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10 strategies and tactics for It Service Manager

What is It Service Manager strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Crafting the perfect It Service Manager 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 Service Manager 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 Service Manager strategy examples

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

Strategies and tactics for suggesting technical features for rent office spaces in India

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement high-speed and reliable internet connectivity

    • Conduct a survey of available internet service providers in the area
    • Negotiate corporate packages with providers for reduced rates
    • Install redundant internet connections for backup during outages
    • Enable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the office space
    • Ensure regular speed checks and service interruptions monitoring
    • Facilitate cloud services for data storage and communication
    • Provide support for configuring VPNs for secure remote access
    • Offer guidelines for optimising bandwidth usage
    • Maintain reliable contact points for technical support
    • Assess cutting-edge internet technologies for future upgrades
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Establish modern and flexible IT infrastructure

    • Integrate power backup systems like UPS and generators
    • Install modular furniture with embedded power and data ports
    • Set up a centralised server room with climate control
    • Use scalable network systems to accommodate varying workloads
    • Implement VoIP for efficient and scalable communication
    • Facilitate BYOD policies through proper network security
    • Offer various office hardware like printers and copiers as needed
    • Organise regular audits of IT equipment for maintenance and upgrades
    • Provide secure access control systems for facilities and data
    • Explore the use of IoT devices for better office management
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Create an environment conducive to digital collaboration

    • Set up video conferencing rooms with high-quality AV equipment
    • Integrate project management and collaborative software solutions
    • Provide training sessions on digital tools available
    • Create shared digital workspaces accessible to all employees
    • Equip meeting rooms with digital boards and smart presentations tools
    • Implement hot-desking software to manage workspace allocation
    • Facilitate remote working tools and software for employees
    • Ensure tech support availability for troubleshooting digital issues
    • Install wayfinding technologies to help employees navigate spaces
    • Evaluate new emerging digital solutions for workspace collaboration

Strategies and tactics for automating IT Services Work

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Identify and prioritise automation opportunities

    • Conduct an audit to map current IT processes
    • Identify repetitive and rule-based tasks suitable for automation
    • Engage with stakeholders to gather feedback on potential areas for automation
    • Prioritise processes based on impact and feasibility for automation
    • Assess current technology stack for automation compatibility
    • Define clear objectives and expected outcomes for automation efforts
    • Research potential AI tools and platforms to support automation
    • Establish a budget for automation initiatives
    • Develop a roadmap with timelines for implementing automation solutions
    • Set up a team responsible for managing the automation project
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement AI-driven automation solutions

    • Select appropriate AI tools and platforms based on the prioritised automation opportunities
    • Develop customised automation scripts or workflows
    • Integrate AI solutions within existing IT infrastructure
    • Conduct a pilot test of the automation solution to ensure functionality
    • Monitor and analyse pilot test results for accuracy and efficiency
    • Seek feedback from users interacting with the automated processes
    • Refine automation solutions based on pilot feedback
    • Conduct training sessions for staff to effectively use new AI tools
    • Fully deploy automation solutions across prioritised areas
    • Establish a process for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of AI solutions
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Evaluate and optimise automation effectiveness

    • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating automation success
    • Regularly collect data on the performance of automated processes
    • Assess cost savings and productivity improvements from automation
    • Conduct regular reviews and updates to automation processes as needed
    • Implement feedback loops for continuous improvement of AI solutions
    • Regularly engage with stakeholders to understand their evolving needs
    • Stay updated with new AI technologies and advancements
    • Benchmark automation performance against industry standards
    • Optimise AI configurations to enhance process efficiency
    • Celebrate successes and communicate benefits across the organisation

