Business processes that rely on fast, efficient and coordinated IT resources are the foundation of all companies – large or small. From processing credit card orders to running bills or managing the supply chain, all of these standard activities require close coordination of IT with business.

However, organisational roles are often divided between those who manage core business processes and those who manage IT. With this disjointed approach to process management, the opportunity for miscommunication, data loss or error is far higher.

By 2016 Gartner predicts that 70% of the most profitable companies will manage their processes using real-time predictive analytics or extreme collaboration.' To realise this Gartner vision, businesses should look to achieve total IT governance; sharing relevant information across the organisation, streamlining business processes and making efficient use of resources.

> See also: 3 steps to implementing a data governance programme

This clarity and process management will, in turn, enable an organisation to ensure effective use of IT to achieve their goals. Getting to this point will require many businesses to revamp their process management systems and heal any fractures in their core processes.

One of the best ways to build a more reliable and collaborative business is to take a long look at your entire organisation and see the bigger picture. Make a thorough assessment and ask 'Where are the gaps between silos, steps and technologies?' Once a business has identified these areas for improvement, it is easy to bridge the gaps and streamline processes.

Siloed departments make running business processes fragmented because critical business information can be overlooked and knowledge cannot be shared effectively. A business person within the organisation, will have a different view on completion of everyday processes than an IT professional, for example.

With different goals and objectives, the key is working to maintain a holistic overview of what is going on at any given time so that everyone – including IT and business stakeholders work towards the same goal with zero errors. With the correct approach and technology, organisations can facilitate consistent IT governance and business roles across the entire company.

> See also: How to prepare information governance for the Internet of Things

Even the most complex IT landscapes can be tamed. Solutions like automation can keep diverse teams in the business on parallel goals, with IT and business leaders seeing the same path to success. When standarisation of core processes can improve visibility, enhance productivity and cut costs, it’s time for businesses of all sizes to take a second glance at IT governance to lay the foundations for future success.

Sourced from Neil Kinson, vice president EMEA, Redwood Software