If your organisation is struggling to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, customer needs and technological advancements, chances are that there is lack of alignment between your IT and business goals.
This lack of agility is one of the most significant operational disparities seen in organisations that rely on a digital infrastructure to drive growth and efficiency.
However, operational disparities can hinder the smooth functioning of these infrastructures, leading to reduced productivity and missed opportunities.
One of the things that an organisation can do to bridge this gap is foster open communication and collaboration between IT and business stakeholders. Regular meetings and shared metrics can help ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Another common disparity is the presence of silos within the organisation.
When different departments or teams operate in isolation, it can lead to duplication of efforts, inefficiencies, and a lack of standardisation.
To overcome this, it is crucial that cross-functional collaboration and implementing enterprise-wide standards are in place to break down silos and improve overall efficiency.
Real-world examples of companies that have successfully bridged operational gaps include Lloyds Banking Group, one of the largest banks in the UK, who implemented a centralised PMO to manage its IT projects and initiatives. The PMO was established to ensure that IT investments were aligned with the bank's strategic objectives and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery.
Another example is Amazon who successfully established a DevOps culture to promote collaboration between development and operations teams. By adopting DevOps practices, Amazon has been able to break down silos between development and operations, enabling faster delivery of new features and improvements to their platforms.
Here are three examples of how an organisation can identify and address operational disparities to unlock the full potential of their digital infrastructures:
1. Conduct a comprehensive IT audit:
Perform an in-depth analysis of the organisation's current IT systems, processes, and infrastructure. (This is something that is always top priority when I work with an organisation to improve their digital infrastructure).
- Identify areas of inefficiency, redundancy, or misalignment with business goals.
- Assess the skills and capabilities of the IT team and identify any gaps or training needs.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing governance structures and decision making processes.
Through conducting a comprehensive IT audit, organisations can gain a clear understanding of their current state and identify specific areas for improvement.
2. Implement a data-driven approach to decision making:
The second thing to do is establish key performance indicators (KPIs, OKRs) and metrics that align with business objectives.
- Collect and analyse data from various sources, including IT systems, business processes, and customer feedback.
- Use data analytics tools to gain insights into performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Regularly review and adjust KPIs/OKRs and metrics to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with changing business needs.
By adopting a data-driven approach, organisations can make more informed decisions, prioritise initiatives based on their impact, and measure the success of their digital transformation efforts.
3. Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement:
And the third area is to encourage open communication and collaboration between IT and other business units. This is vitally important to the success of overcoming operational disparities.
- Establish cross-functional teams to work on key initiatives and projects.
- Implement agile methodologies to promote flexibility, adaptability, and faster time-to-market.
- Encourage experimentation, innovation, and a willingness to learn from failures.
- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to keep employees up to date with the latest technologies and best practices.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, organisations can break down silos, encourage knowledge sharing, and create an environment that supports innovation and growth.
Next step?
Overcome Operational Disparities in Your Digital Infrastructure is an ongoing process that requires expertise, dedication, and a strategic approach that can greatly benefit from the guidance and support of an experienced IT professional.
What is more, as the director and lead consultant at ARGTech Ltd, this is one of the areas that I help organisations with a digital dependency to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of their businesses (especially when there is blocking caused by operational disparities, poor resourcing and regulatory considerations).
With over 35 years of experience in IT project and programme management, as well as leadership roles, I can provide interim, contract, and consultancy support tailored to the specific needs of an organisation.
Whether you need assistance with delivery, management, leadership, compliance, and strategy to optimise your digital infrastructure investments and achieve your business goals, I am here to help.
Visit my profile on LinkedIn, or reach out to me on my website, ARGTech Ltd, to learn more about how I can support your organisation in maximizing the value of your digital infrastructure investments and driving long term success.
Comments