IT strategy

How to create a well-developed IT strategy

In today’s dynamic landscape of technology and innovation, defining IT Strategy in the context of business operations is crucial. At TEKLEIGH, we define IT Strategy as a cohesive plan that integrates seamlessly with your organization’s broader business strategy, encompassing vital considerations such as security and infrastructure. Technology acts as a pivotal enabler of business objectives, ensuring alignment and efficiency across all functions.

Too often, rapid organizational growth through acquisitions and diverse projects can lead to an imbalance between IT Strategy and business goals. This imbalance often results in fragmented communication across departments, fostering siloed approaches that exacerbate operational challenges. Continuously adding to an unstable foundation—potentially characterized by complex architecture and numerous customizations—further complicates the situation. Over time, organizations may perceive reassessment as daunting and costly, perpetuating the cycle.

At TEKLEIGH, we’ve guided numerous clients through this complexity, leveraging our deep business acumen and extensive technological expertise to deliver comprehensive IT Strategies. Our approach ensures a holistic view and methodical execution, integrating return on investment (ROI) metrics from the outset.

Our Framework and Approach:

1. Assessment Phase
We begin with a meticulous assessment of your IT ecosystem, mapping business processes and data flows. Collaborative ‘white board’ sessions with key stakeholders deepen our understanding of business needs and technology dependencies. This phase culminates in a thorough Assessment and Fit Gap Analysis, aligning your IT capabilities with strategic business objectives.

2. Strategy Development
Using insights from the Fit Gap Analysis, we craft a tailored strategy aimed at simplifying and optimizing your IT footprint. This includes rationalizing processes, consolidating data, and leveraging best-in-class applications. Where necessary, we facilitate system selection exercises to ensure alignment with your specific needs and budget constraints. Crucially, we address essential technical requirements—from infrastructure to cybersecurity—ensuring your organization remains agile and secure.

3. Roadmap Development
The strategy evolves into a detailed Roadmap that outlines phased initiatives over a strategic timeline. Factors such as regulatory compliance, system support deadlines, and resource capacity inform our planning. While we typically project five years ahead, the initial focus lies on the first 1-3 years to accommodate rapid technological advancements and evolving business landscapes.

Throughout this process, we emphasize simplicity as a guiding principle. A leaner IT infrastructure minimizes vulnerabilities, enhances security, and optimizes operational efficiency. Key considerations include assessing the necessity of extensive application portfolios, evaluating automation’s cost-effectiveness, and rationalizing custom solutions versus off-the-shelf alternatives.

4. Continuous Refinement
Your IT Strategy Roadmap serves as a dynamic tool, adapting to new business imperatives and technological advancements. Regular reviews—annual or more frequent—ensure ongoing alignment with organizational goals, fostering communication and collaboration across all levels.

At TEKLEIGH, we recognize that an effective IT Strategy isn’t static; it evolves alongside your business needs. Our commitment is to empower your organization with a resilient, future-ready IT framework that supports sustained growth and innovation.

Contact us to discover how we can collaborate in crafting a bespoke IT Strategy tailored to your organization’s unique requirements.