Business
We all know there is more to technology than just technology! Ultimately technology will never succeed if the business strategy and processes are not right. Have you seen this...Organisations spending a fortune on technology then implementing it into a poor business framework? We have!
This issue of technology and business not aligning was a driving force for us to shift from being seen solely as IT Consultants to broader business and technology consultants. We knew all along that to make real changes with technology we had to be able to work with the business and look at strategy and processes to ensure new technology was directly aligned to and supporting the strategic direction of the organisation.
So, although we play in the technology space for many of our clients, we ensure that there is a strong focus on the business. An example is when we undertake requirements gathering exercises for technology acquisitions. Often this is when people can come up with all kinds of amazing requirements. Our job is to remain focused on the business goals and direction, and we achieve this by asking the Six Key Questions to business:
- Why... do you do something
- What... is it that you do
- Who... does it and why
- How... do they do it
- When... do they do it
- Where... do they do it
This ensures that 'business' comes before 'technology'. It also helps IT departments gain a clear understanding of what they need to do to support the business direction. Keeping this focus can be a challenge, especially given all the great new technology that is available (look at the fab ipod colours)! But at the end of the day, if it doesn't move you toward the strategic direction of the business, do you need it?
Areas we work with clients in to help align business and technology include:
- Enterprise Architecture
- Business Process Improvement
- Change Management
- Project Management
- E-business and IT Strategy
- Mobile Strategy (it's not just about the latest phone)
- Requirements and Gap Analysis
- Tender and Selection Management
So if you feel like technology is perhaps drifting away from core business needs, then help is available and we would love to talk with you.