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10 strategies and tactics for It Operations

What is It Operations strategy?

Team success often hinges on the ability to develop and implement effective strategies and tactics. It's a bit like playing chess, except that you have more than 1 player on each side.

Crafting the perfect It Operations strategy can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're juggling daily responsibilities. That's why we've put together a collection of examples to spark your inspiration.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own It Operations strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

It Operations strategy examples

You'll find below a list of It Operations tactics. We also included action items for each template to make it more practical and useful.

Strategies and tactics for transforming and improving operational efficiency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct a comprehensive process assessment

    • Identify all current processes within the organisation
    • Map out each process in detail to highlight inefficiencies
    • Gather data on process performance and key metrics
    • Engage stakeholders for insights on pain points and challenges
    • Apply process mapping techniques for clarity
    • Benchmark current processes against industry standards
    • Identify redundancies and bottlenecks in processes
    • Prioritise processes that need urgent improvement
    • Develop a report detailing findings and recommendations
    • Review findings with management and relevant teams

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement process automation

    • Identify repetitive tasks suitable for automation
    • Research and select appropriate automation tools
    • Create a cost-benefit analysis for automation implementation
    • Develop a project plan for introducing automation
    • Engage IT and relevant departments for support
    • Set clear goals and KPIs for automation success
    • Pilot automation tools in a controlled environment
    • Train team members on using automation tools
    • Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments
    • Scale automation across the organisation post-pilot

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Foster a culture of continuous improvement

    • Launch a continuous improvement programme across the organisation
    • Encourage feedback and suggestions from employees at all levels
    • Establish regular workshops to promote process innovation
    • Incentivise employees for successfully implementing improvements
    • Create cross-functional teams to focus on process improvements
    • Use data-driven decision making to address inefficiencies
    • Leverage technology to support continuous improvement
    • Regularly review and update processes based on feedback
    • Recognise and celebrate successful process improvements
    • Create a central repository for documenting improvements and lessons learned
operational-efficiencyprocess-automationprocess-analystit-specialistoperations-teamit-department
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Strategies and tactics for implementing automation to streamline existing processes

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Assess current processes

    • Identify key processes ripe for automation
    • Map out each identified process in detail
    • Evaluate current pain points and inefficiencies
    • Determine the potential impact of automation on each process
    • Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for automating each process
    • Gather input and feedback from team members involved in these processes
    • Compile a list of automation requirements and tools needed
    • Set objectives and key performance indicators for automation
    • Prioritise processes based on impact and feasibility
    • Create a project plan with timelines and milestones

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Select and implement automation tools

    • Research available automation tools and platforms
    • Request demos and trials from vendors
    • Assess the ease of integration with existing systems
    • Evaluate the scalability and flexibility of each tool
    • Check for user-friendliness and required technical expertise
    • Select the most suitable tools based on evaluation criteria
    • Develop a detailed implementation plan
    • Configure and customise tools as per requirements
    • Conduct pilot tests on selected processes
    • Roll out the tools across all identified processes

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Train staff and optimise processes

    • Develop comprehensive training materials for staff
    • Schedule and conduct training sessions
    • Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for staff
    • Set up a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement
    • Monitor and assess the performance of automated processes
    • Make necessary adjustments to optimise automation
    • Continuously review and refine automation strategies
    • Explore opportunities for further automation
    • Track key performance indicators and measure results
    • Report the outcomes and benefits of automation to stakeholders
automationefficiencyproject-managerit-specialistoperations-teamit-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving Efficiency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct a thorough assessment

    • Identify and document current processes and workflows
    • Evaluate the existing technology and tools in use
    • Gather feedback from team members on inefficiencies they encounter
    • Perform a time analysis to identify bottlenecks in processes
    • Analyse energy consumption and resource usage
    • Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify internal and external improvement opportunities
    • Identify areas with repetitive tasks for potential automation
    • Assess current communication channels for effectiveness
    • Review supplier and vendor efficiencies
    • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for tracking efficiency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Streamline processes

    • Simplify complicated workflows for clarity and speed
    • Implement automation tools for routine and repetitive tasks
    • Create standard operating procedures to maintain consistency
    • Leverage project management software for better task coordination
    • Set up regular training sessions to reinforce improved processes
    • Eliminate unnecessary steps in critical workflows
    • Intensify data analytics for rapid decision-making
    • Review and negotiate supplier contracts to ensure best practices
    • Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to reduce silos
    • Monitor and adjust processes based on feedback and data analysis

