Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Create A Concrete IT Strategy

By Kathi Boldt


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.

There is a corporate and business approach that shows the benefits technology will help the organization to add value to its operations. All departments must be represented to ensure that their roles are captured. Business development and legal teams work hand in hand with the IT team to ensure a holistic approach. This teamwork seeks to reduce the challenges of integration.

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.

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.

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.

Any IT strategy must see a better organization with technology than without. It seeks to provide solutions to daily challenges that affect production or service delivery, management and overall operations. There is a continuous approach that begins at the current status and ends in a company that is transformed by technology. Workers, clients and management experience ease transacting business in the new environment.




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