Adaptable IT STRATEGY: 6 easy steps to follow
With today’s rapidly changing business priorities, work environment, and technology, a strong IT strategy is more important than ever.
What makes a strategy strong? Obviously, it needs to be built around what is important to the business; but the true key is making it adaptable. To make that possible, here are six key steps to follow.
1. Really understand the business goals. What do they want to accomplish, why do they want to accomplish it, and what factors might impact that goal?
2. Generate a complete map of the IT landscape. As the IT organization adapts to short-term business issues, you may end up adding organic solutions. Be sure all of it is accounted for, including how long some of those solutions have been in place.
3. Be educated on technology trends. Know what your vendors, their competitors, and your competitors have been doing. This is a good time to learn about new ideas for achieving your business goals. The more trends you understand, the more options you will have.
4. Identify the right key stakeholders. Your stakeholders will both help you identify the needs of the business upfront and provide important feedback along the way (especially when you need to adapt). Make sure you have representation from the business team and within all areas of IT, and that the team members are well-positioned to provide the input you need.
5. Map out the ideal Future State roadmap. Using knowledge of the business goals and input from your stakeholders, compile a complete picture of goals, gaps, future initiatives, and opportunities; then use your knowledge of technology trends and the current landscape to identify and prioritize potential projects.
6. Develop your business cases. A strong business case is important to gaining initial support; but it will also serve you when it comes time to adapt to changing business priorities.
Ultimately, the goal is to leverage technology to create value for the business; but what creates value may fluctuate as the business adapts to changes in its environment. Your success will rely on having a strong IT strategy that can adapt to continue to create value.
Check out our IT Strategy services page for more information on how we help clients develop IT strategies that work for their business and technology models.