eWit can evaluate IT solution options available to tackle complex business challenges from multiple perspectives such as functionality fit, return on investment, ease of implementation, payback, etc. In performing such engagements, we bring together our management consultants, and vertical and horizontal solution experts to provide a comprehensive perspective to the evaluation process.
Methodology
We conducted a well-structured, three- phase process for IT Solution Strategy Analysis
Phase I – Establishing a Fact base
We carry out data collection, interviews and focus groups to understand the current usage and system architecture of the current application solution and its business environment, assess the user experience and performance of the system, surface major requirements, issues and limitations that any future system will need to address and prioritize them. Our activities involve structured interviews and basic metric data collection as well as a best practices review. Our approach is an issue-driven one, so that we focus on the key aspects of the proposed solution without consuming too much effort on peripheral or secondary concerns.
Phase II – Analysis of Solution Alternatives
In identifying potential system solutions to the prioritized requirements surfaced in Phase I, we consider a broad set of options from package, semi-custom and full custom solutions. In developing these options we take into consideration the current systems architecture and key functional and data assets that the client would like to leverage in the future solution. We also analyze the solution alternatives that are best equipped to fill functionality, technology, infrastructure and operational gaps that are prevalent in the current system. We develop total cost models for the solution options, taking into consideration license, implementation, process change, training and maintenance costs.
For comparing the various solution alternatives we use an in-house tool CBAT – Cost Benefit Analysis Tool— for computing the ROI of an application or an IT solution. CBAT utilizes the financial principles of NPV, IRR and payback period and computes the cost-benefit tradeoffs based on
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Quantification of tangible and intangible benefits
- ROI analysis
Furthermore, we “stress test” the solution options against key use cases and workflows through cross-functional workshops in order to surface any deficiencies and help develop a solution recommendation.
Phase III – Implementation Planning
Based on your decision to adopt one of the recommended solution options, we create a very detailed implementation plan for the desired solution. The plan details all activities, timelines, staged investment hurdles and metrics for tracking implementation as well as the rollout and impact of the system replacement. The plan also provides specifics on the program management office and defines roles and responsibilities across the client and other parties involved in the implementation, rollout and post-implementation change management.
Benefits
The IT Solution Strategy study will help you understand all the technology options available to you to tackle your business issues. You will be able to evaluate the options available from all perspectives such as functionality, ease of implementation, time lines, cost, return on investment and payback. The study recommendations, which are based on the principle of vendor and technology neutrality, will enable you to make the decision based on objective analysis. In more than 50% of cases analyzed, costs of maintaining the system exceed their value to the business. eWit's Portfolio Analysis leads to a 30%-40% decrease in overall IT spending.
Corporate Applications
A cornerstone of our 4th Generation Offshore Outsourcing model, eWit delivers the expertise to build the enterprise backbone necessary for business operation. Capitalizing on our Consulting & Systems Integration practice, we take an architectural approach to developing an enterprise framework that is integratable and extensible. For retailers, our enterprise management offerings complement our vertical solutions by providing the enterprise backbone on which these solutions are built. Our retail enterprise management offerings include corporate transaction applications and business intelligence.
Business IT Planning
Organizations everywhere are challenged to do much more with the resources they have. Once it was just a matter for the yearly budget review; today, IT must continually prove its value to and alignment with the business. IT managers must meet complex new business needs such as collaborative commerce and security management. They must deploy Web-based tools while supporting “workhorse” legacy systems. That's why they want better ways to monitor IT performance in terms of total cost. They need data to show ROI on investments, to prove IT's responsiveness, to show support for future business initiatives, and to say where outsourcing will be cost-effective – and where it won't be.
eWit's Advanced Solutions Group ASG has core strengths in aligning IT operations with business goals. We know exactly how to ensure strategic alignment at the legacy level as well as in open architectures. Every BITP project benefits from a proven strategic framework. |
