We often hear CIOs and other leaders convey feelings of discontent or cynicism when it comes to planning their IT strategy. Some express a struggle to allocate the proper time, resources, and expertise required. Others say they feel like they’re wasting energy to produce a document that generates little, if any, tangible value.
The truth is, however, that if your IT strategy is just a tall pile of papers gathering dust, you’re doing it all wrong. Businesses that lead the field know that their core business processes and IT strategy are inextricably intertwined.
As Jeremy Wanamaker, CEO of Complete Network says, “Technology underpins every facet of our modern society; its influence on day-to-day business cannot be overstated.”
Let’s adopt a practical approach to developing and implementing an effective IT strategy, from planning and vision straight to execution.
An IT strategy is a comprehensive roadmap template that describes an organization’s approach to information technology. Ideally, the plan should guide the organization in achieving strategic goals and objectives by marrying your IT solutions with your core business strategy.
A well-planned IT strategy will explain how and why information technology choices enhance operations, drive innovation, and create value. Furthermore, the plan should include means for monitoring progress, evaluating performance, and adjusting as necessary to ensure that the organization remains agile and competitive in its use of technology.
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A well-developed IT strategy offers a full catalogue of benefits that can significantly impact an organization’s success and competitiveness, including:
The most effective IT strategy plans have four key elements that provide a sturdy foundation upon which to build. These include focus, clarity, accountability, and execution.
Determining where to concentrate your focus and efforts in IT strategy planning involves assessing which technologies best align with your strategic ambitions. A few noteworthy areas to consider include:
Clearly defined goals and strategic objectives that outline what the organization aims to achieve form the backbone of its IT strategy. Setting SMART goals is a strategic approach that ensures that your planning is well-defined and achievable.
Assign specific individuals or teams to take ownership of projects and be accountable for their success. Clear accountability means that there is a straightforward understanding of who is responsible for the success of a project, including making key decisions, managing resources, and ensuring that deadlines are met.
This level of ownership clarity and accountability is essential for effective project management, as it helps to prevent confusion, minimize delays, and reduce the chances of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Execution is the cornerstone of any effective IT strategy plan as it bridges the gap between strategic vision and tangible outcomes. This phase is where the rubber meets the road, where ideas are transformed into actionable initiatives that drive real change within an organization.
Keep in mind that effective execution requires more than just implementing projects; it also requires strong leadership, effective communication, and a culture of accountability. It’s essential to have the right people in place, with the right skills and resources, to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Now that you know the four key components that make up a robust IT strategy, let’s provide some examples of what your plan should include. Although every organization has different goals, objectives, and missions, the following aspects are fundamental to all plans.
Abstract: The abstract should succinctly summarize the key points of the IT strategy plan, including its goals, objectives, major initiatives, and expected outcomes. It should provide a high-level overview to give readers a clear understanding of its purpose.
Scope: The scope should outline the boundaries and focus of the plan. It should clarify what is included and what is not, as well as define the core aims your plan is designed to achieve. It should also outline the approach and methodology that will be used to carry out your plan.
Context: Provide a detailed overview of the current IT landscape within the organization, including existing technologies, infrastructure, and processes.
Initiatives: Outline specific initiatives that will help achieve what’s outlined in the plan. This may include projects related to infrastructure upgrades, software implementations, cybersecurity measures, or digital transformation initiatives.
Review: Establish a process for regularly reviewing and evaluating the progress of the IT strategy plan. For example, use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and conduct surveys and interviews to gather stakeholder feedback. The review process should be iterative, allowing for adjustments to the strategy based on changing business needs
and technology trends.
| More resources you might like: |
| Components | IT Strategy Plan | Traditional IT Planning |
| Objective Alignment | Aligns closely with business goals and objectives | Often operates in silos, separate from business objectives |
| Technology Integration | Prioritizes seamless integration of current and future technologies | May focus on current technologies without planning for future integration |
| Risk Management | Includes proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies | Typically reactive to risks and issues as they arise |
| Resource Allocation | Strategic allocation of resources for maximum efficiency and impact | Resources may be allocated without a strategic framework |
| Performance Metrics | Utilizes specific KPIs to measure success and guide adjustments | May lack clear metrics for evaluating IT performance |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Emphasizes collaboration and communication with all stakeholders | Limited engagement with stakeholders outside the IT department |
| Innovation Emphasis | Encourages leveraging new technologies for competitive advantage | Often maintains status quo, less focus on innovation |
You’ve reached the point where you now have the foundational knowledge, understanding, and information required to develop a full-fledged IT strategy plan. However, if you still feel a bit overwhelmed or not quite ready to tackle such a complex undertaking alone, you’re in the right place.
The Complete Network team helps businesses in Albany, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Bluffton, South Carolina to develop an ROI-driven IT strategy plan that keeps costs and complexity under control.
Contact our friendly team at 877 877 1840 and [email protected]. We look forward to speaking with you!
