economy

SEARCH RESEARCH

Cost Optimization Archive Back to IT & The Economy FUNDAMENTALS STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 CEO Concerns: Peering Into 2010 and Beyond CEO Concerns: Peering Into 2010 and Beyond 4 March 2010 This research continues an examination of CEO concerns and priorities since our first report in 2003. The outlook is for a concentration on customers and revenue after a long focus on costs in 2009. CIOs must prepare for the shift that this represents to their budgets and project portfolios. The Management Implications of IT/OT Convergence The Management Implications of IT/OT Convergence 4 March 2010 The increased need to bring process control information from operational systems into business-oriented IT systems will change the management and governance of these realms during the next few years. Lead Management Investments Drive Revenue Improvements Lead Management Investments Drive Revenue Improvements 25 February 2010 Most companies are losing money due to poor lead management practices. Customer acquisitions and improving cross-sell/upsell opportunities are high priorities for CRM executives, but continued inefficiencies in lead management will make achieving them a difficult challenge for most B2B companies. Five Key Pitfalls Government IT Executives Should Avoid During Major Reorganizations Five Key Pitfalls Government IT Executives Should Avoid During Major Reorganizations 16 February 2010 Governments around the world amalgamate, share services and merge to save money, but they also continue to create new departments and break down agencies to foster new policies. This study analyzes common challenges these reorganizations present to IT executives. Case Study: Microchip Defends Margins With Better Sales Processes and Pricing Case Study: Microchip Defends Margins With Better Sales Processes and Pricing 12 February 2010 Microchip Technology, a leading microcontroller vendor, improved price consistency and deal quality by increasing worldwide visibility into selling and pricing practices. Superior oversight of sales opportunities and price execution helped reduce price arbitrage, price erosion and revenue leakage. CFO Advisory: Enterprise Cost Optimization; Overview CFO Advisory: Enterprise Cost Optimization; Overview 12 February 2010 Every several years, major cost-cutting campaigns are expected and necessary. Cutting too little or too much can lead to unintended business consequences. Greater business opportunities lie in a more forward-looking, strategic approach to managing (and transforming) the enterprise cost structure. Five Myths of Innovation, 2010 Update Five Myths of Innovation, 2010 Update 12 February 2010 Innovation has experienced a resurgence in recent years as organizations cope with economic uncertainty and changing business requirements. This research details five myths that innovators must heed. Shared-Service Center: A Marketing Approach to Drive Business Value Shared-Service Center: A Marketing Approach to Drive Business Value 11 February 2010 After it is created, the shared-service center will generally concentrate on improving operations, limiting it to the responsibilities initially assigned to it. A marketing approach is a strategic imperative to help the SSC identify, develop and deliver services that add business value. Findings: In January 2010, the Consumerization of IT Became a Business Strategy Issue Findings: In January 2010, the Consumerization of IT Became a Business Strategy Issue 10 February 2010 The consumerization of IT has been a steadily growing macrotrend within technology for over a decade. January 2010 events showed it has crossed a threshold to become a broader business force. How to Get Vendors to Deliver Innovation in Outsourcing Deals How to Get Vendors to Deliver Innovation in Outsourcing Deals 9 February 2010 Innovation is often an issue in outsourcing relationships. Demand-side expectations do not match supply-side requirements. This research describes how innovation can be effectively enabled in outsourcing through the outsourcing contract and relationship. What Type of BPM Technology Best Suits Your Business Process Improvement Needs? What Type of BPM Technology Best Suits Your Business Process Improvement Needs? 9 February 2010 We examine the different types of business process management technologies, where they fit in the business process improvement cycle, and what the typical usage patterns are for each. Business Process Management Program Key Initiative Overview Business Process Management Program Key Initiative Overview 5 February 2010 This overview provides a high-level description of the Business Process Management Program Key Initiative. IT leaders can use this guide to understand what they need to do to establish and manage a BPM program. BPM Technology and Tools Key Initiative Overview BPM Technology and Tools Key Initiative Overview 5 February 2010 This overview provides a high-level description of the BPM Technology and Tools Key Initiative. IT leaders can use this guide to understand what they need to do to prepare for this initiative. Supply Chain Management Key Initiative Overview Supply Chain Management Key Initiative Overview 5 February 2010 This overview provides a high-level description of the Supply Chain Management Key Initiative. IT leaders should use this guide to establish an SCM strategy focused on enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of their companies' supply chains. Q&A: Getting the Most Value