Innovate for Success   In today’s fast-paced business environment, continual technology innovation is a prerequisite for gaining, or at minimum retaining, market share. Disruption is always a risk; if you are not disrupting, you will be disrupted. However, successful disruption and differentiation require innovation. Tips for Innovation   Some organizations are definitely better than others at fostering […]

What if we think differently about the technology applications our businesses use on a daily basis?   Change the technology paradigm and give your ERP system a face, name, and skillset. Describe your CRM system’s personality. Do its peers enjoy working with it? Is he/she a valuable team member who makes their lives easier or more […]

I was recently asked, “What do you think are the top information technology trends impacting businesses in the next few years?” With rapid changes happening everywhere, there are a plethora of innovations coming into the mainstream; both industry-specific and by business function (e. g. 3-D printing revolutionizing manufacturing, Blockchain in financial and transaction models). I […]

The Power of Great Questions     Before starting to seek answers, it’s important to ask the right questions. Are you struggling with some of these questions regarding your digital journey?    How do I identify a digital strategy to help differentiate, disrupt and win in the marketplace?   Where should I invest in technologies […]

We’ve all seen the ‘smart refrigerator’ commercial where the consumer uses their phone at the store to check whether they are out of milk. Smart devices are infiltrating our personal lives, whether it’s connecting our houses or cars. Many companies are rapidly investing in Internet of Things (IoT), which are Internet-connected devices with embedded sensors […]

Developing an IT, technology, or digital strategy often helps an organization build-out or update their overall business strategy. This focus on strategy can be a critical success factor not only for IT, but for the business.  With the convergence of business and IT, looking strategically is equally important for both the business and IT.  Rather […]

Successful companies look at the move to digital holistically, as part of their business strategy led from the top of the organization rather than a simple IT effort just “bolting on” additional technology to call it done. Digital needs to be at the core of a company’s business strategy. It’s not sufficient anymore for technology […]

ITDirections was engaged by a $500 Million worldwide high-tech manufacturing company with 3,400 employees in 35 facilities in 24 countries. The Client was an early adopter in the digital space and desired an overall e-business (or digital) strategy. At the time, their industry was using the Internet mainly for online marketing, but the Client wanted to be a leader in their industry and go beyond its competitors and proactively identify digital opportunities.

Is it really that important to have an IT Strategy?  Understandably, many organizations shy away from having teams of expensive consultants work for months developing a high-level IT strategic plan or digital strategy. Often, these plans may not seem to add much value to the organization.  Others may say they have a strategy, when in reality […]

The day after Thanksgiving was always a standing event and tradition when a friend and I would hit the stores from 4 a.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. It was always incredible fun, as we would mix in restaurants, beverages, exercise, and spa treatments….but always a car-full of shopping.  We would get the Black Friday […]