The Connections between Investment and Result
As the economy has contracted and revenue growth has slowed, IT expenditures and functions have undergone increased scrutiny for their return on investment. In many organizations, internal constituencies from the executive suite to the back office don't feel that they are getting their money's worth. The perception frequently is that the increased expenditures for hardware, software and staff have not adequately created value by contributing to strategic outcomes. The challenge at hand for many IT functions - show bottom line results and exceed internal and external customer expectations or risk the ultimate expression of customer dissatisfaction with many staff functions today - outsourcing.
Although many factors contribute to this situation, a big factor has been the way IT staffs have traditionally approached their jobs. Typically, IT staffs have been involved extensively in the reactive support of existing systems and standards. Oftentimes they seem to play a larger role in telling internal customers what they can't do, than what they could accomplish. This orientation commonly leads line managers and senior executives to perceive IT as an obstacle rather than a resource. When genuine contribution becomes the criterion for continued existence of the IT function, organizational support quickly wanes. Consequently the imperative is for IT functions to change quickly.
So how can Assurance Group help your IT functions close this "value gap"? The answer is joint participation to take a more consultative, results-oriented approach to supporting the business and help staff transition from traditional reactionary to proactive IT roles. In doing so, Assurance Group becomes involved early and the IT function becomes strategically positioned to advise their internal customers on an ongoing, interactive basis through the identification, planning and implementation of integrated business solutions. This joint participation and broader understanding develops beneficial long term relationships and subsequent solutions that reduce costs, inefficiencies and risk.
For more information on how Assurance Group can help your IT functions close your value gap, send us an EMAIL, complete the RFI form or contact us at (877) 764-3678.