From E-Forms Q&A: Getting the Most Value From E-Forms 4 February 2010 Using e-forms to improve business processes requires understanding the costs, risks, challenges and benefits, particularly the customer interaction benefits. Success with e-forms often entails changing business processes. Revionics Grows Beyond Its Price Optimization Roots Revionics Grows Beyond Its Price Optimization Roots 3 February 2010 Revionics has created a SaaS-delivered price, promotion, markdown and replenishment optimization suite for large and midsize retailers. Best Practice for What's in the Labs: PARC Best Practice for What's in the Labs: PARC 3 February 2010 The Palo Alto Research Center leverages original research and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to develop new technologies, manufacturing processes, and services with its clients. This research outlines three projects that exemplify the breadth of PARC's research. Key Performance Indicators for Supply Chain Processes Key Performance Indicators for Supply Chain Processes 2 February 2010 Companies must measure supply chain process performance with KPIs and ensure behavior aligns with goals. But KPIs must be accompanied by a relationship map, so firms can see cause-and-effect behavior across processes and better evaluate impacts on the key supply chain outcomes of cost and service. Findings: Manufacturing CIOs Should Learn From Overautomation Mistakes Findings: Manufacturing CIOs Should Learn From Overautomation Mistakes 1 February 2010 Manufacturing CIOs are poised to make some of the same mistakes that their engineering brethren made a couple of decades ago: the simplistic application of automation in an attempt to displace the human element. They should carefully consider their strategies and deployment plans. Value Stream Mapping in IT Is Not as Difficult as You May Think Value Stream Mapping in IT Is Not as Difficult as You May Think 29 January 2010 One of the fundamental activities in a lean organization is the process known as "value stream mapping." Its purpose is to clearly identify how value is added to any activity. For IT organizations, this sometimes appears difficult, but it need not be. Top Questions About Business Process Improvement Top Questions About Business Process Improvement 29 January 2010 We answer the most frequently asked questions about business process improvement approaches, especially business process management. Best Practice: The Innovation Catalyst Team Best Practice: The Innovation Catalyst Team 29 January 2010 Well-designed innovation teams are catalysts. They unleash creativity and increase the rate and quality of innovation throughout the business and its ecosystem. Innovation catalyst teams provide expert advice and structural support to innovators from the center to the edges of the organization. Stop Talking About 'IT-Business Alignment' Now, and Start Talking About Business Performance Stop Talking About 'IT-Business Alignment' Now, and Start Talking About Business Performance 25 January 2010 "Aligning IT with the business" made sense in the 1990s. It doesn't anymore. Talking about "IT alignment" sends all the wrong signals. Digital Printing 2010: Commoditization Presages Major Market Changes Digital Printing 2010: Commoditization Presages Major Market Changes 20 January 2010 The nature of digital printing has forever changed. Communications that once took place only on paper have moved to other media -- and they are not coming back. As a result, the industry continues to consolidate and focus on services in an attempt to resurrect profit margins. Case Study: Euroclear Bank Applies Business Continuity Management Practices to Financial Crises Case Study: Euroclear Bank Applies Business Continuity Management Practices to Financial Crises 4 January 2010 Euroclear Bank set out to determine whether standard business continuity management practices could be applied to a financial crisis. Two real-world crises proved they could, and the experience offers valuable lessons for other enterprises. Top Industry Predictions 2010: The Recession's Aftermath Proves Challenging Top Industry Predictions 2010: The Recession's Aftermath Proves Challenging 29 December 2009 In 2009, industries faced recession. Although 2010 appears more positive, most industries must tackle the repercussions that remain. Lack of innovation, lost strategic positioning opportunities and growing consumer power will challenge companies as they attempt to embrace the so-called "new normal." Case Study: Queensland Rail Improves Efficiency With Redesigned Business Processes Supported by an Auditable Solution Case Study: Queensland Rail Improves Efficiency With Redesigned Business Processes Supported by an Auditable Solution 22 December 2009 This research describes how Queensland Rail's National Coal business worked with HCL Axon to redesign its customer processes with clear business ownership and implemented technology to support the people and processes. Case Study: BI Projects Help ICICI Consolidate Its Operations After Explosive Growth Case Study: BI Projects Help ICICI Consolidate Its Operations After Explosive Growth 15 December 2009 ICICI Bank's 90-day business intelligence projects resulted in annual savings of $50 million. ICICI's example holds valuable lessons for enterprises that have faced the challenges of explosive growth. Expand Your BPM Horizons by Exploring Unstructured Processes Expand Your BPM Horizons by Exploring Unstructured Processes 10 December 2009 Many business