Monday 11 November 2013

Developing A Workable IT Strategy

By James Carter


A comprehensive IT strategy highlights the risk, vendor and technological management aspects in a firm. Within these areas are human resource effects and the impact on operation cost. The plan borrows from the overall vision of the business or organization and explains how technology will help them increase production, efficiency, management cost and reduce turnaround time. There is a progressive approach that illuminates the current situation and expected changes with introduction of information technology.

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.

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.

Information technology presents opportunities for more and better output which need to be factored. The advantages include less expenditure on operation cost, human resource and the benefit of increased efficiency. Opportunities and changes should be monetized. Profit implications on the short and long term basis are required. Strategies need to explain how the technology makes the firm more competitive. The plan also includes threats from within and without and how they are overcome.

Technology brings new organization and operation structures that need to be understood. The responsibility and role of every player in the organization are clearly outlined. Timelines and milestones are given to show expected results and implications. Progress is given in terms of months, quarters, half year and full year results. It is important to embody the vision of the organization or business and how it is enhanced 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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