Strategies and tactics for improving Data and Reporting Quality

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement a CRM System

    • Evaluate various CRM systems for compatibility with existing infrastructure
    • Gather input from stakeholders to define CRM requirements
    • Develop a phased implementation plan for the CRM system
    • Set up a data integration task force to manage integration between CRM and existing systems
    • Conduct training sessions for staff on CRM utilisation
    • Establish data governance protocols to ensure consistency across platforms
    • Monitor CRM performance and collect feedback for continuous improvement
    • Create comprehensive reporting templates using CRM analytics
    • Develop an ongoing maintenance schedule for CRM updates and support
    • Review data security measures to protect sensitive CRM data
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Optimise IT Service Delivery

    • Define key metrics to measure IT service delivery performance
    • Implement a dashboard to track these IT service delivery metrics in real-time
    • Establish a routine for regular reporting and review of IT service performance
    • Provide training for IT staff on improving service response times
    • Conduct quarterly surveys to gather feedback from staff on IT services
    • Implement a ticketing system to streamline IT service requests
    • Analyse service delivery data to identify bottlenecks or recurrent issues
    • Develop an improvement plan based on the analysis of IT service data
    • Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the IT department
    • Communicate IT service improvements and success stories organisation-wide
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Migrate Data to Cloud Platforms

    • Assess current on-premise data infrastructure and volume
    • Select a cloud partner that meets security and compliance needs
    • Design a detailed data migration roadmap highlighting phases and timelines
    • Back up all data to ensure security before migration
    • Begin migration with non-critical data to identify potential issues
    • Establish data access controls and security protocols post-migration
    • Train staff on using cloud platforms like SharePoint and One Drive
    • Develop a monitoring system to ensure data integrity post-migration
    • Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cloud solutions post-migration
    • Solicit feedback on cloud services usability and make necessary adjustments

Strategies and tactics for building a robust business foundation

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance vendor relationships

    • Identify and research potential vendors that align with business goals
    • Develop a vendor management process to streamline communication and performance assessment
    • Offer incentives for long-term vendor contracts and partnerships
    • Implement a vendor feedback system to gather insights and improve relationship quality
    • Host vendor networking events or workshops to foster collaboration
    • Establish clear expectations and guidelines for vendor deliverables
    • Utilise technology to automate vendor onboarding and management processes
    • Negotiate favourable terms and agreements to ensure mutual benefits
    • Create a vendor recognition programme to acknowledge outstanding contributions
    • Regularly review and update vendor directory for up-to-date information
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Strengthen customer engagement

    • Conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences
    • Develop personalised marketing campaigns to target specific customer segments
    • Implement a customer loyalty programme to reward repeat business
    • Utilise social media platforms to engage with customers and gather feedback
    • Offer exceptional customer service through various support channels
    • Create educational content or resources to inform customers about product benefits
    • Encourage customer reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility
    • Hold regular webinars or live sessions to address customer concerns and questions
    • Monitor and analyse customer data to identify trends and improve strategies
    • Foster a community around the brand to create a sense of belonging
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Ensure platform reliability and user satisfaction

    • Invest in robust infrastructure to support platform scalability and reliability
    • Conduct regular system audits and maintenance to prevent downtimes
    • Implement automated testing to identify and resolve issues promptly
    • Gather user feedback to improve interface design and functionality
    • Establish a dedicated support team to address technical issues swiftly
    • Utilise data analytics to monitor platform performance and user behaviour
    • Set up a user onboarding process to enhance initial user experience
    • Ensure data privacy and security measures are in place and regularly updated
    • Develop a roadmap for continuous platform improvement and feature development
    • Provide clear communication about any platform updates or changes to users

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

Strategies and tactics for enhancing management of service and admin account life cycles

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish clear account management policies

    • Develop a detailed account lifecycle policy
    • Define account creation, modification, and deletion processes
    • Incorporate regular policy reviews and updates
    • Ensure policies comply with industry standards and regulations
    • Train staff on new policies and procedures
    • Implement policy adherence checks and audits
    • Communicate policies clearly to all staff
    • Use templates for account-related documentation
    • Establish an approval workflow for account changes
    • Assign responsibility for policy enforcement
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement a robust account management system