process management efforts focus on activities that can be easily modeled and standardized, but unstructured processes are critical as well. We define what unstructured processes are and explain why they are becoming increasingly critical to business process improvement efforts. Early Findings From the 2010 Gartner CEO and Business Executive Survey Early Findings From the 2010 Gartner CEO and Business Executive Survey 9 December 2009 Early findings from a survey of large U.S. and U.K. company CEOs and senior business executives suggest that customer, competitive advantage and talent priorities are displacing cost cutting. Revenue growth is returning to the foreground, but business activity volume predictions are muted. Gartner's Four Levels of Cost Optimization Can Help Support the Business Case for Unified Communications Gartner's Four Levels of Cost Optimization Can Help Support the Business Case for Unified Communications 4 December 2009 The Four Levels of Cost Optimization is a framework useful as an organizing principle to track cost-optimization programs. We look at how those initiatives can be applied to investments in UC to help build a business case, and which benefits organizations should be communicating to the business. Predicts 2010: The Automotive Industry Prepares for a New Beginning Predicts 2010: The Automotive Industry Prepares for a New Beginning 2 December 2009 After the impact of the global recession, automotive companies must recover and prepare for a new reality that introduces alternative powertrain technologies, achieves mobility optimization, emphasizes service innovation and defines new business models. Three Economic Futures and What They Mean for IT Three Economic Futures and What They Mean for IT 30 November 2009 The global recession left leaders in government, industry, academia and nonprofits questioning why they had not predicted such a dramatic downfall. Gartner's global scenarios are a way to plan for alternative futures and prepare your organization to execute in the event of an unforeseen crisis. How Performance Management Can Help Prepare Your Business for the Return to Growth How Performance Management Can Help Prepare Your Business for the Return to Growth 25 November 2009 Performance management as a concept and a category of analytic applications will play a key role in supporting the return to growth. CIOs must understand the importance of performance management to ensure that they can support increasing user demands in this area. Performance Management: The Next Wave of Process Improvement Performance Management: The Next Wave of Process Improvement 25 November 2009 Performance management is a high priority for business executives and managers. Gartner has defined the underlying concepts and drivers of performance management and identified the foundational technologies required for performance management success. Findings From the Gartner 2009 Business Pulse Survey: Business Process Improvement Findings From the Gartner 2009 Business Pulse Survey: Business Process Improvement 24 November 2009 In 2009, Gartner conducted in-depth interviews with 50 business unit executives from around the world, each with P&L accountability of at least $20 million in companies having total revenue of $100 million to $10 billion. This research emphasizes the correlation with business process improvement. Fundamentals of Using BPM Metrics to Improve Process Performance Fundamentals of Using BPM Metrics to Improve Process Performance 24 November 2009 Performance measurement best practices should be applied to the business processes that have a high relative impact on enterprise performance results. The focus should be on metrics that lead to action. UPS CFO Kurt Kuehn Identifies When Businesses Will Grow Again UPS CFO Kurt Kuehn Identifies When Businesses Will Grow Again 19 November 2009 We continue our Return to Growth series of Gartner Fellow interviews with this discussion with UPS CFO Kurt Kuehn. From his extraordinarily unique perspective, Kuehn offers his views on when the business climate will improve. Emerging Technology Analysis: Price Optimization and Management Software for Business-to-Business Boosts Margins in a Down Economy Emerging Technology Analysis: Price Optimization and Management Software for Business-to-Business Boosts Margins in a Down Economy 17 November 2009 Interest in price optimization and management software for B2B is mounting as enterprises recognize the benefits of improved pricing practices for B2B sales processes. Enterprises are attracted by opportunities to increase margin and revenue growth, governance and operational efficiencies. IT's Future in Higher Education Spells Agility: The Current Crisis Just Increases the Focus IT's Future in Higher Education Spells Agility: The Current Crisis Just Increases the Focus 17 November 2009 Current economic times have emphasized an already strong trend of uncertainty for higher education institutions. For CIOs with vision, uncertainty presents the opportunity to create a level of agility that will meet future trends in education. How the Intersection of IT and OT Is Changing the CIO's Role, and What to Do About It How the Intersection of IT and OT Is Changing the CIO's Role, and What to Do About It 12 November 2009 As IT and operational technology converge, the essential business outcome is management of an integrated framework of business processes, information and technology. It is changing CIO roles in many industries. We examine those changes, how