Saturday, 26 October 2013

Develop A Concrete IT Strategy

By James Carter


A good IT strategy captures the technological, vendor and risk management aspects in an organization and envisions their transformation through technology. The details captured include operation cost and human resource management. It is aligned with the vision of institutions and organizations to achieve the highest level of efficiency, increased production, reduced turn-around time and reduced cost of management. The plan integrates all aspects of the business in their current state and expected future.

From the corporate and business angle, the plan indicates how an organization or business exploits technology to add value to what is offered. All departments form part of the strategic planning group. Crucial inclusions are the legal team and business development who join the information technology team. Including all players leads to a seamless integration that eases operations and adds more value to the process.

The time frame covered by such strategies varies on the environment. Other strategies have a lifespan of one year. Strategies regarding security cover up to three or five years. It is worth noting that they come with a greater deal of flexibility as compared to strategies in other sectors. The main reason is the flexibility that is experienced in the information technology world. A lot of changes happen within a short time and they must be implemented as they happen.

Sections that must be included are expected benefits from technology introduction, the aims and scope of implementation, method and approach and how it relates to the overall goals of the organization. Other details to be captured are impact on human resource. There is need to monetize the budgetary effects and future projections on staffing.

It is important for strategists to summarize the capability of the firm to handle such changes. This includes an inventory of the existing infrastructure, strengths and weaknesses. The possibility of external link during operation or implementation is captured as well. The cost of training and integration forms part of this analysis since technology changes the way institutions run.

The plan includes the opportunities that come with introduction of technology. Some of them are reduction of expenditure in human resource, operation cost and increased efficiency. Each of this reduction or improvement is given in monetary terms. Other aspects to be captured include possible effect on profits in the short and long term and how such a move affects competitiveness. Areas of vulnerability and the measure necessary to counter any threats are explained.

Technology results in new organization and governance structures. The structure is included with the roles and responsibilities of each individual affected by the changes. A clear outline of the milestones to be achieved as a result is then drawn. The milestones capture progress and achievement on monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and yearly basis. The overall draft must clearly outline how technology will help the organization to achieve its goals.

Of paramount importance is that the IT strategy illustrates in clear terms how the organization will be better with technology. This is about finding solutions to their challenges at management, operation and service delivery or production levels. A forward looking plan includes current situation and how to make the environment better for clients, workers and management. There is a smooth transition into the future.




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