Getting started with Roadmaps

Roadmaps in Lifecycle Manager are pivotal for planning and implementing strategic IT developments over time. Roadmaps provide a structured overview and timeline for executing initiatives that stem from identified needs during client engagements, such as those previously highlighted in Scorecards.

This article delves into the functionality of Roadmaps, illustrating how they can align your services with client business objectives, ensuring continuous client improvement and adherence to strategic goals.

Understanding the Purpose of Roadmaps

  • vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer): Utilizes Roadmaps for overseeing asset cycles, warranty renewals, and strategic planning during quarterly business reviews.
  • Account Manager: Leverages Roadmaps to streamline client interactions by providing a repeatable process that enhances client engagement and clarifies long-term service expectations.
  • Technician: Uses Roadmaps to gain visibility into upcoming tasks, helping schedule and plan IT maintenance and upgrades.

Getting started with Roadmaps

Creating and Using Roadmaps:

  • Initial Setup:
    • When accessing the Roadmap for a client for the first time, it may appear blank, especially if no Initiatives have been scheduled. This blank slate is your canvas to start plotting a strategy based on prior discussions and agreed-upon Scorecard items.
  • Adding Scorecard Items:
    • Incorporate recently discussed or approved Scorecard items into the Roadmap. This transforms strategic goals into actionable plans.
  • Planning Initiatives:
    • Use the Roadmap to outline both short-term and long-term IT initiatives. This could include immediate actions required to address urgent issues or longer-term projects to enhance IT infrastructure or align with business growth.

How to Effectively Utilize Roadmaps

Strategic Planning and Budgeting:

  • Annual Budgeting: Roadmaps are instrumental in planning financial aspects of IT management, helping ensure that budget allocations align with anticipated IT needs.
  • IT Infrastructure Changes: Plan and schedule necessary infrastructure updates or changes, ensuring they are strategically timed and aligned with broader business objectives.

Discovery and Alignment:

  • Business Requirements Discovery: Use Roadmaps to identify and document new IT capabilities that need support, existing deficiencies that need addressing, and strategies to support current business processes.
  • IT Support Alignment: Ensure that your support continues to align with the business’s evolving goals and challenges.

Practical Steps to Build a Roadmap

  1. Access the Roadmap Feature:
    1. Navigate to the Client’s dashboard and select Roadmaps from the side navigation menu.
  2. Add Initiatives:
    1. Beginning with any recently discussed or approved Scorecard items, you can start to build out Initiatives directly from the Roadmap.
    2. Click the New Initiative button to add initiatives directly to the Roadmap.
  3. Publish and Share Roadmaps:
    1. Once the Roadmap is complete, you can publish it and share it with your client. This helps keep all stakeholders informed about the planned actions and timelines, ensuring transparency and accountability.

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