they will develop and what CIOs should do about them. Taking the Pulse of Business Unit Leaders: Growth and Information Top Concerns Taking the Pulse of Business Unit Leaders: Growth and Information Top Concerns 12 November 2009 The Gartner 2009 Business Pulse survey probes the priorities and plans of business unit presidents, executives and directors; many are on the hot seat for top-line growth during the next year. Growth strategies and information quality are top of mind. Most Valuable Technologies: Survey Results for Emerging-Technology Adoption and Management Most Valuable Technologies: Survey Results for Emerging-Technology Adoption and Management 5 November 2009 Gartner surveys show that high-value technologies include broad collaboration tools, such as enterprise instant messaging and desktop videoconferencing, as well as less-adopted, niche technologies, such as 3D printers, mobile robots and radio frequency identification. Could Governments Really Sell Off All IT Assets? Could Governments Really Sell Off All IT Assets? 4 November 2009 The U.K. prime minister recently announced plans for massive privatization of government assets, and speculations that the IT function might be included were revamped. Gartner argues that, without effective governance and a sourcing strategy, this will be very hard to do. Ten Imperatives for Optimizing the Multichannel Management Customer Experience Ten Imperatives for Optimizing the Multichannel Management Customer Experience 30 October 2009 At every interaction, the customer experience affects future company revenue and profit. Proper channel management ensures that these customer experiences across channels reinforce the organization's basic brand value proposition and differentiate its business. IHS Chief Economist Dr. Nariman Behravesh Tells Gartner Clients When Business Growth Will Return IHS Chief Economist Dr. Nariman Behravesh Tells Gartner Clients When Business Growth Will Return 27 October 2009 We recently interviewed IHS Chief Economist Dr. Nariman Behravesh to discuss his organization's forecasts on when business growth will return. This information is just one of many elements that we will use to formulate our views on the near-term future of IT spending. Case Study: Cable Provider Dramatically Improves Performance of Field Service Case Study: Cable Provider Dramatically Improves Performance of Field Service 26 October 2009 A cable provider restructured its field service operations to improve customer satisfaction while dramatically lowering costs by deploying a predictive workforce management system, and a customer communication and alert system in a cloud-computing model. Don't Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste; CMOs Should Act Now to Innovate Marketing Don't Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste; CMOs Should Act Now to Innovate Marketing 21 October 2009 In 2009, Gartner predicted that more than 75% of marketing budgets worldwide would be cut by at least 20%. Despite an improving economy, budget levels are unlikely to rebound in 2010. Chief marketing officer skills must change to transform marketing and restore marketing budgets. Return to Growth: Three Short-Term Economic Scenarios and Their IT Impacts for 2010-2011 Return to Growth: Three Short-Term Economic Scenarios and Their IT Impacts for 2010-2011 20 October 2009 Business leaders, in the belief that the worst of the "great recession" has past, hope for a secure return to growth in 2010-2011. We see three scenarios CIOs should consider with their CEOs. Findings: Operational Technologies Increasingly Need to Be Integrated With IT Findings: Operational Technologies Increasingly Need to Be Integrated With IT 20 October 2009 The traditional divisions between IT and operational technologies are narrowing as operational technologies become more widespread and interconnected. Four Megatrends Converge in the Post-Recession New Normal Four Megatrends Converge in the Post-Recession New Normal 13 October 2009 In the past decade, a series of diverse, yet interconnected trends have irrevocably changed the business and social environment, creating what some observers term the "new normal." Business and IT leaders must prepare for an era of "technology as air," personal involvement and external influences. The Collective Imperative: Thriving in Chaotic, Out of Control and 'Normal' Markets The Collective Imperative: Thriving in Chaotic, Out of Control and 'Normal' Markets 9 October 2009 Collectives (aggregations of people bound by a common action or opinion and outside the control of the enterprise) affect the success of every enterprise. This research explores what we mean by the collective and how business executives should incorporate it in their planning. Findings From the Gartner 2009 Business Pulse Survey: Business Unit Executives Lay Out Their Growth Strategies Findings From the Gartner 2009 Business Pulse Survey: Business Unit Executives Lay Out Their Growth Strategies 9 October 2009 The Gartner 2009 Business Pulse Survey reveals strategic objectives and priorities of business unit heads and gives CIOs some clues about how to help businesses prepare for a return to growth. Innovation Forces That Will Change the Nature of Information Infrastructure Innovation Forces That Will Change the Nature of Information Infrastructure 5 October 2009 Amid economic challenges and cost-optimization mandates, IT leaders must focus on innovation to spur recovery and long-term growth. Gartner's information