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance resource management

    • Optimise resource allocation based on project priorities
    • Implement flexible scheduling to better match workload demands
    • Adopt a digital inventory management system to track supplies
    • Promote remote work and flexible hours for decreased overhead costs
    • Establish a preventative maintenance schedule for equipment
    • Reduce paper usage with digital documentation systems
    • Initiate an energy conservation programme
    • Improve supplier delivery systems to minimize inventory holding
    • Conduct regular team evaluations to align skills with job needs
    • Invest in employee development to improve skillsets relevant to efficiency
efficiencyoptimizationprocess-analystoperations-manageroperations-teamit-team
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Strategies and tactics for enhancing IT Support for Store Operations

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish a Dedicated IT Support Team

    • Recruit and hire skilled IT professionals with expertise in managing retail technologies
    • Define clear roles and responsibilities for IT support staff
    • Train team members on the specific technologies used in the store such as POS, CCTV, and biometrics
    • Develop a protocol for handling common IT issues and resolutions
    • Set up a ticketing system for tracking and managing support requests
    • Implement a monitoring system to oversee the health of all IT equipment
    • Schedule regular team meetings to discuss issues and share solutions
    • Create a knowledge base for common troubleshooting steps and solutions
    • Establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of IT support responses
    • Ensure continuous development of staff through regular training and certifications

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement Preventive Maintenance and Monitoring

    • Carry out a comprehensive audit of existing IT systems and equipment
    • Set up automated monitoring tools to detect and alert for issues in real-time
    • Schedule regular maintenance checks for all IT hardware including POS, CCTV, and printers
    • Create maintenance logs to record all checks and any remedial action taken
    • Develop a maintenance calendar for routine updates and hardware inspections
    • Establish regular data backup protocols to prevent loss of information
    • Implement software updates and patches across all systems systematically
    • Train staff on proper equipment usage to minimise unnecessary wear and tear
    • Evaluate hardware lifespan and prepare for timely replacements and upgrades
    • Regularly review and update all preventive measures based on emerging technologies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance Communication and Response Protocols

    • Create an IT support hotline dedicated for store personnel
    • Develop communication guidelines for raising IT issues promptly and clearly
    • Prioritise issues based on impact and urgency with clear response times
    • Establish a direct line of communication between store managers and IT support
    • Implement a feedback loop to improve IT service quality and responsiveness
    • Set up emergency protocols for critical system failures like POS outages
    • Develop a standard operating procedure for handling IT-related customer issues
    • Identify and document points of failure for each technology in use
    • Engage with technology vendors for priority support arrangements
    • Regularly update emergency contact lists and escalation procedures
it-supportretail-technologiesit-support-specialistsystem-analystit-support-teamstore-operations-team
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Strategies and tactics for expanding Sterling Tour and Travel Agency into the Kenyan Market

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Forge strategic partnerships

    • Identify and partner with a medium-sized Kenyan tour and travel agency
    • Leverage the local partner’s market knowledge and customer base
    • Align services to meet local cultural and tourist preferences
    • Ensure clear communication channels with partners
    • Negotiate mutually beneficial terms in partnership agreements
    • Engage local travel influencers to promote joint offerings
    • Create co-branded marketing materials with local partners
    • Host joint events and travel expos to increase brand visibility
    • Develop shared objectives and performance metrics
    • Regularly review and refine partnership strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Adapt services to local market conditions

    • Research and understand customer preferences in Kenya
    • Develop Kenya-specific travel packages including popular destinations
    • Implement a pricing strategy that reflects local purchasing power
    • Offer flexible payment options tailored to Kenyan market needs
    • Launch culturally immersive experiences like safaris and heritage tours
    • Translate marketing materials into Swahili and other local languages
    • Align services with environmental and cultural preservation initiatives
    • Conduct training sessions for employees on local customs and practices
    • Incorporate feedback from local customers into service offerings
    • Regularly update offerings based on seasonal tourist trends

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance marketing and brand awareness

    • Launch social media campaigns targeting Kenyan travellers
    • Partner with local influencers to widen digital reach
    • Participate in local and international travel expos
    • Utilise radio and print media to reach different demographics
    • Highlight local partnerships in marketing communications
    • Develop emotional and engaging storytelling content
    • Create promotional videos showcasing Kenyan attractions
    • Establish a customer referral programme
    • Leverage customer testimonials in marketing materials
    • Conduct surveys to measure brand awareness and adapt strategies
partnershipslocalizationstrategic-plannermarketing-specialistmarketing-teambusiness-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for enhancing Phishing-Resistant Authentication

