As the world becomes increasingly digitally driven, digital transformations and, therefore IT transformations, are imperative for any business to compete effectively. A common challenge, however, is that organisations often fail to effectively plan IT initiatives to be aligned to, and enablers for, their business strategy which hampers business results down the line.
This article is Part 1 of a series and will unpack the concept of an IT transformation as well as explore the above-mentioned challenge in more detail. Part 2 will share Cubility’s tailored solution to this challenge which organisations can use to develop an effective IT strategy to support its business objectives.
What is an IT Transformation?
IT transformation is just one element of digital transformation. It forms part of an organisation’s overall IT strategy and refers to the process of aligning an organisation’s IT with its broader business objectives.
An IT transformation, if implemented correctly, is imperative for any organisation to compete effectively in today’s digital world as it not only boosts employee productivity and reduces operating costs by negating the need for the likes of datacentres, hardware maintenance and redundant IT, but it is also essential for innovation and improves an organisations’ agility thereby enhancing overall business results.
Given these strategic benefits, few debate the need for IT transformations, however an IT transformation can only be as successful as its IT strategy and, if not planned for efficiently, it can have the opposite results.
Reactive IT solutions, a common challenge
Often IT departments will work in isolation from the rest of the business, where decisions are made without consideration for the overall business objectives. A common challenge is that IT leaders take a reactive approach to challenges whereby they seek quick and easy ways to execute a transformation, whether it be through outsourcing IT issues, adopting a one-track solution or postponing difficult decisions by undertaking incremental IT projects. This approach however often delivers insignificant results at a high cost and hampers overall business results.
Business Strategy, the north star of an IT transformation
What’s the solution? For an organisation to achieve the best results through its IT transformation, it needs to commence with its business strategy whereby the key objectives will dictate those of the IT strategy which will guide the IT transformation.
Cubility has developed a tailored IT Strategy Development Framework which assists organisations with their IT Transformation initiatives. If your business needs assistance in this regard, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
