30%
- Implement comprehensive pre-deployment testing procedures
- Conduct regular team training on deployment best practices
- Enhance error handling and recovery mechanisms
- KRDecrease patch implementation errors on ManageEngine by 25%
- Implement comprehensive patch testing before deployment
- Enhance staff training regarding ManageEngine
- Review and refine existing patch management processes
- KRImprove ManageEngine's deployment time by reducing it by 20%
- Implement automated deployment tools to streamline the process
- Optimize current scripts for quicker software deployment
- Continually monitor and fine-tune deployment mechanisms
OKRs to improve Access control, management, and automation efforts
- ObjectiveImprove Access control, management, and automation efforts
- KRDecrease access control approval cycle time by 15% with efficient automation application
- Measure and adjust automation efficiency to hit the 15% reduction target
- Identify bottlenecks in the current access control approval process
- Implement an automation software to streamline approval tasks
- KRImplement automation in 2 new critical systems, preparing for 1 click deployment
- Test one-click deployment and resolve issues
- Develop automation scripts for the identified systems
- Identify two critical systems suitable for automation
- KRReduce manual intervention in access management processes by 20% using automation
- Monitor system regularly to ensure automated processes are working efficiently
- Train staff on utilizing automation features for access management
- Implement automated access management software in the system
OKRs to successfully migrate virtual machines from Linux 7 to Linux 8
- ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate virtual machines from Linux 7 to Linux 8
- KRComplete 100% migration with zero post-migration issues within 60 days
- Allocate resources for pre and post-migration testing
- Ensure end-user training for new system adaptations
- Develop a comprehensive migration plan with clear deadlines
- KRIdentify and document all potential compatibility issues by end of week 2
- Review all systems and software for potential compatibility issues
- Finalize and submit issue documentation by end of week 2
- Document identified compatibility problems with detailed descriptions
- KRSuccessfully move and test 50% of all virtual machines inside 30 days
- Conduct thorough testing on moved virtual machines
- Identify and catalog all virtual machines for relocation
- Execute the migration process for 50% of cataloged systems
OKRs to maintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
- ObjectiveMaintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
- KRAssess and catalog current state of security patches within two weeks
- Create a comprehensive catalog of findings
- Identify all systems and software requiring security updates
- Verify and document the existing security patches
- KRImplement 100% of identified necessary security updates by quarter's end
- Develop and execute a schedule for updates
- Complete and verify each security update
- Identify all required security updates
- KRDevelop and initiate routine weekly checks to confirm security patch updates
- Establish routine checks for these updates
- Identify necessary security patches weekly
- Implement and confirm successful patch updates
OKRs to decommission all identified systems by 2024
- ObjectiveDecommission all identified systems by 2024
- KRConduct final review to ensure all decommissioned systems are properly shut down
- Document final review findings
- Confirm cessation of systems via verification protocols
- Identify all systems slated for decommission
- KRSuccessfully decommission 50% of identified systems by end of quarter
- Execute decommissioning safely and efficiently
- Identify essential vs. non-essential systems for business operations
- Develop a detailed decommissioning plan and schedule
- KRComplete inventory of all systems slated for decommission by end of quarter
- Finalize and document inventory report
- Conduct thorough inventory of these systems
- Identify all systems scheduled for decommissioning
OKRs to successfully migrate admin application to existing platform
- ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate admin application to existing platform
- KRTrain all users on the new platform to ensure smooth transition
- Monitor user experience for further improvements
- Develop comprehensive training materials on the new platform
- Organize training sessions for all users
- KRComplete data migration without any loss or errors
- Perform a full backup of all existing data
- Verify and validate migrated data
- Use reliable software to conduct data migration
- KRUpdate all functionalities to align with existing platform requirements
- Identify and note necessary updates for functionalities
- Review current platform requirements thoroughly
- Implement and test functionality updates
How to write your own Systems Administrator OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Systems Administrator OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Systems Administrator OKRs
The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Systems Administrator OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to establish a comprehensive Career Development Program
- OKRs to secure a leadership role within the company
- OKRs to enhance security operation centre's monitoring tools
- OKRs to increase number of signups through referral program
- OKRs to develop an efficient IT Audit SaaS system
- OKRs to implement client service and review process