AI1 Identify Automated Solutions

The need for a new application or function requires analysis before acquisition or creation to ensure that business requirements are satisfied in an effective and efficient approach. This process covers the definition of the needs, consideration of alternative sources, review of technological and economic feasibility, execution of a risk analysis and cost-benefit analysis, and conclusion of a final decision to ‘make’ or ‘buy’. All these steps enable organizations to minimise the cost to acquire and implement solutions while ensuring that they enable the business to achieve its objectives.

Control over the IT process of Identify Automated Solutions that satisfies the business requirement for IT of

• translating business functional and control requirements into an effective and efficient design of automated solutions

by focusing on

• identifying technically feasible and cost-effective solutions

is achieved by

• Defining business and technical requirements
• Undertaking feasibility studies as defined in the development standards
• Approving (or rejecting) requirements and feasibility study results

and is measured by

• Number of projects where stated benefits were not achieved due to incorrect feasibility assumptions
• Percent of feasibility studies signed off on by the business process owner
• Percent of users satisfied with functionality delivered

Management of the process of Identify Automated Solutions that satisfies the business requirement for IT of translating business functional and control requirements into an effective and efficient design of automated solutions is:

1 Non-existent
2 Initial/Ad Hoc
3 Repeatable but Intuitive
4 Defined
5 Managed and Measurable
6 Optimized

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Benchmarks/Guidelines for Scoring

1 Non-existent when
The organization does not require the identification of functional and operational requirements for development, implementation or modification of solutions, such as system, service, infrastructure, software and data. The organization does not maintain an awareness of available technology solutions potentially relevant to its business.
2 Initial/Ad Hoc when
There is an awareness of the need to define requirements and identify technology solutions. Individual groups meet to discuss needs informally, and requirements are sometimes documented. Solutions are identified by individuals based on limited market awareness or in response to vendor offerings. There is minimal structured research or analysis of available technology.
3 Repeatable but Intuitive when
Some intuitive approaches to identify IT solutions exist and vary across the business. Solutions are identified informally based on the internal experience and knowledge of the IT function. The success of each project depends on the expertise of a few key individuals. The quality of documentation and decision making varies considerably. Unstructured approaches are used to define requirements and identify technology solutions.
4 Defined when
Clear and structured approaches in determining IT solutions exist. The approach to the determination of IT solutions requires the consideration of alternatives evaluated against business or user requirements, technological opportunities, economic feasibility, risk assessments, and other factors. The process for determining IT solutions is applied for some projects based on factors such as the decisions made by the individual staff members involved, the amount of management time committed, and the size and priority of the original business requirement. Structured approaches are used to define requirements and identify IT solutions.
5 Managed and Measurable when
An established methodology for identification and assessment of IT solutions exists and is used for most projects. Project documentation is of good quality, and each stage is properly approved. Requirements are well articulated and in accordance with predefined structures. Solution alternatives are considered, including the analysis of costs and benefits. The methodology is clear, defined, generally understood and measurable. There is a clearly defined interface between IT management and business in the identification and assessment of IT solutions.
6 Optimized when
The methodology for identification and assessment of IT solutions is subjected to continuous improvement. The acquisition and implementation methodology has the flexibility for large- and small-scale projects. The methodology is supported by internal and external knowledge databases containing reference materials on technology solutions. The methodology itself produces documentation in a predefined structure that makes production and maintenance efficient. New opportunities are often identified to utilize technology to gain competitive advantage, influence business process re-engineering and improve overall efficiency. Management detects and acts if IT solutions are approved without consideration of alternative technologies or business functional requirements.