An information technology strategy is as important as any other business strategy. If you wouldn’t be willing to blindly implement your financial or staffing practices, you can’t treat your business IT strategy that way.
| “Your business IT strategy will be as unique as your business needs, but there is still an established set of best practices you should follow.” – Matt Mulcahy, Director of Business Development, ProSource |
Additionally, planning your IT is an integral part of your overall business strategy. In fact, 89% of companies are adopting or planning to adopt a digital-first business strategy. There’s a good reason for this shift. 56% of CEOs say that making this shift has noticeably increased their revenue.
Still, poor planning won’t help you take advantage of this trend. That’s why this article is here to help you get started on your business IT strategy. We’ll take a closer look at what that means and provide a basic outline for planning an IT roadmap for your business.
What is an IT Strategy for Business?
An IT strategy for business is a plan that outlines how technology will support and shape organizational goals and objectives. It aligns IT initiatives with business priorities to ensure that all technology investments drive growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Generally, creating a business IT strategy includes the following steps.
- Setting IT goals
- Defining key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Identifying necessary technology
- Planning for implementation and maintenance
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Is There Such a Thing as a Non-Business IT Strategy?
Developing an IT strategy for personal use would be rare. However, non-business entities such as non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions often develop IT strategies. These strategies focus on using technology to improve service delivery, streamline processes, and achieve specific goals without profit-based motives.
The 4 Main Points of Strategic Planning
The 4 main points of any IT strategy roadmap are vision, objectives, resources, and prioritization. Let’s break down what each of these 4 points means.
| Vision | Establish a clear direction and purpose for the IT strategy. |
| Objectives | Set specific, measurable goals to achieve the vision. |
| Resources | Allocate the necessary technology, personnel, and financial resources. |
| Prioritization | Identify and focus on the most critical projects and initiatives. |
No matter how you tailor your IT strategy, these 4 key elements should remain the pillars of your plan. How you define each one of these key elements will inform how you’ll customize your strategy to suit your business goals.
How to Create a Business IT Strategy Centered Around The 4 Points
- Set Specific Objectives
Establish a clear direction by outlining the long-term purpose of your IT strategy. Then, set specific objectives by defining measurable outcomes to track progress. Clearly distinguish between short-term and long-term objectives to maintain focus and make sure each objective supports the broader vision.
- Resource Allocation
Allocate resources effectively by identifying the necessary technology and tools required for your strategy. Determine the skills and expertise needed within your team, and allocate financial resources to maximize the potential impact of disruptions.
- Organize a Timeline Based on Priorities
Prioritize critical projects by ranking them based on their importance and potential impact. Assess and mitigate risks associated with high-priority projects to ensure smooth execution. Develop realistic timelines for project completion to keep the strategy on track and manageable.
- Risk Management
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Additionally, you should identify potential risks and assess their impact on your strategy’s implementation. Develop mitigation strategies to address these risks and prepare contingency plans for unforeseen challenges.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Engage key stakeholders by identifying all relevant parties and involving them in planning and decision-making processes. Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the strategy’s implementation. This helps to build support and ensure alignment.
- Technology Integration
Create an adoption plan for new technologies and establish support systems for troubleshooting and maintenance. This ensures smooth operation and minimal disruption during technology transitions.
- Implementation
Launch the strategy in phases to manage the transition effectively, starting with high-priority projects. Monitor the roll-out process closely, making adjustments as needed to address any issues that arise. Regularly update stakeholders on progress to maintain engagement and support throughout the implementation.
- Monitoring & Improvements
Monitor and evaluate progress regularly by scheduling evaluations of your strategy. Use key performance indicators to measure success and incorporate feedback to improve strategy execution. This ensures continuous improvement and alignment with business objectives.
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Enhance Your IT Strategy With Expert Advice
Digital transformation will elevate how your business operates. However, implementing it incorrectly won’t do you any favors. If you aren’t sure where to start, IT experts can help you ensure business continuity during and after your strategy implementation.
ProSource can provide these experts. We also have a 100% U.S.-based data center where you can securely store your information if needed. Feel free to talk to us about how you can use this data center in your business IT strategy.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you.
