Developing a functional and effective digital environment, that drives and supports growth and development, without a clear strategy and roadmap; is akin to building a house without any architectural or building plans - you may get there in the end, but it will probably result in re-work, attract more costs and deliver a sub-optimal result.
Organisations that allow their IT environment to grow organically (i.e. on a case by case basis, and without any vision or strategy), often find that, over time, the IT environment becomes:
- more complex
- less understood
- increasingly unstable
- less efficient and effective
In this environment making changes or adding functionality becomes increasingly risky and time consuming to implement.
Managers and staff begin to believe that the IT environment is hindering, rather than supporting, growth and operational efficiencies.
As the situation worsens the organisation's decision making can become paralysed: changes appear too costly and too hard; the organisation's leaders, feel bombarded by multiple and apparently conflicting change requests and technology options.
In contrast, clear and logical Investment Strategies, Road-maps and Plans clarify organisational priorities and establish technology directions: enabling decision makers to confidently develop IT capability and investments, that drive strategic growth and support operational efficiencies.