How is the value of technology perceived across the company?

Technology is part of the tapestry that makes up the culture of every business.  Consequently, companies either see technology as a burden getting in the way or an enabler.  Therefore, those who are responsible for technology need to understand the priorities of the business.  And, those who are consumers need to provide clarity to the providers.

How is the business “expertise” captured?

Business is an endeavor between humans.  Thus, that exchange requires a vocabulary or set of agreed upon terms.  For technology to work correctly, these terms cannot be ambiguous or have multiple meanings.   Furthermore, all parts of a company must share in a common use of language – including the technology.

How are the priorities of the business aligned?

Companies have a list of projects greater than the available time and resources to complete them.   Hence, it is important to create and manage priorities which every department can be aware.  There are several methods (e.g. Agile, Kanban, SCRUM, Waterfall, etc.) which attempt to address this for technology projects.  However, the challenge is fitting the right controls to your company needs.

How are processes defined and is there potential for automation?

Processes are a source of efficiency, and they provide the ability for a company to react to a change in the market.  While technology can speed up processes, it cannot make bad processes work better.   So, to get the most benefit means optimizing your processes before moving to automation.  The first step is to build clarity.

How is the business consuming the data?

Companies are collecting more data than they can consume.  However, few are using it for vital decisions.  These decisions are not getting the benefit from the power of technology.  Although the technology can create beautiful charts, gauges, and graphs, the value is presenting the right data to the right people.  Most of all, turning data into information that is useful is the key to the intelligent business.

How are the system functions verified against the business goals?

Generally, most companies test their systems.  However, those same companies often miss verifying the functions of a system against the business goals.  It is not sufficient to simply push buttons and enter trivial information.   To begin with, systemic testing should become a critical part of technology and its ability to deliver to the needs of the business.

How will the “system” react in the face of unpredictable challenges?

Too often, companies prepare for the recovery from a disaster of largesse scale.  Rarely does this situation come to fruition.  Most relevant are the smaller failures which can wreak havoc on an otherwise stable business.  Thus, successful companies need to take the time to understand ways to protect from these small challenges with big impact.