How do you integrate IT operations with other IT functions and business units?

To seamlessly integrate IT operations with other functions and business units, kickstart with a deep dive into the overall business strategy and objectives. Ensure a tight alignment of IT operations with these goals. Establish clear communication channels as a foundation. The key vector? Iteratively implement automation tools to enhance efficiency while leveraging cross-functional teams. Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing, ownership, and continuous improvement. Don't forget to establish mechanisms for obtaining valuable feedback. It's not just about technology; it's about creating a collaborative ecosystem that propels the entire organization forward!

I always recommend having a person who understands both the business process and IT. This is a crucial role that even some top management overlook. It's essential to have an IT professional who comprehends finance and operations; they serve as the linchpin between departments. This role ensures that the critical requirements of each division are met, ultimately fostering satisfaction and greatly benefiting the business.

Business outcome is, in my opinion the fundamental driver and Northern star for a meaningful IT Operations function. Which should be outlined in the business strategy, and consequently, in the overall IT strategy. Key question is how one can define the success criteria of such function without having a defined IT strategy? Is it even possible?

La integración efectiva de las operaciones de TI con otras funciones de TI y unidades de negocio requiere una combinación de comunicación abierta, alineación de objetivos, colaboración en proyectos, integración de sistemas y datos, desarrollo de capacidades conjuntas y gobierno de TI integrado, lo que a ayuda a impulsar la eficiencia operativa, la innovación y el éxito empresarial en general.

Every task that we do under or with help of IT, if we have to repeat it for number of times then we will call it an IT operation. For repeatable work we need to ensure we are following the right steps / procedures. So validating steps and also ensuring we follow it in right order to maintain quality output we need a process to adhere. And everytime referring to same process , doing the steps and giving desired quality output we have to set a standard and thats the framework. ITSM is one such framework. It tell about various processes and its integration all together to manage an IT service and ensuring service delivery with expected outcome/quality.

I think the key here, also captured by the other contributors, is understanding how to apply frameworks and best practices. The complexities of each unique business does not allow for a one size fits all approach, however whilst maintaining a focus on value creation and quality, the frameworks do help identify continuous improvement opportunities. These should then be based in the needs of the business, and cascade through the Business Strategy and IT Strategy.

Using IT Service Management methodologies from certifications like ITIL Foundations can help a person better understand how different IT Departments interact.

ITSM yes, however with agility and adaptability in mind! One size fits all approach is not desirable, and yes, one can argue that having a structured incident, problem, change management processes is key, while considering factors like historical wins, purpose, market applicability, industry vertical, etc.

Integrating IT operations with other IT functions and business units is crucial for ensuring a seamless and efficient technology environment within an organization. This integration helps improve communication, collaboration, and alignment between different teams and departments. Implement IT Service Management (ITSM): Adopt IT service management frameworks like ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) or ITSM best practices to streamline IT operations and align them with business needs. Define Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Establish SLAs with business units to clearly define expectations regarding IT services. This helps set priorities and ensures that IT operations meet business requirements.

Utilizing a shared scripting library for automation across operations and development groups can help both teams. Operations can benefit from the deep programing experience of the development team, and developers can see directly, in code, the processes that Operations is following in supporting and maintaining the applications they develop. Distributing the automation library with a package management tool can keep everyone up to date with new developments, while leveraging components of the CI/CD tool set.

Data driven decisions is a must, and if the concept does not exist or not understood, any tool implementation, including AI may not be successful

I am a big fan of professional curiosity and fostering a culture of continuous learning, while driving some sort of ideation campaign focused at service improvements.

The IT operations area is a cross-functional area across the entire IT department. It consumes resources from infrastructure, development, projects, and information security. It is a cross-functional area that focuses on ensuring the proper functioning of processes and systems

First of all, ask yourself why they should be integrated and have common goals. The IT operations typically is a shared horizontal function while the application development units are vertical by nature. They have a totally different business case, and their time perspective is totally different. How could they benefit from common goals? Instead of integration, whatever it means, better to focus to interfacing. Develop a common understanding about interfaces needed: inputs, outputs, triggers, success criteria. Do not make them a rocket science. Instead, document the interfaces clearly, share the documents with the respective units and stakeholders. Keep the documents up-to-date. The most important thing: execute as documented.

IT culture cannot be over-emphasized. Listening to the user community and showing respect for people at all levels must replace any tendency to be elitist. IT must curb the inclination to think they know what the user needs without sufficient consultation. Listen!

Magic words for it operation integrated with other it functions "DevSecOps" Nothing much, just take a look at the process since you start any project with analysis team, then move into development and design, then the testing processes and finally with the deployment phase, all under control with DevSecOps.

The IT operations strategy should fit & integrate into the overall strategy. If you build your IT in a way where teams & departments get the most autonomy as possible, you should think about a „you build it, you run it“ approach where you decentralize IT operations into the departments. With this approach, speed & scalability are in focus. If quality & user experience are in focus, a centralized IT operations will be the right strategy. Nevertheless outsourcing of Operations can lead to lower quality of Applications & Dev since it will be just an abstract number in the budget.