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

    • Use hardware-based MFA tokens for all employees
    • Require biometric authentication where possible
    • Educate employees about the importance of MFA
    • Regularly update and rotate MFA devices and methods
    • Integrate MFA in all critical applications and systems
    • Monitor and audit MFA usage for compliance
    • Ensure backup and recovery options for lost MFA devices
    • Test and update MFA systems against phishing attacks
    • Implement adaptive risk-based MFA
    • Provide user support for MFA-related issues

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enforce a no BYOD policy

    • Develop and implement a strict no BYOD policy
    • Communicate the policy clearly to all employees
    • Conduct training sessions on the risks of BYOD
    • Deploy company-approved devices with secure configurations
    • Regularly inspect and audit company-issued devices
    • Maintain an inventory log of all approved devices
    • Implement remote wipe capabilities for lost or stolen devices
    • Set up access controls to prohibit non-approved devices
    • Review and update the policy periodically
    • Provide secure alternatives for employees needing flexibility

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Transition to secure remote access solutions

    • Evaluate current VPN infrastructure for security gaps
    • Consider replacing VPN with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or similar solutions
    • Ensure end-to-end encryption on all remote access pathways
    • Set up split tunnelling to prevent data leaks
    • Conduct periodic security audits of remote access solutions
    • Implement network access controls for remote users
    • Offer training on secure remote work practices
    • Deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor remote traffic
    • Regularly update software and systems for remote access security
    • Assess user feedback and improve remote access experience
authenticationsecurityit-security-analystnetwork-administratorit-support-teamsecurity-operations-team
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Strategies and tactics for implementing blue-green deployment in banking

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Adopt a robust CI/CD pipeline

    • Analyse current deployment processes and identify areas of improvement
    • Implement continuous integration tools to automate testing
    • Develop a deployment pipeline that builds, tests, and deploys code changes
    • Integrate version control systems with the deployment pipeline
    • Utilise feature toggles for efficient software version control
    • Ensure rollback capabilities in case of deployment failures
    • Perform regular audits and updates of the CI/CD pipeline
    • Train staff on the use of the updated pipeline and tools
    • Monitor pipeline metrics to ensure efficiency and detect bottlenecks
    • Iterate on the pipeline based on feedback and performance data

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Ensure stakeholder alignment and communication

    • Identify key stakeholders involved in the deployment process
    • Organise a kick-off meeting to discuss blue-green deployment benefits
    • Create a communication plan outlining major phases and updates
    • Set up regular meetings for progress updates and feedback
    • Ensure transparency in the deployment process and timelines
    • Develop guidelines for stakeholder engagement and responsibilities
    • Share success stories and case studies to illustrate benefits
    • Provide training sessions to stakeholders on blue-green deployment
    • Collect and act on stakeholder feedback throughout the process
    • Align stakeholder objectives with the overall deployment goals

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement effective monitoring and testing

    • Identify critical banking processes that require monitoring
    • Set up real-time monitoring tools for system performance and errors
    • Develop comprehensive test suites covering functional and non-functional areas
    • Ensure all new deployments pass through rigorous testing phases
    • Create and maintain a test environment that mirrors the production environment
    • Implement user acceptance testing with real-world scenarios
    • Schedule regular drills and test simulations to prepare for failures
    • Utilise canary releases to validate safe deployments initially
    • Ensure automated alerts and incident management protocols
    • Continuously improve testing and monitoring based on incident learnings
deploymentsoftware-updatessoftware-engineerproject-managerit-operationsquality-assurance
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Strategies and tactics for countering an Unfavourable Organisational Reorganisation

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Build a coalition

    • Identify key colleagues who share your concerns about the proposed structure
    • Organise a meeting to discuss collective objections and gather ideas
    • Develop joint talking points for consistency in messaging
    • Create a proposal document highlighting alternative structures
    • Seek informal feedback from trusted board members to gauge their stance
    • Encourage coalition members to discuss concerns with their respective teams
    • Prepare a joint statement or letter to be submitted to the Board
    • Nominate coalition representatives to meet with the acting CEO for negotiation
    • Ensure coalition members are present in all meetings to voice concerns
    • Plan follow-up meetings to evaluate progress and adjust the strategy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Present a well-researched counter-proposal

