Aligning IT and Business Strategies to Enable Enterprise Integration that Supports Effective Utility Management

To achieve higher operational efficiencies, utility organizations must continue to control the cost of IT; integrate systems, data and processes; and determine where to invest in IT to support core business objectives. For this to happen, utilities must align their business and IT strategies.Achieving alignment between business and IT strategies has a direct effect on effective utility management. This alignment has a direct correlation to many of the attributes associated with effective utility management, as it:• Strengthens operational optimization, infrastructure stability and operational resiliency• Supports financial viability and community sustainability• Improves customer satisfaction and product qualityThis paper will provide utility leaders with an understanding of the success factors associated with alignment of business and IT strategies.