    • Select a suitable account management software
    • Set up role-based access controls
    • Enable multi-factor authentication
    • Automate account provisioning and deactivation processes
    • Integrate account management software with existing IT infrastructure
    • Regularly update and patch the system
    • Monitor account activity and generate reports
    • Conduct periodic reviews and audits of accounts
    • Implement alerts for suspicious account activity
    • Provide training for IT staff on system usage and best practices
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance monitoring and auditing practices

    • Establish a schedule for routine account audits
    • Utilise monitoring tools to track account activity
    • Set up automated alerts for unusual account behaviours
    • Maintain logs of account creation, deletion, and modifications
    • Periodically review access levels and permissions
    • Perform regular vulnerability assessments
    • Enforce separation of duties to reduce risks
    • Document all findings and remediation actions
    • Communicate audit results to management and stakeholders
    • Develop an incident response plan for account-related breaches

Strategies and tactics for designing and maintaining a unified omnichannel experience framework

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment

    • Identify all digital, branch, and contact center touchpoints
    • Gather stakeholder input to understand current inconsistencies
    • Analyse customer journey maps to find pain points
    • Assess current technology platforms for gaps and overlaps
    • Determine key performance indicators for a unified experience
    • Conduct competitor analysis for best practices
    • Engage with customers through surveys for direct feedback
    • Identify areas where the customer experience can be streamlined
    • Audit brand messaging across all channels to ensure alignment
    • Document all findings to inform the framework design
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement an integrated technology platform

    • Select an omnichannel platform that supports all customer interaction points
    • Ensure compatibility of the new platform with existing systems
    • Develop a project plan with clear timelines for implementation
    • Conduct a phased rollout to minimise service disruptions
    • Provide training sessions for staff on new technology usage
    • Ensure data synchronization across all channels for consistency
    • Develop real-time analytics and reporting capabilities
    • Test the system extensively prior to full deployment
    • Seek third-party expertise if necessary for implementation
    • Regularly review and update technology to meet evolving needs
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Establish cross-channel communication standards

    • Define communication guidelines that align with brand voice
    • Develop a consistent scripting model for all customer interactions
    • Implement a unified knowledge base accessible to all service channels
    • Create a cross-functional team to oversee communication quality
    • Provide regular staff training focused on communication standards
    • Utilise mystery shoppers to evaluate customer experience
    • Gather and analyse customer feedback on communication consistency
    • Adjust communication strategies based on feedback and data
    • Ensure escalation procedures are uniformly applied across channels
    • Create a regular audit process to ensure continued adherence

Strategies and tactics for enhancing AI Application Development

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Assess current capabilities

    • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of current application development processes
    • Identify existing AI technologies and tools in use
    • Evaluate the skills and expertise of current staff in AI and machine learning
    • Analyse current infrastructure's capability to support AI integration
    • Review past projects to understand successes and challenges in AI deployment
    • Identify gaps in capabilities and areas for improvement
    • Benchmark capabilities against industry standards
    • Engage with stakeholders to gather insights on current pain points
    • Create a detailed report summarising findings
    • Set clear metrics to assess future improvements
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Invest in skill development and training

    • Develop a comprehensive training plan focusing on AI and machine learning
    • Partner with educational institutions for AI workshops and seminars
    • Provide access to online AI courses and certifications for staff
    • Encourage participation in AI conferences and networking events
    • Initiate an internal mentorship programme with AI experts
    • Set up a knowledge-sharing platform for AI best practices
    • Allocate time for employees to work on independent AI projects
    • Conduct regular assessments to measure skill improvement
    • Reward and recognise employees who achieve significant AI skills enhancement
    • Keep track of current AI trends and update training programmes accordingly
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement AI pilot projects

    • Identify key areas where AI can provide immediate benefits
    • Select a diverse team to lead the pilot projects
    • Define clear objectives and success criteria for the pilot projects
    • Gather data needed for the AI projects and ensure it is properly anonymised
    • Choose the appropriate AI tools and platforms for these projects
    • Establish a robust project management and monitoring framework
    • Document the processes and outcomes of each pilot project meticulously
    • Evaluate the performance against the set objectives
    • Gather feedback from stakeholders and end-users
    • Scale successful pilot projects into full-scale implementations if feasible

