8 customisable 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

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.

Feel free to explore our tools:

Our customisable 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
  • Key ResultConduct 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
  • Key ResultMigrate 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
  • Key ResultComplete 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

2OKRs to consolidate and streamline server infrastructure

  • ObjectiveConsolidate and streamline server infrastructure
  • Key ResultCreate comprehensive upgrade plan for remaining servers
  • TaskAnalyze necessary improvements for each server
  • TaskIdentify all servers that require an upgrade
  • TaskSketch a detailed upgrade timeline
  • Key ResultImplement 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
  • Key ResultReduce 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 optimize ManageEngine for efficient patching and software deployment

  • ObjectiveOptimize ManageEngine for efficient patching and software deployment
  • Key ResultIncrease 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
  • Key ResultDecrease 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
  • Key ResultImprove 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

4OKRs to improve Access control, management, and automation efforts

  • ObjectiveImprove Access control, management, and automation efforts
  • Key ResultDecrease 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
  • Key ResultImplement 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
  • Key ResultReduce 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

5OKRs to successfully migrate virtual machines from Linux 7 to Linux 8

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate virtual machines from Linux 7 to Linux 8
  • Key ResultComplete 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
  • Key ResultIdentify 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
  • Key ResultSuccessfully 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

6OKRs to maintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure

  • ObjectiveMaintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
  • Key ResultAssess 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
  • Key ResultImplement 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
  • Key ResultDevelop 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

7OKRs to decommission all identified systems by 2024

  • ObjectiveDecommission all identified systems by 2024
  • Key ResultConduct 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
  • Key ResultSuccessfully 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
  • Key ResultComplete 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

8OKRs to successfully migrate admin application to existing platform

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate admin application to existing platform
  • Key ResultTrain 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
  • Key ResultComplete 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
  • Key ResultUpdate 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 to boost success

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.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

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.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

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 turn your Systems Administrator OKRs in a strategy map

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.

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.

Create more examples in our app

You can use Tability to create OKRs with AI – and keep yourself accountable 👀

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