What are the best ways to align IT audit objectives with IT operations management goals?

1 Understand the IT audit scope and criteria

The first step to align IT audit objectives with ITOM goals is to understand the scope and criteria of the IT audit. What are the standards, frameworks, and regulations that the IT audit follows? What are the areas, processes, and risks that the IT audit covers? What are the expectations, deliverables, and timelines of the IT audit? By understanding the IT audit scope and criteria, you can identify the relevant ITOM goals and activities that support them, and prepare the necessary documentation and evidence.

2 Communicate and collaborate with the IT auditors

The second step to align IT audit objectives with ITOM goals is to communicate and collaborate with the IT auditors. Establish a clear and open communication channel with the IT auditors, and share your ITOM goals, strategies, and challenges. Seek feedback and guidance from the IT auditors on how to improve your ITOM practices and align them with the IT audit objectives. Involve the IT auditors in your ITOM planning and decision-making, and keep them updated on your ITOM progress and performance.

3 Implement and monitor IT controls and metrics

The third step to align IT audit objectives with ITOM goals is to implement and monitor IT controls and metrics. IT controls are the policies, procedures, and tools that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the IT systems and data. IT metrics are the indicators that measure the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the IT operations and services. By implementing and monitoring IT controls and metrics, you can demonstrate your compliance with the IT audit objectives, and identify and resolve any issues or gaps in your ITOM processes.

4 Learn and improve from the IT audit results

The fourth step to align IT audit objectives with ITOM goals is to learn and improve from the IT audit results. Review the IT audit findings, recommendations, and best practices, and evaluate your ITOM strengths and weaknesses. Implement the necessary actions and improvements to address the IT audit issues and risks, and enhance your ITOM performance and maturity. Follow up with the IT auditors on the status and outcomes of your actions and improvements, and seek their validation and feedback.

5 Align IT audit objectives with ITOM goals

Aligning IT audit objectives with ITOM goals is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires mutual understanding, communication, collaboration, implementation, monitoring, learning, and improvement. By aligning IT audit objectives with ITOM goals, you can ensure that your IT environment is secure, reliable, and compliant, and that your IT operations and services support your business goals and objectives.