Anyone who wants to build a modern and sustainable IT landscape is often faced with a real challenge. Especially in larger companies, where countless applications, data and processes come together, the development of a solid IT strategy can seem like a giant puzzle. This is where SAP LeanIX comes into play: It offers the possibility of recording one’s own IT landscape in a structured way, identifying weaknesses and developing a long-term digital roadmap that appeals to all stakeholders.
In LeanIX, information about applications (or data sources and interfaces) is collected in so-called factsheets . These factsheets bundle all relevant data on a topic and form the basis for analyses and strategic planning.
In my work with SAP LeanIX, I have experienced how companies can not only better understand their IT landscape through clearly structured Application Portfolio Management (APM), but also improve it in a targeted manner. Here is an overview of the most important steps and a few practical tips on how LeanIX contributes to a sustainable IT strategy.
1. Create an overview: Transparency as a basis
First step: gain a full view . Companies often lack a clear overview of which systems are in use at all , what data is stored and how everything is interlinked . Transparency is the foundation of any strategy.
SAP LeanIX can be used to create a comprehensive overview of applications and data sources. The visualizations and dashboards are particularly practical, as they not only collect information, but also prepare it in an understandable way. In my work, I was able to determine how quickly you can recognize initial optimization potential through a well-structured database. All of a sudden, you can see which systems have long been outdated and which, to put it bluntly, are just eating up money unnecessarily.
A big advantage of LeanIX? Collaboration is a top priority here – and without annoying hurdles such as user licenses. The pricing model is structured in such a way that the number of users does not matter. In concrete terms, this means that every person in the company can access the platform, work with it and create real added value with their contributions. No cumbersome “reporting to the top” and no unnecessary loops about people who could enter information, but are often far too far away from the topic. Anyone who has the knowledge enters it directly – simply, quickly and efficiently.
2. Collect information in a targeted manner: Use surveys and quality seals
But the overview alone is not enough. The next step is to understand the usage and health of the applications in detail. SAP LeanIX offers two practical tools here: surveys and quality seals.
The surveys help to collect information directly from employees about the use and added value of individual applications. For example, satisfaction with systems or possible ideas for improvement can be quickly recorded. This inclusion not only promotes the quality of the data basis, but also increases acceptance for later changes – after all, everyone is involved from the very beginning. A real advantage of LeanIX here is that the collected information ends up directly in the right place. No cumbersome copy-paste from any Excel spreadsheets or manual addendum that often leads to errors. Fewer intermediate steps, less stress and, above all, less potential for errors.
The quality seals , on the other hand, show at a glance whether the data on an application is complete and up-to-date . Changes to the factsheet? Then the status of the seal is automatically set to “Broken/Check needed” and the corresponding responsible user receives a notification. This way, you have control at all times and can ensure that the database is correct and is built on solid information.
3. Align IT and business
A big problem in IT strategy development? IT and business often talk past each other. IT has different priorities than the business departments, and in the end, the IT strategy does not fit the corporate strategy. It is precisely crucial to link these two sides.
With LeanIX, the bridge between IT and business can be built. A central point here is the Business Capability Map: It shows which skills the business needs to achieve its goals and thus forms the perfect basis for assigning the right systems. This quickly makes it clear which applications really contribute to business success, where gaps exist and which systems may be superfluous.
It helps enormously to involve key stakeholders from the very beginning and to evaluate the applications not only technically, but also strategically. The result? An IT strategy that runs hand in hand with the business strategy – and does not bob somewhere on a parallel track.
4. Identify risks and address them in a targeted manner
A sustainable IT strategy also means identifying and addressing potential risks in good time . SAP LeanIX makes it easy to see where potential problem areas lurk: outdated systems, dependencies on third-party providers, or poor data quality.
In a project for a customer from the railway industry, the initial focus was on creating a basic overview of the IT landscape. In a first step, SAP LeanIX enabled us to map the business capabilities, parts of the organizational structure , and the applications and data sources used at a high altitude. This created the basis for tackling initial optimization measures and internal initiatives in a more targeted manner.
5. Develop a digital roadmap and implement it sustainably
Once the IT landscape has been examined, it is a matter of transferring the insights gained into a clear roadmap. This digital roadmap is the roadmap for IT – it sets priorities and sets the order of the next steps . With SAP LeanIX, such a roadmap can be flexibly created and continuously adapted if the framework conditions change.
The creation of the roadmap in LeanIX is step-by-step and is supported by practical tools:
- Prioritize applications: Based on attributes such as life cycle, relevance and investment needs, it is easy to find out which applications will be in focus in the coming years.
- Define milestones: Timelines and dependencies help with planning and show which steps are to be tackled and in what order. The milestones ensure that everything stays within the company’s goals.
- Estimating the budget: LeanIX makes it possible to link the roadmap to financial and human resources or to the corresponding needs. This makes it possible to plan at an early stage which investments are necessary and whether the plan is practically feasible.
A good IT roadmap is not static, but dynamic. With LeanIX, it is possible to continuously adapt the roadmap and react flexibly to new requirements. In this way, IT always has its finger on the pulse and can adapt to new developments.
Conclusion: SAP LeanIX as a building block of a sustainable IT strategy
A sustainable IT strategy is not a one-off project, but an ongoing process. SAP LeanIX provides a platform that creates transparency, links IT strategy to corporate strategy, and helps address risks in a timely manner. With SAP LeanIX, companies can examine and optimize their IT landscape and develop a roadmap that works today and grows with you tomorrow.
Good luck on the way to a sustainable IT strategy! And if you need help optimizing your IT landscape or questions about LeanIX, we’re just a message away.