Thursday 24 October 2013

Make A Practical 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 business and corporate angle that shows how technology will be exploited by organizations and their associates to create value on all ends. There is need to incorporate members of all departments in designing the plan. They are drawn from the business development, legal and information technology sectors. The aim is to ensure that integration is smooth and adds value to the processes and operations.

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.

Sections that must be included are expected benefits from technology introduction, the aims and scope of implementation, method and approach and how it relates to the overall goals of the organization. Other details to be captured are impact on human resource. There is need to monetize the budgetary effects and future projections on staffing.

The policy must summarize the strong points within the firm that are going to anchor implementation. An inventory is taken on the strength, weakness and existing infrastructure within the organization. Any reliance on external resources to facilitate or run the system should be explained. Costing of integration and training is included and the expected changes as a result of introduction of a new system.

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.

A comprehensive IT strategy captures the goals of an organization and how technology will help them find a solution. It reflects a need to change the approach in circumstances, understands customer needs and aligns them with the vision of the organization. A progressive approach ensures smooth transition by catering for the needs of employees, the organization and its clients within a balanced atmosphere.




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