Develop A Winning IT Strategy

By James Carter


The development of a practical IT strategy encompasses an evaluation of the vendor, risk and technological angles of a business or organization. It aims at addressing human resource issues and cutting on operation as well as production costs. The plan is anchored on the vision of the business and exemplifies how technology makes it easier to achieve more. Technology should lead to reduced turnaround time, cost of operation, more efficiency and increased production. The journey begins at the current situation and moves towards a technology driven 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 details of such plans depend on the nature of each work environment. While most projects run for three to five years, implementation requires a great deal of flexibility. Information technology develops fast which calls for the need to adapt at the earliest opportunity. Provision for such changes must be made in the plan.

A detailed policy includes such sections as benefits to the organization, the scope and objectives of implementing the plan, approach and method of implementation and how it links with the greater organizational vision. Human resource implications are summarized as well including budgetary and staff impact upon rolling out of the plan. Strategists need to paint a picture of the future that is driven by technology.

An evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the company regarding implementation is required. This includes existing infrastructure and necessary adjustments or reinforcements to facilitate implementation. Some systems require external support which should be explained as well. Integration comes at a cost including training and infrastructure adjustments. Resulting changes upon implementation are necessary to capture.

A comprehensive policy must include the opportunities presented by such changes. This includes reduced human resource expenditure, cost of management or better efficiency. These aspects should be quantified. Information technology has its share of threats and weaknesses. These occurrences are likely to reduce profitability or expose the organization to competition. They are the areas that make a business vulnerable. They should be included in the plan and counter measures necessary.

The structure of organization and management is always affected by technological changes. This is explained in the policy as well as the responsibilities of everyone involved in running the system. Implementation milestones according to the set timelines are revealed. There is a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual scorecard. Everything should be built alongside the general vision of the organization that is enhanced or made easy by technology.

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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