Strategies and tactics for managing service and admin account through life cycle management

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement a clear account creation process

    • Define the roles and responsibilities for service and admin accounts
    • Set up a standard procedure for account requests and approval
    • Ensure proper documentation for all account creation requests
    • Utilise automated tools to create and configure accounts
    • Assign unique IDs and track account ownership
    • Educate staff on account creation policies and procedures
    • Integrate identity and access management solutions
    • Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
    • Perform regular audits of newly created accounts
    • Monitor account creation activity for any anomalies
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Maintain accounts efficiently

    • Regularly review and update account permissions
    • Enforce strong password policies and multifactor authentication
    • Implement automated account provisioning and de-provisioning workflows
    • Enable activity logging and monitoring for all accounts
    • Conduct periodic access reviews and re-certifications
    • Provide training on security best practices for administrators
    • Implement a system for securely handling privileged credentials
    • Use automated tools for configuring and managing service accounts
    • Establish a protocol for handling inactive or unused accounts
    • Integrate account management with other IT and security systems
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Decommission accounts securely

    • Define policies for account deactivation and deletion
    • Implement automated de-provisioning tools
    • Ensure secure backup and archiving of necessary account data
    • Remove or reassign resources and permissions associated with the account
    • Notify relevant stakeholders before decommissioning accounts
    • Conduct a final review and approval process before account deletion
    • Revoke access tokens and certificates linked to the account
    • Document the decommissioning process and maintain audit trails
    • Educate staff on the importance of securely decommissioning accounts
    • Regularly review and update decommissioning policies and procedures

Strategies and tactics for drafting a remuneration strategy for ABC Super Tech

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Customise remuneration elements by division

    • Conduct a market analysis for compensation across the tech industry
    • Determine base salary ranges for each position in operations, sales, logistics, and corporate services
    • Set division-specific performance metrics for the annual bonus at 15% of total cost to company
    • Incorporate a 10% company bonus on the distribution tool for employees in sales and logistics
    • Allocate a management bonus of 25% for senior roles across all divisions
    • Introduce a 25% company bonus for managers in operational and logistics roles
    • Roll out personalised salary packages for high-performing employees in each division
    • Review and adjust remuneration plan bi-annually to address market changes
    • Communicate the remuneration structure transparently to all employees
    • Regularly gather employee feedback to refine remuneration elements
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop a retention strategy

    • Identify key retention drivers for each division through employee surveys
    • Implement career development pathways with clear progression plans
    • Establish mentorship programmes for new and existing employees
    • Offer flexible working arrangements across operations, sales, logistics, and corporate services
    • Enhance non-monetary benefits such as health and wellness programmes
    • Set up regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career goals and growth
    • Create recognition programmes to acknowledge achievements and contributions
    • Conduct stay interviews to uncover employee satisfaction and retention issues
    • Develop tailored retention bonuses for high-demand roles
    • Analyse turnover rates and trends to improve retention strategies continually
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement an incentive and remuneration plan

    • Align incentives with company goals and division-specific objectives
    • Define clear criteria for performance-based bonuses and incentives
    • Utilise technology solutions to track performance metrics in real-time
    • Regularly update incentive programmes to reflect changes in company strategy
    • Communicate the benefits of the incentive plan through workshops and presentations
    • Monitor the effectiveness of incentive programmes through employee feedback and performance assessments
    • Introduce quarterly incentive updates to encourage short-term performance boosts
    • Provide training sessions on how to maximise earnings under the incentive plan
    • Collaborate with division leaders to ensure the incentive plan meets division needs
    • Establish a cross-functional team to oversee implementation and address any arising issues

How to track your It Service Manager strategies and tactics

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

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

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

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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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