In any digital transformation journey, the target state roadmap is an essential piece of the puzzle.
The simplest description of this crucial resource is that it’s a blueprint for getting from your current state to your target state.
At 9Yards we know your organisation is unique with specific challenges, opportunities and business goals.
Your target state roadmap is a living resource, rich with business insights and sustained by a clear vision. Included in the strategic roadmap are the signposts and stepping stones to get you to your digital transformation destination.
Target State Roadmap – A Rich Resource
The target state roadmap is certainly a strategic document, but it also serves as a practical guide. The information contained within it needs to:
- be comprehensive and complete
- consider the organisation as a whole including non-tech stakeholders and
- provide an actionable reference that aligns with your organisation’s strategic vision.
In this blog, we explain the assets and deliverables that make up a digital state roadmap.
Vision Statement
The vision statement is a clear, concise articulation of your organisation’s long-term goals and aspirations. It defines where your organisation is going (different to a mission statement that defines why you’re here).
In fact, the vision statement forms the foundation of the target state roadmap. We source your vision statement from your strategic plan, and validate it during the development of the target state roadmap.
Sometimes focusing on the vision statement to use it in this way can highlight a need for review. This is particularly true post-pandemic, when many organisations have pivoted to an updated working vision, but have not formally considered its impact on their strategic direction.
Current State Assessment
An effective roadmap requires a starting point as well as a destination. The current state assessment evaluates your organisation’s existing capabilities, processes, and technologies. This assessment is crucial for roadmap planning. It is here that we work with you to identify opportunities for improvement.
Gap Analysis
A roadmap identifies the gaps between the current state and the target state. It asks the crucial question “What is missing in your ability to attain your vision?” and highlights areas that need improvement. A gap analysis is a particularly important asset because it starts the transition from strategy to actionable steps.
Strategic Initiatives
Once the actionable steps have been documented in the gap analysis, we identify the key projects and initiatives that will drive your organisation towards the target state. Is a systematic approach that draws on project management best practice. These initiatives are part of the business roadmap template, signposting the way forward with a number of smaller connected milestones, all working towards the same goal.
Implementation Plan
The implementation plan is a more detailed plan that outlines the steps, timelines, and resources required to execute the strategic initiatives. This plan is a vital component of the strategic roadmap and an essential tool for collaboration and stakeholder buy-in.
Resource Allocation
As for any program or project the allocation of financial, human and technology resources is essential for effective planning. It’s at this point that you’ll also develop a clear understanding of whether the target state is achievable in the timeframes you have specified, based on resource availability.
Risk Management Plan
A risk management plan is an essential strategic asset for any project of scale. In a target state roadmap, the risk management plan identifies potential risks that could delay progress or prevent the realisation of the target state.
Performance Metrics
How will you know what target state success looks like? Defining the KPIs and metrics for success allow you to measure effectively against target state objectives. They’re an essential tool for any strategic planning, and no less so for a target state roadmap.
Governance Framework
Overlaying the target state roadmap is a governance framework. It defines the structures and processes required to oversee and manage the execution of the roadmap. The governance framework sets up accountability and confirms the plan’s alignment with strategic goals.
A Technology-Agnostic Approach Is Essential For Success
At 9Yards, we adopt a holistic and technology-agnostic approach to the development of a target state roadmap. Our aim is to recommend solutions tailored to the current state and unique needs of your organisation. To achieve this, we leverage the best available strategic planning tools.
The role of technology
Our approach is technology-agnostic. Put simply, we’re focused on your target state, and not constrained by specific technology stacks.
An effective technology solution should be flexible and cost-effective, able to adapt to changing business environments. By recommending advanced technologies and integrations, we can ensure your digital transformation leads to streamlined processes, enhanced productivity, and a competitive edge.
The 9Yards technology-agnostic approach allows us to choose the most appropriate solutions for your situation. We know that technology acts as a powerful facilitator in the strategic planning and execution process, and is not an end in itself.
Are You Ready To Take Action With A Target State Roadmap?
Our commitment to a holistic, technology-agnostic approach makes us the ideal partner to guide you through the development of a target state roadmap that gets you where you’d like to be, as a digitally transformed organisation, ready to face whatever the future brings.
Get in touch today to talk to one of our senior digital transformation consultants about how 9Yards can help you with your target state roadmap.
