Your vendor is falling short on IT strategy objectives. How will you navigate this setback?

1 Assess Impact

When you realize your vendor isn't meeting IT strategy objectives, the first step is to assess the impact. Evaluate how their shortcomings affect your projects and overall strategy. Consider both immediate issues and potential long-term consequences. This assessment will help you prioritize actions and decide whether to address the problems with the vendor or seek alternatives. Remember, the goal is to minimize disruption to your business operations and maintain strategic momentum.

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've assessed the impact, initiate an open dialogue with your vendor. Communication is key to resolving any issues. Express your concerns, provide specific examples of where they are falling short, and discuss potential solutions. It's important to maintain a collaborative approach, as this can lead to a more productive relationship and better outcomes. Remember, vendors are often willing to adjust their practices if it means retaining your business.

3 Revisit SLAs

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are critical in managing vendor relationships. If your vendor is not meeting IT strategy objectives, it's time to revisit these agreements. Review the SLAs to ensure they align with your current needs and include clear, measurable targets. Renegotiate terms if necessary, and consider adding penalties for non-compliance to motivate adherence. These documents should be living guides that evolve with your business needs.

4 Consider Alternatives

If your vendor continues to underperform, it may be time to consider alternatives. Research other providers who can meet your IT strategy objectives. While switching vendors can be costly and time-consuming, it might be necessary for the long-term success of your IT initiatives. Make sure to conduct thorough due diligence on potential replacements to avoid jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

5 Implement Changes

Implementing changes with your current vendor or transitioning to a new one requires careful planning. Develop a detailed change management plan that includes timelines, milestones, and contingency measures. Communicate these changes internally to ensure all stakeholders are aware and can adjust their expectations and workflows accordingly. Effective change management minimizes disruption and maintains focus on strategic goals.

6 Monitor Progress

Finally, once you've addressed the immediate setback, it's essential to monitor progress closely. Whether you've decided to give your current vendor another chance or have moved on to a new one, set up regular check-ins and performance reviews. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure your IT strategy objectives are being met. Continuous monitoring allows for timely interventions if problems re-emerge.

7 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?