For years, businesses have treated IT as a separate entity to be aligned, but what if that mindset is holding organizations back? The need to be aligned seems obvious now, but previously, the waterfall methodology had us gathering comprehensive requirements at the start of a project, then no further engagement with stakeholders until user acceptance testing. This separation led IT to prioritize its own objectives, shaping requirements based on technological constraints rather than business needs. Business teams sought quick fixes with minimal IT involvement due to IT’s reputation for delays and refusals. This disconnect resulted in expensive errors, failed projects, and abandonware.
The rise of agile methodologies highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with business users and fostered alignment between IT and business functions. However, alignment in objectives does not create a unified purpose and often leaves business and IT teams functioning as separate entities with competing priorities. True business success isn’t achieved by alignment alone; it requires full integration.
In my decade of experience with mergers, acquisitions and divestments, I have never heard anyone say, “we need to align the acquired company with our business”. Instead, the goal was consistently to integrate the companies into one, achieving cost savings, operational efficiencies, and growth. Applying this approach to how IT interacts with business teams unlocks deeper efficiencies, stronger collaboration, and a unified strategy that drives sustainable success.
Integration: The Competitive Advantage
You might be wondering, are “alignment” and “integration” really different? And why should I care? The difference between alignment and integration isn’t just semantics; it has tangible impacts on business performance. In fact, comparing their definitions reveals that while alignment preserves individuality, integration emphasizes unity and functioning as a single entity. For example, aligning IT with business may mean keeping both departments informed of each other’s priorities, but integrating them ensures shared workflows and decision-making that drive measurable impact.
| Alignment | Integration |
| The process of getting in parallel | The act of merging elements to operate as one |
| Being in agreement or harmony | Bringing together as equals |
| Position in relation to others for effective functioning | Combine different teams, departments or systems to function in a unified way |
| Emphasizes collaboration, shared processes, and seamless information exchange for a more effective whole |
Companies operating in today’s fast-paced market cannot afford to simply align functions; full integration is the key to efficiency, flexibility, and sustained growth. That brings us to the second question regarding why you should care.
Many companies, particularly staffing companies, operate on thin margins. Improving efficiency can positively impact these margins. Additionally, to thrive in a competitive environment, companies need an edge to identify opportunities. Here are some concrete benefits of fully integrating technology into the business:
- Tailored Technology Solutions: Avoid bloated solutions and reduce costs by building only what’s needed.
- Stronger Project Success Rates: Shared accountability between business and IT teams for tangible business outcomes lead to more successful projects.
- Operational Efficiencies: Technology-driven optimization increases productivity and ensures a return on investment.
- Revenue-Boosting Innovation: Leveraging technology and business collaboration to create strategic advantages.
A real-world example of the benefits from integrating technology into the business is found in a healthcare staffing company that switched from PeopleSoft (tier 1 ERP) to Microsoft Great Plains (tier 2 ERP). The company’s shift from PeopleSoft to Great Plains saved over $500,000 in annual licensing fees because integration between IT and business teams enabled a right-sized technology investment. In addition to substantial cost savings, the transition offered users an enhanced experience, which facilitated the adoption of more efficient processes introduced with Great Plains.
Integrating technology into business
True technology integration starts with a company-wide strategy and culture because without them, even the best efforts will struggle to deliver lasting impact. Leadership plays a vital role of championing the integration of technology at every level. Otherwise, limited success will be had by individuals or teams who adopt integration into their work. A tech-enabled business strategy provides the direction for achieving success, and a company-wide culture that includes collaboration and trust creates the environment for lasting success.
Early in my career, I focused on understanding the business I supported as a developer, which helped me identify essential system features and provide effective user training. As a manager, I emphasized the importance of meeting business needs by saying, “It doesn’t matter how beautiful your code is; if the user says the application sucks, it does.” My success both individually and with my teams benefited my employers. Yet the most transformative outcomes occurred when leadership not only adopted a tech-enabled business strategy but also fostered inclusion, collaboration, transparency, and trust that empowered teams to deliver lasting success.
How we can help?
Technology integration isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity for long-term success. No matter where your business stands today, the right strategy can accelerate transformation and unlock sustainable growth. Braided Strategy possesses the expertise to develop a strategy as part of one of the following initiatives.
- Fractional CIO – For businesses without in-house tech teams, providing expert leadership to develop and execute a tech-enabled business strategy.
- Project Turn-around – Revitalizing struggling projects by assessing the existing strategy and adjusting the strategy and project to meet business objectives.
- Strategy Advisor for CxOs – Helping executives cut through operational complexity to focus on important initiatives that lack the urgency of less important tasks.
- Technology Crisis Management – Quickly restoring operations and implementing preventative strategies for cybersecurity threats, system failures, and outages.
- Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestments – Ensuring seamless transitions with an integrated, technology-enabled business strategy.
Businesses that fully integrate technology don’t just adapt; they thrive. Braided Strategy is ready to help you build the future of your organization, starting today. Learn more here: www.braidedstrategy.com and schedule a time to talk here.
