Creating an Information Systems Strategy

This article serves as a guide for developing an effective information systems strategy to manage business information needs. It begins by defining what an information systems strategy entails, emphasizing the necessity of having a structured approach to handle various business systems, whether they are spreadsheets, cloud solutions, or ERP systems. The text outlines common challenges organizations face, such as data duplication, system integration issues, and the reactive nature of businesses in response to market demands. The article presents a five-step roadmap for creating a robust information systems strategy. Step one focuses on understanding the business's objectives and key drivers. Step two involves identifying the information needs of the business. Step three assesses the current systems and data landscape. Step four reviews and consolidates existing systems to address gaps and inefficiencies. Finally, step five defines an enterprise architecture that aligns with the organization's requirements, aiming to enhance data integrity and operational efficiency.