Like any other strategic initiative, you need a comprehensive IT strategy that helps you meet your business goals. Modern operations rely on computer systems even if you’re not a technology-focused business. A lack of strategic planning will quickly hinder operations.
| “Every modern business uses technology, but not every business uses it in the same way. That’s why you need to establish your own IT strategy.”- Rob Gluckin, Chief Executive Officer, GTG Networks |
Ensuring IT usage aligns with business objectives is part of the picture. You may also be surprised by how much your IT affects employees who rarely interact with computers or networks. For instance, warehouse staff may struggle to fulfill orders if your database is poorly managed. 97% of employees see improvements with an IT strategy.
Therefore, the right information technology strategy is integral to your business success. So, this article is here to be your starting point. We’ll explore what a business IT strategy is and how you can plan one that perfectly fits your short- and long-term needs.
What is an IT Strategy for Business?
An IT strategy for business is a plan that outlines how technology should be used to meet business goals. This strategy provides a roadmap for using technology to enhance business processes, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
For this strategy to be successful, everyone in your organization must be aligned with it. Providing a clear strategy document is the best way to ensure alignment and hold your team accountable. This document can be used as a reference guide for day-to-day IT usage.
42% of Business Owners Know They Aren’t Using Their IT to The Fullest
Working with expert IT consultants can help you identify usage gaps.
What to Include in Your Business IT Strategy
Risk Management Practices
Proactively planning your IT risk management strategies prevents cyber risks and expedites disaster recovery if needed. You may also consider business risks related to IT, not just cybersecurity risks.
For example, system downtime can halt service delivery. So, you may want to plan fallback strategies to ensure customer satisfaction during IT outages.
Digital Transformation Goals
Digital transformation involves integrating digital technology into various business areas. Migrating to cloud services is one example, but there are many other ways to digitize operational processes.
Determine which business processes you want to digitize and establish a roadmap for each one. Make sure these plans consider other aspects of your IT strategy.
Data Governance Policies
Data governance is essential for managing data within a company. It ensures data is available, usable, secure, and reliable. A strong governance policy helps you comply with regulations, improve how data is handled internally, and boost decision-making.
Establish policies that define how data is collected, stored, used, and protected within your organization. These policies should align with industry best practices and legal requirements. They should also consider how much your stored data will increase. Keep in mind that businesses retain 30%-40% more data each year on average.
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Compliance Requirements
Regulatory compliance is usually associated with highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare. However, most businesses do need to follow IT compliance in some form. The fact that 91% of organizations across sectors must follow compliance standards shows it’s beyond regulated industries.
So, research which IT compliance requirements apply to your organization and include them in your strategy document. Ensure you also let your team know what they must do to maintain regulations in your system.
Cost Management Strategies
Businesses continue to spend increasing amounts of money on IT. In fact, it’s expected that the cost of IT will rise by 7.4% by 2025. So, you need effective cost management strategies to control your IT budget while ensuring your tech needs are met.
Develop strategies to manage IT costs effectively, including regular reviews of IT expenses, investing in cost-effective technologies, and optimizing resource allocation.
IT Performance Metrics
Performance metrics assess the efficiency and effectiveness of your IT infrastructure. Including these metrics in your IT strategy helps you analyze its success and identify areas for improvement.
| What it Measures | Why it Matters | |
| System Uptime | The availability of IT systems | Ensures systems are reliably up and running |
| Response Time | Speed of system responses | Critical for user satisfaction and operational efficiency |
| Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) | Time to resolve IT issues | Reduces downtime and enhances productivity |
| Cost Per Ticket | Cost associated with resolving issues | Helps in budgeting and financial planning |
| First Contact Resolution | Issues resolved on first contact | Improves customer service and satisfaction |
How to Implement a Business IT Strategy in 4 Easy Steps
1. Assess Your Current IT
Begin by evaluating your current IT systems and processes. Identify what is working effectively and what areas require improvement. This assessment will help you understand your technological needs.
2. Define Your IT Objectives
Based on your assessment, define clear IT objectives that support your overall business strategy. This might involve enhancing network security, improving data management, or adopting new technologies.
3. Develop an Implementation Plan
Create a detailed plan for implementing your IT strategy. This plan should include timelines, budgets, and the necessary resources. Assign responsibilities to team members and define milestones to track progress. Ensure that the plan is flexible enough to adapt to any unforeseen challenges.
4. Monitor & Adjust as Needed
Once your IT strategy is in place, continuously monitor its performance against set objectives. Be prepared to adjust based on feedback and changing business conditions as needed. Regular reviews will help ensure that your remains are effective.
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Plan an IT Strategy for Your Business Without Workflow Disruptions
One risk of changing how you operate is workflow disruptions. Implementing a new business IT strategy may involve operational changes that could disrupt some employees. With clear communication and the right guidance, you can keep these disruptions to a minimum.
GTG Networks provides strategic IT guidance to help you make that happen. We have established our own service strategy including concrete methodologies, to keep project timelines on track and within budget.
Contact us today to learn more.