Developing a Comprehensive IT Strategy

Opportunity

Formed as a result of the merger of five different childcare, early childhood education, educational resources, and supplemental educational services companies, this privately held education services firm needed to rapidly develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy to consolidate and rationalize IT systems, processes, and organization and lay the foundation for future growth.

Solution

A detailed assessment of the current state of IT systems, processes, organization and architecture was conducted. Existing documentation was reviewed, key stakeholders identified and interviewed, existing systems, business processes, and organization documented, and issues, concerns, and risks identified. Using the business strategy and current state assessment as inputs, the future state vision for IT, including new and existing systems, SLAs, and goals, was defined, documented, shared and confirmed. The gap between the current state and future state was analyzed and the challenges, opportunities, and changes to systems, processes, and organization necessary to realize the vision identified and documented. A five-year roadmap of IT initiatives and projects to address the gaps and realize the future state vision was developed and presented to senior leadership for funding and approval.

Outcome

The IT department was able to secure funding and support for the implementation of a host of major new projects and initiatives including the implementation of a new consolidated ERP backbone and custom developed field management systems. The IT organization was able to move forward in unison based on a detailed roadmap and plan.