IT4IT capability scan: the starting point for a successful IT transformation

5 reasons why IT4IT capability scanning should be the starting point for ITSM projects

Many IT organizations have experienced the consequences of outdated IT resources: operating and maintenance costs continue to rise, changes become more and more difficult to implement, and-most importantly-there are more incidents that have an impact on the business. This traditional IT usually no longer meets the agility required by the business.

In short, IT transformation is necessary. IT architects are increasingly turning to IT4IT[1] , The lifeline to bring the organization’s IT capabilities back on track. But the IT4IT framework is extensive. To truly understand the potential in this area requires knowledge and experience. So, what is the best way to introduce IT4IT to decision makers without being considered too ambitious, complicated, and expensive? Start with the IT4IT capability scan.

In this article, we provide you with five important reasons to put IT4IT feature scanning on the agenda, but first we need to explain what this scanning is.

What is IT4IT?
IT4IT (Trademark Open group, www.opengroup.org/it4it) is a unified framework that combines, aligns and integrates other IT standards into a complete end-to-end framework, covering the entire IT life cycle and all IT operations. IT4IT defines a common data model for the entire IT lifecycle and goes down to the level of detail required to actually implement the standard. The model consists of four value chains that map IT capabilities to the axis of people, processes, tools, data, control, and integration. This defines a clear roadmap for the future. The four core value chains of the model are:

1. From strategy to portfolio (Portfolio Strategy)
2. From demand to launch (Deployment requirements)
3. From request to delivery (Required)
4. From observation to correction (Detection and correction)

These value streams must be consistent and integrated. This leads to an optimal data exchange. Only in this way can your IT department make informed decisions about its own product portfolio based on accurate information about the services it performs and the platforms it uses.

Wat is de IT4IT capability scan?
DXC Technology delves into your organization to measure the status of IT4IT functions in different dimensions (people, processes, tools, data, control, and integration). Scanning results can provide insights into the current situation, future blueprints, and roadmaps to achieve goals. The blueprint provides help for future strategic choices. Now that we know what IT4IT capability scanning is, we show you five reasons why scanning is the starting point for IT transformation in your organization.

Reason 1: IT4IT capability scanning makes IT4IT easy to manage
The capability scanning method is transparent, tailored, and based on extensive research. In 3 to 6 months, our IT4IT experts will check your organization’s IT capabilities in detail and work with (rather than opposing) employees at all levels of the organization to get a clear understanding of the entire IT landscape, including weaknesses and strengths. It also checks which points can be improved. Unlike other scans, we go beyond the usual independent consultant assessments (senior decision makers read these assessments and then-usually-think they are useless). At DXC Technology, the insights from IT4IT capability scans are transformed into practical and achievable small steps that can really help you advance your IT transformation.

Reason 2: The initial investment required is low—both capital and capacity
The IT4IT capability scan is a safe starting point for decision makers who accept the challenge of complete IT transformation within the company. Considering the impact on the entire organization from strategy to execution, the IT4IT approach can be overwhelming at first. However, the initial investment of IT4IT capability scanning is low, and the lead time is limited and short. Due to the low risk and tangible analysis output, the IT4IT capability scan paved the way to put IT4IT on the agenda.

Reason 3: Structured, prioritized, and detailed step-by-step plan
Can quickly demonstrate the value of IT4IT capability scanning. It is a blueprint for putting various projects and plans on the IT transformation agenda. Through scanning, the IT organization will receive a report with a clear roadmap that can be used to guide managers in IT transformation. This roadmap provides direct insight into the value that IT4IT implementation brings to your organization. The roadmap consists of professionally planned and easy-to-implement steps. Because it makes the benefits of IT4IT so tangible, the roadmap is the most valuable output of the IT4IT capability scan.

Reason 4: Agile methods
With the rapid development of IT, planning ahead is meaningless. This is why we ensure that your IT4IT capability scans the milestones in the roadmap to stay flexible. Survey results, Called epic, Lay a new and solid IT foundation at the beginning of the roadmap. The mid-term and long-term findings are described in the scan to facilitate adjustments—it depends on how your organization and market develop within two years of the IT4IT roadmap. This means that scanning is still a vital element in the organization and provides long-term guidance for IT transformation.

Reason 5: A clear path to the overall IT situation
IT4IT capability scanning is the best weapon for senior managers to achieve the organization’s large-scale IT goals: to make your IT processes and technologies face the future. This brings up the latest possibilities (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) to work better and more efficiently, and to elevate IT services to a higher level. However, to support strategic goals, the IT infrastructure must be equipped with the right tools. First, all tools, processes, and governance principles must be impeccable. Competency scanning creates a functional foundation by first establishing a solid foundation to formulate specific, bite-sized steps, and then IT can realize its ambitions on this basis. By aligning the IT4IT capability scan with your organization’s strategic goals, you can know exactly which areas are going well and which areas require additional attention. Not only in the IT department, but in your entire organization.

Put IT4IT on the agenda through IT4IT capability scan
If you want to implement IT4IT in your organization, the IT4IT capability scan makes this very easy. The IT4IT capability scan provides you with a practical plan through short, concrete stages designed to provide immediate value. This allows you to turn the elusive IT utopia into a realistic and achievable reality. The IT4IT capability scan is a wise starting point to put IT4IT on the agenda. Are you curious about the case in practice?The story of the General Administration of Taxation and Customs and its experience in IT4IT capability scanning is the core of the webinar IT4IT capability scan: the starting point for a successful IT transformation Thursday, September 30 at 10:00 am. Want to participate in a webinar? Register directly to participate in the webinar.

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[1] IT4IT was developed by The Open Group IT4IT™ forum, with the participation of consumer organizations, IT vendors, and academic institutions. DXC is closely involved in the creation and maintenance of this standard.