Sunday, October 27, 2013

Write A Comprehensive 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.

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 sector or business you are involved determines the time covered by implementation. Strategies have an implementation period between three and five years. Flexibility is important considering that information technology changes very fast. What was relevant a month ago may not be relevant any more. This calls for swift changes and adjustments along the way.

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 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.

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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