    • Analyse the current organisational needs and budget limitations
    • Research successful organisational structures in similar entities
    • Identify key roles and responsibilities crucial for operational success
    • Compile data and case studies that support your alternative proposal
    • Draft a clear and comprehensive organisational structure proposal
    • Highlight the benefits of the counter-proposal over the suggested structure
    • Engage with human resources for insights on personnel management
    • Seek external expert evaluations to strengthen your proposal
    • Prepare a concise presentation for the Board meeting
    • Submit the counter-proposal ahead of the meeting for prior review

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage stakeholder influence

    • Identify stakeholders who have significant influence over the Board
    • Engage with these stakeholders to share concerns about the proposal
    • Schedule one-on-one meetings with influential stakeholders to discuss implications
    • Develop targeted messages addressing each stakeholder's interests
    • Provide stakeholders with detailed briefs on the proposal's potential impact
    • Utilise stakeholder feedback to refine your arguments and counter-proposals
    • Involve stakeholders in coalition meetings to ensure alignment
    • Propose a stakeholder-backed workshop to evaluate alternative structures
    • Ensure stakeholders are prepared to address concerns in the Board meeting
    • Follow up with stakeholders post-meeting to discuss next steps and outcomes
organisational-structurestakeholder-influenceexecutive-directoracting-ceohuman-resourcesboard-of-directors
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Strategies and tactics for improving business operations

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: conduct comprehensive process audit

    • Identify and document all existing processes
    • Engage key stakeholders to understand pain points
    • Analyse process workflows for bottlenecks
    • Benchmark processes against industry standards
    • Identify redundant and non-value-added activities
    • Evaluate the use of current technologies
    • Gather employee feedback on process inefficiencies
    • Create a report summarising findings
    • Prioritise processes that need immediate attention
    • Develop an action plan for process improvements

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: implement technology solutions

    • Research modern technology solutions suitable for your industry
    • Evaluate the cost and benefits of each solution
    • Select the most appropriate technology tools
    • Develop a timeline for implementing new technologies
    • Train employees on how to use new systems
    • Integrate new technology with existing systems
    • Monitor the performance of new technology
    • Collect feedback from users to identify issues
    • Make necessary adjustments based on feedback
    • Continuously assess technology updates and trends

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: optimise resource allocation and management

    • Assess current resource allocation
    • Identify areas with underutilised resources
    • Identify areas that require additional resources
    • Create a balanced resource distribution plan
    • Implement a project management tool
    • Train managers on effective resource management techniques
    • Introduce a performance measurement system
    • Set clear performance metrics and objectives
    • Review and adjust resource allocation periodically
    • Create a culture of continuous improvement
efficiencytechnologymanagerauditorit-teamoperations-team
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Strategies and tactics for creating efficiencies through artificial intelligence

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Analyse existing processes

    • Conduct a comprehensive review of current workflows
    • Identify repetitive and time-consuming tasks suitable for automation
    • Identify key performance metrics to monitor improvements
    • Engage with team members to understand pain points in current processes
    • Evaluate the potential for AI to enhance decision-making processes
    • Consult with AI experts to assess the suitability of AI technologies
    • Prioritise processes with the highest potential for efficiency gains
    • Map out the current process flowcharts for clarity
    • Identify potential challenges and constraints in AI implementation
    • Set clear AI implementation goals aligned with business objectives

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Integrate AI tools

    • Research and select AI tools that align with identified needs
    • Develop a timeline for the phased integration of AI tools
    • Test AI tools with a pilot programme to ensure compatibility
    • Train staff on new AI technologies and their benefits
    • Integrate AI tools into existing systems and processes
    • Regularly collect feedback from users on AI tool performance
    • Monitor key performance metrics to assess the impact
    • Make iterative improvements based on user feedback
    • Ensure robust data security and compliance with AI tools
    • Document lessons learned and best practices

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Foster a culture of innovation

    • Encourage team members to suggest AI applications
    • Establish innovation workshops to generate AI ideas
    • Create a dedicated innovation task force for AI projects
    • Provide continuous training on emerging AI trends
    • Celebrate successes and recognise innovative peers
    • Promote cross-departmental collaboration for AI projects
    • Incorporate AI innovation goals into personal development plans
    • Provide incentives for teams that successfully implement AI
    • Conduct regular brainstorming sessions on AI advancements
    • Embed AI thinking in strategic planning across the organisation
efficiencyautomationai-consultantoperations-managerit-support-teaminnovation-task-force
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How to track your It Operations strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Having a good strategy is only half the effort. You'll increase significantly your chances of success if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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