As-is analysis and Digitization
The topic of as-is analysis is often a complex and much-discussed process in many IT and digitization projects, and especially during the preparation and planning of IT or digitization strategies, with hundreds of “best practices” examples. In the end, however, none of this is rocket science, but it is nevertheless imperative. It is then not primarily about creating 60- to 600-page reports – no matter how large or complex a company is – but primarily about a quick, precise and yet holistic view of IT and a company’s digital activities.
An as-is analysis can be well realized by – ideally – working through a simple checklist quickly and in a structured manner and can be implemented independently by most companies. Nevertheless, sometimes an unbiased view from the outside, a different wealth of experience, and either a professional query or another form of expert insight is helpful….
In most cases, a single well-prepared meeting or workshop – whether exclusively internal or with external help – can provide a good overview and starting point in preparation for one or more IT or digitization projects.
Show a sample checklist for an as-is analysis1. IT Policies and Documentation
Analysis of all written documentations and policies.
Are there valid IT policies and documentation, and are they implemented?
- Policy on proper use of IT / Data protection policy
- IAM Policy / Information management policy
- Password Policy / Procedure in case of incidents/disasters
- BYOD Policies
- Possibly relevant frameworks (e.g. ITIL, COBIT, DIN or Cloud)
2. Company Organizational Structure
Analysis of the complete organizational structure including personnel beyond IT.
People are the company’s most important resource. Without them, there’s no need for IT!
- Organizational structure (flat/hierarchical, horizontal/vertical, organizational integration of IT)
- Overview of job positions and titles / Goals and tasks of employees
- IT/Digital Responsibility: Qualifications and skills
- Communication pathways (internal and external, are there standards/guidelines)
- Training and further education opportunities (with a focus on IT)
- Project management (Structures/Responsibilities/IT tools)
3. Internal Processes
Analysis of the functioning of a company, focusing on IT and digital aspects.
How, where, and with what does the company actually earn money?
- Management hierarchy / Approval processes / Meeting structures
- Time and performance recording / Productivity management
- Financial management / Service-Level Agreements (with IT relevance)
- Overview of all ongoing relevant projects (current and planned)
- Risk assessment / Disaster recovery plans (for IT and general)
4. Existing IT
Inventory of all technological tools used in daily operations.
The toolbox shows what’s technically possible.
- Network infrastructure / Access points
- Hardware / Software (Standard and Custom)
- Data storage / Cloud applications
- External service providers and third-party vendors (IT-based)
- List of all other technological assets related to IT
Services offered
In-depth assessment of your current digital infrastructure and IT landscape as an evaluation of your digitalization capabilities, including identification of optimization opportunities.