Control over the IT process of Procure IT Resources that satisfies the business requirement for IT of
- improving IT’s cost-efficiency and its contribution to business profitability
- acquiring and maintaining IT skills that respond to the delivery strategy, an integrated and standardized IT infrastructure, and reducing IT procurement risk
- Obtaining professional legal and contractual advice
- Defining procurement procedures and standards
- Procuring requested hardware, software and services in line with defined procedures
- Number of disputes related to procurement contracts
- Amount of reduction of the purchasing cost
- Percent of key stakeholders satisfied with suppliers
1 Non-existent
2 Initial/Ad Hoc
3 Repeatable but Intuitive
4 Defined
5 Managed and Measurable
6 Optimized
Benchmarks/Guidelines for Scoring
1 Non-existent when
There is no defined IT resource procurement process in place. The organization does not recognize the need for clear procurement polices and procedures to ensure that all IT resources are available in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
2 Initial/Ad Hoc when
The organization recognizes the need to have documented policies and procedures that link IT acquisition to the business organization’s overall procurement process. Contracts for the acquisition of IT resources are developed and managed by project managers and other individuals exercising their professional judgment rather than as a result of formal procedures and policies. There is only an ad hoc relationship between corporate acquisition and contract management processes and IT. Contracts for acquisition are managed at the conclusion of projects rather than on a continuous basis.
3 Repeatable but Intuitive when
There is organizational awareness of the need to have basic policies and procedures for IT acquisition. Policies and procedures are partially integrated with the business organization’s overall procurement process. Procurement processes are mostly utilized for large and highly visible projects. Responsibilities and accountabilities for IT procurement and contract management are determined by the individual contract manager’s experience. The importance of supplier management and relationship management is recognized; however, it is addressed based on individual initiative. Contract processes are mostly utilized by large or highly visible projects.
4 Defined when
Management institutes policies and procedures for IT acquisition. Policies and procedures are guided by the business organization’s overall procurement process. IT acquisition is largely integrated with overall business procurement systems. IT standards for the acquisition of IT resources exist. Suppliers of IT resources are integrated into the organization’s project management mechanisms from a contract management perspective. IT management communicates the need for appropriate acquisitions and contract management throughout the IT function.
5 Managed and Measurable when
IT acquisition is fully integrated with overall business procurement systems. IT standards for the acquisition of IT resources are used for all procurements. Measurements on contract and procurement management are taken relevant to the business cases for IT acquisition. Reporting on IT acquisition activity that supports business objectives is available. Management is usually aware of exceptions to the policies and procedures for IT acquisition. Strategic management of relationships is developing. IT management enforces the use of the acquisition and contract management process for all acquisitions by reviewing performance measurement.
6 Optimized when
Management institutes resources’ procurement thorough processes for IT acquisition. Management enforces compliance with policies and procedures for IT acquisition. Measurements on contract and procurement management are taken that are relevant to the business cases for IT acquisitions. Good relationships are established over time with most suppliers and partners, and the quality of relationships is measured and monitored. Relationships are managed strategically. IT standards, policies and procedures for the acquisition of IT resources are managed strategically and respond to measurement of the process. IT management communicates the strategic importance of appropriate acquisition and contract management throughout the IT function.