Why IT strategies fail without a solid information management plan

The pitfall of IT investments without a clear information structure

Many organizations invest millions annually in (new) IT systems – ERP systems, for example, but also CRM tools and AI solutions. Despite these investments, such companies by no means always achieve the desired results. But why is this? It's simpler than you think: You can make the most fantastic software work for you as much and as hard as you want, but in the end even these systems depend on the quality of the information you put into them.

An advanced IT platform, or tech stack, is of shockingly little use in the following situations:

• When data is fragmented across different systems and departments
• When employees still don't know where to find current documents
• When there is no clear structure for storing, sharing and securing information

Without a solid information management plan, you won't get the desired results from even the best IT investment. Moreover, you are far from fully utilizing the capabilities of the purchased system.

What happens to information in an organization when information management is lacking?

When information management is lacking, data silos quickly arise as departments create their own storage methods and a central source of information, a single source of truth, is missing. The result is poor adoption of new IT solutions, simply because employees do not have an overview of the available information and therefore, logically, do not know and will not experience the added value of new systems – unless the organization develops an appropriate information management strategy and subsequent information management plan. Moreover, fragmented information management exposes an organization to significant compliance risks, as inconsistent documentation increases the likelihood of data breaches and fines for non-compliance with legislation such as the AVG/GDPR.

Integrate information management into your IT strategy

A successful IT strategy starts with a clear vision of information management. To develop one, you can put the following steps into practice right away:

• Start working with information management from the beginning: don't see it as an afterthought, but as the foundation of your entire IT structure
• Ensure centralized document storage: use tools that integrate with your existing systems and help create a "single source of truth
• Automate workflows: use smart search, metadata and AI to make information accessible faster
  
  

Conclusion: strong IT starts with strong information management principles

A good IT strategy considers more than just technology. In fact, such a strategy requires a solid approach to managing, securing and sharing information. Want a real return on your IT investments? Then start with the basics: a well-structured information management plan. Follow the steps in that plan and don't skip crucial steps.

Want to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with WoodWing Xtendis experts about your organization's information management to see where your organization can improve.