CSC's First Annual Survey of Aerospace Executives discovered that the mode spending level for Information Technology (IT) was between 2% and 3% of revenues, yet most executives have difficulty linking expenditure to business value results. For many A&D organizations, an integrated business and IT strategy does not actually exist.
Information systems plans, technology architectures, and project plans are developed as a reaction to a long and frequently changing list of business users' needs. They are not developed holistically or strategically.
There is little awareness that IT could significantly enhance profitability beyond cost effectiveness; there is even less recognition of how technology plays a major role in shaping overall business strategy and enhance competitive advantage.
CSC's Fusion
Fusion is CSC's business-centric process for seamlessly integrating business and IT strategy. Fusion views the interaction between business processes and IT functions in a way that acknowledges the strategic potential of technology. This positions IT as a strategic asset and the IT organization as a business partner. Fusion aligns strategic goals and redirects IT spend to high priority mission-critical initiatives.
The Fusion approach works by enforcing definition of information technology from a business perspective. IT issues and opportunities are now discussed in language that is familiar to business managers, and, perhaps most importantly, the Fusion approach separates corporate information needs from specific technology hardware and software choices. In other words, it deals with the "I" and "T" of "Information Technology" separately.
One of Fusion's key differentiators is its fundamental orientation toward strategic self-sufficiency. While providing prescriptive advice and facilitation, the approach installs a self-sustaining, ongoing process for integrating strategy and maintaining alignment.
Fusion Methodology and Outcomes
CSC's rigorous system of quality and program management methodologies ensures consistency of service delivery, meeting of budgetary and scheduling targets, and appropriate risk management.
Catalystsm is CSC's methodology and model-based tool that brings a standard approach to end-to-end planning, execution and management of IT strategy development. Fusion is a technique within Catalyst that accelerates IT strategy development by targeting value-linking initiatives.
Some of the expected outcomes of Fusion:
- Executive understanding, ownership and commitment;
- A fully integrated and aligned business and IT strategy;
- IT strategic priorities identified, justified and linked to business imperatives;
- Business and IT organization capabilities aligned to business strategies;
- Methods and tools enable the client to remain integrated and aligned;
- IT projects priority ranked;
- Maximum IT investment productivity, qualitatively, quantitatively; and an
- Accelerated strategic program; phased approach gives quick results for each stage.
Related Information
Whether you require assistance with development of an aligned IT strategy or end-to-end solution provision, we can tailor our service offering to suit your exact needs.
For more information about CSC's Fusion, please contact:
Pete Wiese
Aerospace & Defense Practice Director
Consulting Group
E-mail: kwiese@csc.com.
Office: +1.214.523.8258
Visit the Aerospace & Defense Knowledge Library to download a copy of CSC's First Annual Survey of Aerospace Executives.