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10 OKR examples for Systems Administrator

What 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.

Building your own Systems Administrator OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

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.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

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"
AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability 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.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

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.

Our 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!

1OKRs 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
  • TaskComplete inventory by end of Week 1
  • TaskCompile a comprehensive list of all existing servers
  • TaskCategorize servers based on their function
  • KRMigrate 50% of identified servers without causing any system downtime by Week 6
  • TaskExecute migration plan during off-peak hours to avoid downtime
  • TaskIdentify non-essential servers for initial migration to minimize potential impact
  • TaskDevelop and test migration strategy for selected servers
  • KRComplete the migration and ensure all systems are fully functional and optimized by Week 12
  • TaskConduct thorough testing on all systems
  • TaskOptimize system functionality by Week 12
  • TaskFinish the migration process by Week 12
Tability

2OKRs to consolidate and streamline server infrastructure

  • ObjectiveConsolidate and streamline server infrastructure
  • KRCreate comprehensive upgrade plan for remaining servers
  • TaskAnalyze necessary improvements for each server
  • TaskIdentify all servers that require an upgrade
  • TaskSketch a detailed upgrade timeline
  • KRImplement updated server technology in 40% of systems
  • TaskIdentify the systems suitable for updated server technology
  • TaskCommence 40% system upgrade with updated server technology
  • TaskPrepare servers for technology upgrades in chosen systems
  • KRReduce active servers by 15% without impacting performance
  • TaskExecute server consolidation without affecting user experience
  • TaskIdentify least-occupied servers and potential consolidation opportunities
  • TaskMonitor server performance regularly post-consolidation

3OKRs 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
  • TaskConduct user training for new system
  • TaskResearch and identify suitable content editing systems
  • TaskInstall and configure chosen content editing system
  • KRDecrease time spent finding documents by 25% via an upgraded search system
  • TaskImplement an upgraded document search system
  • TaskTrain employees on utilizing new search system
  • TaskMonitor and adjust system as needed
  • KRIncrease documentation accuracy by 30% through improved categorization and indexing
  • TaskTrain staff on proper document indexing techniques
  • TaskImplement a standardized categorization system for all documents
  • TaskConduct regular audits to ensure documentation accuracy

4OKRs 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
  • TaskOptimize application code to reduce processing time
  • TaskUpgrade server hardware for improved performance
  • TaskImplement effective load balancing techniques
  • KRImplement an upgrade to the latest networking technology, improving speed by 25%
  • KRAchieve a 15% decrease in system downtime incidents
  • TaskImplement a robust incident response plan
  • TaskProvide routine maintenance and updates to system software
  • TaskAssess system regularly for potential vulnerabilities and areas of improvement

5OKRs 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%
  • TaskImplement comprehensive pre-deployment testing procedures
  • TaskConduct regular team training on deployment best practices
  • TaskEnhance error handling and recovery mechanisms
  • KRDecrease patch implementation errors on ManageEngine by 25%
  • TaskImplement comprehensive patch testing before deployment
  • TaskEnhance staff training regarding ManageEngine
  • TaskReview and refine existing patch management processes
  • KRImprove ManageEngine's deployment time by reducing it by 20%
  • TaskImplement automated deployment tools to streamline the process
  • TaskOptimize current scripts for quicker software deployment
  • TaskContinually monitor and fine-tune deployment mechanisms

6OKRs 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
  • TaskMeasure and adjust automation efficiency to hit the 15% reduction target
  • TaskIdentify bottlenecks in the current access control approval process
  • TaskImplement an automation software to streamline approval tasks
  • KRImplement automation in 2 new critical systems, preparing for 1 click deployment
  • TaskTest one-click deployment and resolve issues
  • TaskDevelop automation scripts for the identified systems
  • TaskIdentify two critical systems suitable for automation
  • KRReduce manual intervention in access management processes by 20% using automation
  • TaskMonitor system regularly to ensure automated processes are working efficiently
  • TaskTrain staff on utilizing automation features for access management
  • TaskImplement automated access management software in the system

7OKRs 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
  • TaskAllocate resources for pre and post-migration testing
  • TaskEnsure end-user training for new system adaptations
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive migration plan with clear deadlines
  • KRIdentify and document all potential compatibility issues by end of week 2
  • TaskReview all systems and software for potential compatibility issues
  • TaskFinalize and submit issue documentation by end of week 2
  • TaskDocument identified compatibility problems with detailed descriptions
  • KRSuccessfully move and test 50% of all virtual machines inside 30 days
  • TaskConduct thorough testing on moved virtual machines
  • TaskIdentify and catalog all virtual machines for relocation
  • TaskExecute the migration process for 50% of cataloged systems

8OKRs 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
  • TaskCreate a comprehensive catalog of findings
  • TaskIdentify all systems and software requiring security updates
  • TaskVerify and document the existing security patches
  • KRImplement 100% of identified necessary security updates by quarter's end
  • TaskDevelop and execute a schedule for updates
  • TaskComplete and verify each security update
  • TaskIdentify all required security updates
  • KRDevelop and initiate routine weekly checks to confirm security patch updates
  • TaskEstablish routine checks for these updates
  • TaskIdentify necessary security patches weekly
  • TaskImplement and confirm successful patch updates
Tability

9OKRs 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
  • TaskDocument final review findings
  • TaskConfirm cessation of systems via verification protocols
  • TaskIdentify all systems slated for decommission
  • KRSuccessfully decommission 50% of identified systems by end of quarter
  • TaskExecute decommissioning safely and efficiently
  • TaskIdentify essential vs. non-essential systems for business operations
  • TaskDevelop a detailed decommissioning plan and schedule
  • KRComplete inventory of all systems slated for decommission by end of quarter
  • TaskFinalize and document inventory report
  • TaskConduct thorough inventory of these systems
  • TaskIdentify all systems scheduled for decommissioning

10OKRs 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
  • TaskMonitor user experience for further improvements
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training materials on the new platform
  • TaskOrganize training sessions for all users
  • KRComplete data migration without any loss or errors
  • TaskPerform a full backup of all existing data
  • TaskVerify and validate migrated data
  • TaskUse reliable software to conduct data migration
  • KRUpdate all functionalities to align with existing platform requirements
  • TaskIdentify and note necessary updates for functionalities
  • TaskReview current platform requirements thoroughly
  • TaskImplement and test functionality updates

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.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

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.