In business circles there is an ongoing debate about the role of ICT as a Cost or a Profit Center. In all of this, one thing is clear: ICT-master plans, programs and priorities need to start from a proper understanding of the Customer Value of the ICT-projects. Value is more than a financial issue. The idea of Customer Value is also very relevant for "non-profit" groups and governmental organizations. Managers must balance the need for flexibility with time-to-market issues, customer intimacy and cost effectiveness. This is a significant managerial challenge.

You will be better able to:

• Transform your ICT master plan from a cost-based into a customer value-based plan
• Assess the value impact of new developments in ICT from a customer value point of view
• Understand and audit the financial structure of the ICT portfolio in terms of costs, benefits, long-term investments (infrastructure) and risks
• Explain the value of ICT-based services
• Assess your ICT portfolio as a balanced portfolio, in particular balancing the Infrastructural part of the portfolio
• Understand the impact of over-investing or under-investing in ICT infrastructure
• Understand how to develop business cases and service level agreements for ICT projects
• Manage the balance between different strategic business parameters and stakeholders
• Define agreed priorities within an ICT portfolio
• Have a stronger position in relation to ICT suppliers and ICT service providers
• Have a deep understanding of three major ICT organizational models, based on the value proposition
• Ensure the continuous alignment of business and ICT requirements
• Understand the ICT-related strategic ambition level of your organization
• Have a quick assessment of your organization's ICT portfolio

ICT Strategy

As there is a continuing disconnect between business and information technology a good first step to bring them closer is by embarking on a combined information and communication technology strategy. As the business provides the lead you can make tremendous gains by having ICT follow this lead.

Your situation

Your company is a user of ICT as enabler/platform for its business processes as well as exchanging data with external parties. You have a clear vision of the future and the corporate strategy is plainly spelled out. However, your IT Management might be rather operational and project driven. Your business managers are unclear about the value contribution of the ICT environment. A clear roadmap for your ICT has not been spelled out yet and you do not know if the ICT foundation your business resides on is sufficient to fulfill all requirements coming from the business within the next years.

Our solution

We propose an ICT Strategy development/review service as a consulting project based on our proven methodology. Before work starts, we will provide a complete statement of work and a comprehensive project plan. The actual consultation starts with a review of your ICT operations and an assessment of the current state. After having discussed and understood your business goals over a 3 year horizon the next step will be a fit/gap analysis of your ICT's capabilities. Once the delta is identified, a platform and architecture will be defined capable of delivering everything that is needed within the defined time frame. Simultaneously, the requirements are turned into a budget on an annual basis and checked against the business goals and industry-wide accepted benchmarks. Once, all issues are solved and addressed an action plan is created and the individual projects/tasks can begin.

Your benefits

With the before mentioned approach you will derive further benefits from

• receiving a comprehensive ICT strategy in line with your business strategy, vision and mission.
• a clear budget for the years to come in order to help maintain controlled spending of company resources.
• ensuring the envisaged flexibility by deploying a structured ICT environment (adaptive ICT) within your organization.
• gaining a better understanding of your ICT budget and budgeting process, helping to control costs for ICT and still maintain the competitive ground.

ICT Audit

Are you getting the maximum benefits out of your ICT investment? Do you think that your information technology systems can be put to better use? Or, do you generally feel that your ICT could contribute more to your success? An ICT Audit will help!

Your situation

You face one of the following challenges:

• The majority of your IT systems have reached an end-of-life stage.
• You plan for a new, major ICT initiative (e.g. ERP, CRM, VoIP/Unified Communications, etc.).
• Your ICT expenditure seems high.
• You do not generate any benefits by employing ICT.

Our solution

Our frame methodology allows you a comprehensive and unbiased overview of your ICT landscape. In a tested approach we analyze your ICT infrastructure and, at the same time, business culture and competency of use.
Initially, a Fit/Gap analysis will render quick attention points for your action. After the audit a 12-point-heading ICT Audit report will be issued to you, outlining the findings.

• Data Review
• Assessment of current state and correlation between business culture and ICT culture
• Fit/Gap Analysis
• IT Governance Review and Competency-of-use review
• Report compilation and presentation
• Optional: Action Plan

Your benefits

Creating a reliable, all-addressing baseline for you ICT will save you substantial amounts of money in the long-term. But that is not all:

• You have the chance to optimize the use of your ICT at a best cost position.
• You gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying (and hidden) value contribution ICT is not yet delivering for your core business.
• You are in a position to define a reliable, cost-effective and optimized ICT Strategy for the coming years.
• you will enjoy a guaranteed Return on Investment in a short timeframe.

An ICT Audit should not only look into compliance with policies and regulations, internal and external. Hidden factors, such as business culture, expenditure history, business technology alignment, etc, play an important role

Begin make a basic auditing now

Or contact InKM Consultancy to experience the advantages. An InKM's professional will contact you to discuss your inquiry.

We value your privacy and will keep all your information completely confidential. Learn more about our Confidentiality Term.