The technology assessment will focus on 4 areas: technology strategy and effectiveness, infrastructure technology, information and business intelligence, and the technology organization. It will involve documenting the current state, interviewing stakeholders, and assessing deficiencies and opportunities. The assessment will be completed within 80-120 hours over 3-6 weeks. Deliverables will include documentation of the current state, an assessment report identifying issues and recommendations, and a roadmap report with corrective actions prioritized into quick wins and a technology vision.
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Patina Technology Assessment
1. Technology Assessment
Assessment Areas of Focus
The following four areas will be the focus of the Technology Assessment:
1. Technology Strategy and Effectiveness
We will review the many capabilities that a business relies on to serve their customers and
markets. Business capability is defined as the combination of technology, process design,
information and people. We will investigate the alignment of technology with business goals
and objectives.
a. Organization Capability and Strategic Fit
I. Business Process Design – Maturity and Measurement
II. Application Fit, Currency and Effectiveness
III. Information Access and Utilization
b. Customer and Supply Chain Integration
c. Shared Services and Back Office Optimization
2. Infrastructure Technology
We will review the status of increasingly complex technologies used in data centers, networks,
desktops and telecommunication. Our discussion will focus on the cost, performance, security
and risk profile of the technology infrastructure.
a. Data Center and Network Design, Currency, Cost Effectiveness and Scalability
b. Security and Disaster Recovery
c. Server, Desktop Resources and Architecture
d. Regulatory Compliance (SOx, HIPAA, PCI, etc.)
e. Strategic Sourcing and Spend Analytics
3. Information – Business Intelligence
We will review the accuracy, completeness and consistency of key information and document
stores. We will also look at how this information is being used to support improved customer
service, financial and operational performance.
a. Data Architecture, Master Data Management
b. Information Accuracy, Completeness, Consistency
c. Information Access and Analytical Tools
d. Organization Analytical Maturity, KPI and Management Reporting
4. Technology Organization
We will review the many functions internal to IT and their effectiveness in supporting the
business as well as delivering projects and improvements to help drive strategic and market
success. The Cost Structures of the IT organization will be documented and reviewed.
a. Technology Governance and Demand Management
b. Project Management (PMO)
c. Support Organization Service Model – Responsiveness and Measurement
d. Cost Structures (TCO) – Hardware, Software and Services
5. Communication and Collaboration (Change Management)
We will review Current Management practices, policies and procedures. Document current
customer (internal) communication approach to understand how effectively IT resources
coordinate and communication with the Business.
a. Identify any formal Change Management practices, approaches used.
b. Determine effectiveness of the Communications Strategy.
2. Assessment Program
The assessment is accomplished within 80 – 120 hours over three to six weeks of
time. The key elements of the assessment approach are as follows:
1. Document/understand current state
a. Business Processes (functional groups)
b. Infrastructure (Hardware, Networks, Desktops, Telecom)
c. Information – KPI, analytics
d. IT Organization
e. Communication and Collaboration (Tools, Technologies, Programs)
2. Interview stakeholders
a. Functional Key Users
b. Functional Management
c. IT Management
d. IT Key Process Participants
3. Assess and identify deficiencies/opportunities
a. Quality of Applications and Process Design
b. Technology Architecture and Cost Optimization
c. Risk Management – security, regulatory compliance
d. IT Organization Effectiveness
4. Corrective action roadmap
a. “Quick wins”
b. Risk Analysis
c. Technology Vision and Key Project Roadmap
d. Organization and Procedural/Process Recommendations
Deliverables
The IT Assessment will bring clarity to your current situation and provide an
understanding of the effort needed, if any, to address deficiencies or pursue
opportunities.
a. Documentation of current state
Identification and evaluation of the core technology elements of the key process
areas within your business. The core elements will include process design,
application, information, infrastructure and communication.
b. Assessment report
Deficiencies, issues and opportunities will be identified and prioritized within
each of the technology elements assessed. Recommendations and suggested
corrective actions will also be documented.
c. Roadmap report
“Quick Wins,” those items that be accomplished quickly with minimal cost and
disruption, will be highlighted. In addition, recommended action plans will be
prioritized and properly sequenced to assist you in formulating an action plan
tailored to your budget and strategic needs.