With every new year comes new advances in technology and opportunities to use IT to drive business growth. How can you be sure to get the most out of IT in 2023?
This question was recently addressed by two ProArch experts: Michael Montagliano, vCIO and CISO, and James Spignardo, vCIO and VP of cloud and infrastructure. Keep reading for a summary of the discussion, and click here to view the full webinar.
Contribute to Organizational Growth and Goals
According to Spignardo, to achieve organizational growth, “the first step in the process is to establish a clear picture of where you want to take your business.”
Create a strategy for the next two to three years and identify target KPIs. Then, you can identify how technology can facilitate those objectives.
You want to make sure your IT spending is being channeled in the most effective ways. The Val IT framework helps bring business and IT together to improve investment decisions. As Montagliano explained, “This is an attempt to tie business and IT together in managing the IT portfolio.” Ask the following questions:
- Are we doing the right things?
- Are we doing them the right way?
- Are we getting them done?
- Are we getting the expected benefits?
Maximize Value of IT Budget
To ensure you are optimizing your IT budget, you must define your system development life cycle (SDLC) process and confirm that your investments are aligned with your goals. Maintain a flexible approach that can be easily adapted to changes in market conditions.
It’s always wise to pay attention to what leaders in the industry are doing for some guidance. Further, be sure to collaborate with your CFO to make financial decisions that are in the best interest of your company.
Boost Agility and Flexibility
There are multiple factors that contribute to the agility and flexibility of the company. Here are a few pro tips to help:
- Use automation to free up resources: Leverage the ability to automate processes—saving you time and money.
- Get Buy-In: Innovation relies on support from leadership and other departments.
- Plan IT Skills: Be sure to have the right people with the right skills in the right place.
- Utilize the SDLC: The system development life cycle (SDLC) is a framework that helps you navigate the complex process of project implementation.
Effectively Track and Communicate IT Value
Tracking is a critical step to ensure you are using IT in the best way to meet your goals. Track performance with defined KPIs, including operational measures, system measures, and business performance. Then, communicate!
“Communication is considered commonplace,” Montagliano said. “[Although] we think we are all really good at communicating, . . . CIOs and IT leaders do not have a reputation as great communicators.”
It is especially important for IT leaders to communicate with organization leaders, members of other departments, and other stakeholders. Good communication requires connecting the dots between technical value, business benefit, and shareholder value.
There is no one way IT can contribute to your business growth, but technology must be customized to your organization’s specific needs. Using these suggestions, however, will contribute to a more positive IT implementation experience for all, paving the way for a successful and profitable year ahead.
For more insight, download the full recording and slide deck of the webinar and if you find yourself in need of additional help or guidance connecting your IT strategy, risks, and goals check out our vCIO and consulting services.
