One of the most challenging aspects of introducing new technology into a business is understanding how an IT department’s processes can assist and streamline the pre-existing business model.
Aligning IT and Business strategies can seem a daunting task, however by doing so, a company can reduce costs, streamline processes, improve market agility and increase return on investments.
IT processes should offer a satisfying and user-friendly customer experience, while also being easy for staff to navigate, regardless of business sector. Not only this but aligning IT and business strategies should:
- Enhance collaboration between all departments within a business
- Create a better user experience – for customers and employees
- Clarify the impact of a good IT department, and make sure that all resources and time are being used efficiently
- Allow for technology used to benefit the business and prioritise its processes
As with any department integration, there are, of course, challenges to overcome. The biggest of these is often implementing changes. Staff who are already invested and comfortable with the current technology and processes a business is using can mean that there may be some reluctance to significant change. Recognising this is crucial to successfully integrating strategies.
But how?
Communication
- By avoiding using technical jargon and spending time getting to know a company and its aims, an IT department should form as close relationship with its employer. This relationship means that all information and decisions are conveyed clearly and that they are understood by every sector of the business.
- Realistic goals should be determined – when setting these goals there needs to be an honest and insightful discussion to ensure that everyone in the decision making process is comfortable with all improvements and enhancements that aligning IT and Business strategies can bring.
- We have an article on the right questions to ask a CTO. Read it here. It departments should be enablers; they present realistic approaches to problems and should suggest new processes to help the business reach its full capability. Furthermore, a CTO should help business managers get into the mindset of an IT professional through precise and approachable communication.
Motivation
- The core values of integration should be Trust, Transparency and Respect.
- It is part of an IT department’s job to encourage business leaders with their realistic aims, and to invite them into discussion of the challenges and goals of day-to-day business processes.
- Through clear communication, technology developed or improved by an IT department will result in efficiency and innovation – the strides forward this will allow will motivate a business team to embrace the new technologies or processes.
- This also highlights the importance of KPI’s – the increase in productivity, profit and ease of use will speak for itself!
Augmentation
- New technologies employed by a business can be disruptive to the current flow of productivity. This is why it is crucial that an IT department should augment pre existing technology to make the changes seamless and decrease the need for too much additional training to be delivered.
- Through developing technology alongside business leaders, an IT leader should improve collaboration between departments and prioritise business objectives and strategies.
Aligning IT strategy to Business strategy will undoubtedly yield results:
- You will see an enhancement of communication and organisation across departments.
- Users to a system will have a better experience, and processes will be performed more efficiency
- Costs and time will be reduced as processes are made more productive.
- Business process will be prioritised, allowing more room for company growth. This will be done through developing the more impactful areas of the business through collaboration on all levels.