This blog looks into the tips to consider in Digital Tech Strategy for a focus group:
- Solution defined in Tech Strategy should be to resolve a business problem. Solution first approach is a definite candidate for failure in digital strategy. Business roadmap is to be defined first, the associated process should also be clear and then technology strategy is to be looked into for addressing business needs.
- Digital Technology strategy should not be focused on using a specific platform or about using a product suite. There should be several technology focus groups under a Digital transformation initiative.
- Ensure business groups and relevant stakeholders are engaged in the review process. A key factor for success of a Tech strategy is its adoption. Reaching out to business after investing on environment setup or pushing business to adopt a specific solution from IT, rarely works in an enterprise.
- Even for small initiatives, the Tech strategy team should at least have a business manager and a domain expert, along with the technical experts. This ensure a broader view is considered in the recommendations.
- Support from leadership is required. Even after close collaboration with business, there might be reluctance in adoption when the representative from business does not have decision making power in the group he/she represents.
- Planning cycle is important. Availability of stake holders, meeting timelines, tracking progress, and proper communication are all critical for success.
- Engage consultants where required to bring the right expertise, and not limit to only in-house skillset. Also gather learning from digital initiatives already performed in enterprise.
- Digital enablement can offer high visibility and quick wins for some teams. In an attempt to keep some stakeholders happy, the overall goal of a digital enablement exercise should not be compromised.
IT Managers/Directors driving digital enablement strategy, needs to carefully review the internal requirement documents and RFPs (in case strategy definition is assisted by external vendor) to ensure the evaluation of vendor, evaluation of platform, overall execution plan, prioritization of activities, etc. consider the bigger picture of satisfying business needs, with technology as an enabler.
