Too often, organisations are investing heavily in new technology, only to find that by the time the implementation is complete (if it ever is....), that new technologies have overtaken them and their customers.  Technology is without question a key enabler in the new dynamic, nimble world in which businesses operate today, but to successfully use the technology means not getting bogged down in it. 

When setting out a technology road map for the enterprise, it is critical to think five years in advance, and envisage what the organisation will look like, and how might it interact with its consumers, customers and suppliers in the future.  Having a vision and a road map for technology implementation that supports the business vision and plan is critical.  The process of developing the road map will force certain key decisions on what technologies to use, but should also challenge the business to invest in the areas of most benefit, without spending too much on non critical processes.

As part of the technology road map, the issue of data - capture, analysis, and reporting - is a key consideration.  Most organisations have a huge asset in the data they already hold, but too many organisations are still trying to work out how to better use that data to help build better relationships with consumers, customers and suppliers, let alone to improve the business processes.

Used right, data and technology are proving to be the critical enablers to transforming businesses to successfully operate in this new dynamic and nimble world.