How to Create a Business IT Strategy

The success of your business depends on strategic planning. Whether it’s human resources, finances, product releases, or anything else. Now that most organizations rely on technology hardware and software to conduct operations, a business IT strategy is equally important.

“Now that IT is an intrinsic part of conducting business, it is impossible to avoid it as you plan your next business strategy.” – Jeffrey S. King, President of AT-NET

A solid information technology strategy is key to maintaining operations and improving your competitive edge. By staying on top of the latest technology trends, you could gain a clear competitive advantage over your competitors who are not.

To help you gain these advantages, the rest of this article will take a closer look at how to create an IT strategy for your business. We’ll explore why you need an IT strategy, what to include, and how to implement one.

What is an IT Strategy For Business?

An IT strategy for business is a formalized plan that aligns a company’s technology use with its overall business objectives. It outlines how technology investments, operations, and initiatives will support the organization in achieving its goals.

Why Do You Need a Separate Business IT Strategy?

It’s a good idea to lay out your IT business strategy as a separate entity compared to your general business strategy. That’s because technology is complex and dynamic. Therefore, it may require a specialized focus that goes beyond what can typically be addressed within a single chapter of a high-level business strategy.

7 Key Elements to Include in Your IT Strategy

1. Business Alignment

Ensure that every IT initiative directly ties to business goals like increasing revenue, improving customer experiences, or enhancing operational efficiency. A well-aligned IT strategy bridges the gap between technology and business priorities. It also helps decision-makers focus on initiatives that deliver measurable value to the organization.

2. Assessment of Current Technology

Evaluate your current IT infrastructure, systems, and processes to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. 57% of businesses report that outdated infrastructure actively hinders productivity and innovation, and performing this assessment can help you avoid becoming one of them.

3. Future Vision

Define a clear vision for how technology will evolve within your business. Establish this vision by analyzing industry trends and aligning them with organizational goals. This approach ensures the IT strategy remains relevant and supports sustainable growth.

4. Prioritized Initiatives

Develop a roadmap of technology projects and initiatives ranked by their value and alignment with business objectives. Set priorities by evaluating potential impact and feasibility, focusing on quick wins and high-value opportunities. For example, upgrading cybersecurity measures may take precedence over deploying non-critical new tools.

5. Budget & Resource Allocation

Plan how financial and human resources will be distributed to achieve the strategy’s goals. Consider factors such as project costs, team capacity, and anticipated returns on investment. This ensures the organization stays within budget while effectively supporting high-priority initiatives.

6. Risk Management & Security

Develop policies and plans to mitigate risks, address cybersecurity threats, and maintain business continuity. This includes preparing for potential disruptions by identifying vulnerabilities and creating response strategies. Proactively managing risks helps the organization remain resilient against unforeseen challenges.

7. Metrics & Monitoring

Define success metrics and establish mechanisms to track the progress and impact of IT initiatives. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate alignment with business objectives and measure outcomes over time. Regular monitoring ensures the strategy remains effective and adaptable to changing needs.

Here are a few examples KPIs you may want to consider for your IT strategy.

How to Implement Your Business IT Strategy

1. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Identify discrepancies between your current IT capabilities and the resources needed to achieve your strategic goals. Assess gaps in tools, expertise, or systems that prevent you from meeting the organization’s objectives. This process helps pinpoint where improvements are required to align your technology with broader business needs.

2. Set Measurable Objectives

Define clear goals that measure the success of your IT strategy based on the findings from your gap analysis. Ensure these objectives align with long-term business priorities, such as cost reduction, improved efficiency, or enhanced customer satisfaction. Setting specific benchmarks allows you to track progress effectively and maintain alignment.

3. Build a Cross-Functional Team

Form a team that includes members from IT, operations, and other key departments to provide diverse perspectives. Collaboration across departments ensures the strategy addresses operational needs and aligns with the organization’s overall goals. Including non-IT roles strengthens the strategy by incorporating expertise from areas like customer service, finance, or marketing.

4. Create a Detailed Roadmap

Organize the strategy into actionable projects with clear timelines and milestones for each phase. Define dependencies to prioritize initiatives and ensure smooth execution. A detailed roadmap provides structure, which can help your stakeholders stay on track and maintain focus.

5. Develop Policies & Processes

Establish operational guidelines that standardize workflows and support the strategy’s implementation. Include specific protocols for security, system monitoring, and managing changes. Clear policies and processes reduce operational risks and create a framework for consistent performance.

6. Execute the Plan in Stages

Implement the strategy in phases, starting with pilot projects or high-priority initiatives. Provide tailored training, as 93% of employees report that well-planned training programs improve engagement levels. Early successes demonstrate the plan’s value, build momentum, and help refine the approach for subsequent stages.

7. Monitor Progress & Adjust

Use KPIs to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Be prepared to adapt, as 49% of completed projects experience changes in scope, such as modifying tasks or goals. Monitoring and flexibility during early phases help address challenges and ensure the strategy stays on track.

8. Evaluate & Iterate

Review the outcomes of each initiative to assess effectiveness. Collect feedback from stakeholders to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine future projects and ensure continuous growth in alignment with organizational goals.

Work With IT Experts to Help You Roll Out Your IT Strategy

Maintaining momentum as you roll out your strategy can take time and effort. Additionally, it’s not always clear if you have chosen the best IT initiatives for your organization. If you’re uncertain about the answers to these questions, you can count on a team of experienced IT consultants.

Since 1999, AT-NET has been a leader in IT services. We’ve served over 526 clients and have a 100% project success rate among those who choose us to perform project management work. This proven track shows that you can trust us to optimize your business IT strategy.

Reach out to us today to tell us about your needs.