How do you leverage ITAM cost optimization to support innovation and digital transformation?

1 Align ITAM with business goals

ITAM is not just a technical or operational function. It is also a business function that aligns IT assets with the needs and objectives of the organization. By understanding the value and performance of your IT assets, you can make better decisions about what to invest in, what to retire, and what to optimize. You can also identify opportunities to innovate and transform your business processes, products, or services with IT assets that deliver the best outcomes.

2 Adopt a cloud-first approach

Cloud computing is a key enabler of innovation and digital transformation. It offers scalability, flexibility, and agility to support changing business demands and customer expectations. However, cloud computing also poses challenges for ITAM, such as visibility, governance, and cost control. To leverage ITAM cost optimization in the cloud, you need to adopt a cloud-first approach that considers the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the return on investment (ROI) of cloud assets. You also need to implement tools and processes to monitor, manage, and optimize your cloud consumption and spending.

3 Automate and integrate ITAM processes

ITAM processes, such as discovery, inventory, asset request, provisioning, decommissioning, and reporting, can be time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient if done manually or in silos. To leverage ITAM cost optimization, you need to automate and integrate your ITAM processes with other IT and business functions, such as service management, security, finance, and procurement. This way, you can streamline your workflows, reduce human errors, and improve data quality and accuracy. You can also gain insights and analytics to optimize your IT asset performance and utilization.

4 Embrace a circular ITAM model

A circular ITAM model is a sustainable and responsible way to manage your IT assets throughout their lifecycle. It involves reducing, reusing, and recycling your IT assets to minimize environmental impact and maximize value creation. By embracing a circular ITAM model, you can leverage ITAM cost optimization to support your corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. You can also enhance your brand reputation, customer loyalty, and employee engagement.

5 Foster a culture of ITAM excellence

ITAM cost optimization is not a one-time project or a standalone function. It is a continuous and collaborative effort that requires the involvement and commitment of all stakeholders, from IT leaders and staff to business users and executives. To leverage ITAM cost optimization, you need to foster a culture of ITAM excellence that promotes awareness, education, communication, and accountability. You also need to establish clear roles and responsibilities, policies and standards, metrics and incentives, and feedback and improvement mechanisms.

ITAM cost optimization can help you not only save money, but also create value and drive innovation and digital transformation in your organization. By following these tips, you can leverage ITAM cost optimization to align your IT assets with your business goals, adopt a cloud-first approach, automate and integrate your ITAM processes, embrace a circular ITAM model, and foster a culture of ITAM excellence.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?