IT
Difficulty in aligning commercial and technology goals is a frequent challenge that can hinder growth and prevent businesses from reaching their full potential.
Frequently, commercial staff feel technical staff should work to support profit and growth orientated goals. On the other hand, technical staff recognise that technology is limited in some areas while being able to provide new opportunities in others.
Each party of course feels that the other lacks adequate knowledge of their field. Owners with a Business and IT strategy can determine where they are, where they want to go, and how to better leverage the resources available.
What does an IT Road Map involve?
An IT Road Map is a commercially led plan that bridges the gap between the IT and commercial areas of a business. It aims to make a company’s IT adaptable and capable of coping with the business’ needs while understanding that IT is a company-wide asset, not just the responsibility of a few IT support staff.
IT Road Maps will pave the way for a dynamic IT infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate and grow to meet the changing needs of a business. This requires that the CIO and IT Managers’ goals are aligned with those of the CEO and Financial departments.
In the development of IT Road Maps, look at balancing tactics with talent. The requirements of both disciplines are assessed to ensure a balanced decision making process is in place.
Developing an IT Road Map: 3 Core Steps
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Establishing Checkpoints and agreeing upon a timeframe for development of the strategy is effective in motivating stakeholders to take affirmative action.
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Creating clear lines of communication between all stakeholders is critical as decisions will affect all areas of the business, particularly front line staff using operating systems.
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It is vital that ownership and accountability are assigned to specific staff or teams. This prevents projects being passed around and ensures their success.
Measuring the Success of an IT Road Map
One of the key signifiers of success is a Road Map that results in consensus between commercial and technological parties within the company. Each company requires a unique approach with different needs, goals and budgets, but for all businesses, IT is a core element. The businesses that recognize this will ultimately be the most successful.