IT Roadmaps: The Key To A Successful Business Strategy

The IT department does more than you probably realize. Yes, they’re responsible for more than just rebooting your computer when it freezes. IT employees work behind the scenes to ensure networks and systems run smoothly, so you can work uninterrupted. Their work is entwined with every department, from HR and finances, to sales and marketing.

If you’re feeling a disconnect between your IT department and the rest of your organization, it could be time to invest in an IT roadmap. Roadmaps are strategic tools that visualize how technology systems will evolve to support a business. This includes setting goals and planning for obstacles that may arise when implementing new technology. Roadmaps allow IT to play a greater role in achieving company goals.

Benefits of an IT Roadmap

1. Be Strategic

An IT roadmap gets everyone in your company on the same page. This way, leaders can be strategic when requesting new technology or improving infrastructure. Implementing the right technology will increase productivity. Plus, you’ll avoid system failures by understanding the weak points within your IT infrastructure. This keeps your business on track to reach goals, and allows your team to transform from being reactive to proactive when it comes to facing obstacles.

2. Prioritize

Identify all of your tasks and projects then determine which are a priority. By building a customized, prioritized list of initiatives and projects, it helps the IT team understand how to support your business goals. Not just for today, but for the future.

3. Align

Align IT tasks and projects to your overall business values and long-term goals. IT leaders and executives should understand what your company cares about most, and link your roadmap to corporate objectives.

4. Budget

IT roadmaps should cover the estimated costs and duration for each proposed project. During the creation process, facilitate discussions between IT leaders and executives around the importance of investing in technology. Use your roadmap to anticipate resourcing needs, and explain why those resources are required.

5. Be Successful

The path to success starts with a solid plan. An IT roadmap helps both executives and IT leadership be more collaborative and strategic when making investment decisions or managing technology projects. A detailed plan for the future prepares you for obstacles and gives you a competitive advantage over other businesses.

Build a Strategic IT Roadmap with Entara

There may be a disconnect between your business and technology leadership teams, or maybe your current tech infrastructure needs an upgrade. Whatever the case, it’s time to invest in an IT roadmap. Entara will periodically audit your environment against IT best practices and use this information to build strategic, customized roadmaps for our clients.