Tualatin Valley Water District Takes a Business Driven Approach to Technology Planning

Rapid changes are occurring in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Advances in workplace technology are making technology applications more economical to purchase and easier to install, use, and upgrade. In the absence of an IT Master Plan, the tendency is to view technologies as quick, easy, low-cost remedies for the short-term needs of maintaining and/or enhancing services. This tactic may offer swift solutions for the present but does not address longer-term needs. An enterprise IT strategy based on industry best practices, leading edge technology, and sound IT governance improves an organization’s ability to move effectively meet its business needs now and in the future.Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is taking such an approach to transform the way it uses Information Technology. Recognizing IT as a strategic asset for meeting business needs and achieving improved utility optimization, TVWD decided to review its approach to providing IT applications, systems, and services by developing and implementing an IT Master Plan (ITMP).The ITMP’s objectives are to communicate a shared vision of the IT architecture and project investments that includes:Comparing current and proposed architecturesRecommending technical solutions to meet the District’s goals and objectivesComparing the proposed architecture and applications with current capabilitiesDeveloping a framework for standardizing IT and practicesProviding a strategic roadmap to implement a practical and sustainable IT architecture and application portfolio