infrastructure research agenda cites four major innovation forces that will impact on organizations' ability to leverage information as an asset. Mergers and Acquisitions Create Opportunities and Threats for Insurance IT Departments Mergers and Acquisitions Create Opportunities and Threats for Insurance IT Departments 24 September 2009 Global life and P&C insurance markets are characterized by multiple mergers and acquisitions each year. IT departments in the acquiring and acquired companies must successfully integrate and streamline both departments to more effectively support the combined business. How to Prepare for the Return to Business Growth: Gartner's "Growth" Research Agenda for Clients How to Prepare for the Return to Business Growth: Gartner's "Growth" Research Agenda for Clients 21 September 2009 With an increasing number of modest signs that the current recession will come to an end in the near future, it is now time for clients to decide how they will prepare for the return to business growth. Supply Chain Execution Convergence: Delivering on the End-to-End Process Promise Supply Chain Execution Convergence: Delivering on the End-to-End Process Promise 1 September 2009 Next-echelon supply chain execution value will materialize as functional silos are broken down and business processes span, optimize and synchronize across traditional functional domains. Roundup of BI and Information Management Cost Optimization Research Through 2Q09 Roundup of BI and Information Management Cost Optimization Research Through 2Q09 1 September 2009 This report summarizes Gartner's cost optimization research for business intelligence and information management. Leaders of BI IM initiatives can use this overview to locate relevant reports that can help them reduce costs. Cost Optimization Through Improving Business Processes Cost Optimization Through Improving Business Processes 26 August 2009 CIOs are promoting the message that focusing on improving processes through structured redesign before technology implementation can deliver better business outcomes. Transparency Provides Opportunities and Threats in the 21st Century Transparency Provides Opportunities and Threats in the 21st Century 24 August 2009 This report explores how increased risk and new sources of information are providing opportunities to gain competitive advantage through transparency. However, challenges must be overcome before benefits can be realized. Balancing Growth, Innovation, Cost and Risk in a Turbulent Environment Balancing Growth, Innovation, Cost and Risk in a Turbulent Environment 21 August 2009 As organizations prepare for return to growth, they need a balanced set of capabilities to outperform the competition. But balance is only good for a day, and competitors are always changing the rules. Organizations must continually revisit strategies for managing growth, innovation, cost and risk. CEO Advisory: How to Preserve Business Unit Autonomy, While Centralizing the IT Organization CEO Advisory: How to Preserve Business Unit Autonomy, While Centralizing the IT Organization 19 August 2009 Centralizing IT has demonstrated financial benefits, but doing that while keeping the decentralization of business units that are served can endanger the outcome of IT projects. A recent client example demonstrates a path to success. Align BPM to Strategy by Targeting and Measuring High-Value Processes Align BPM to Strategy by Targeting and Measuring High-Value Processes 7 August 2009 One key to a successful BPM program is to target high-value processes based on the organization's strategy and directly measure any improvements to those processes. A process value chain and a performance management framework will help guide this effort. Introducing Pattern-Based Strategy Introducing Pattern-Based Strategy 7 August 2009 The environment after the recession means business leaders must be more proactive in seeking patterns from conventional and unconventional sources that can positively or negatively impact strategy or operations, and set up a consistent and repeatable response by adjusting business patterns. Case Study: DakotaCare Delivers High Return on Investment With a Cost-Effective BI Program Case Study: DakotaCare Delivers High Return on Investment With a Cost-Effective BI Program 31 July 2009 DakotaCare, a midsize U.S. health insurer, was able to make significant cost savings and find business opportunities with a low-cost business intelligence program. The PMO IT 'Control Tower': Filing a Flight Plan The PMO IT 'Control Tower': Filing a Flight Plan 29 July 2009 A project management office control tower is charged with the safe takeoff and landing of IT projects, but it shares this role with other stakeholders, requiring a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities to reduce turbulence. We examine the process step by step. FEI Study Shows Financial Executive View of IT and Opportunities to Improve Collaboration FEI Study Shows Financial Executive View of IT and Opportunities to Improve Collaboration 21 July 2009 Gartner provides significant insight into how senior financial managers view technology, including CFOs, controllers, directors of business development, and directors of financial systems and processes. CEO Alert: To Slash Business Costs, Complete Your Digital Business Initiatives CEO Alert: To Slash Business Costs, Complete Your Digital Business Initiatives 13 July 2009 Recently, we have noticed examples of smart enterprises exploiting the recession to accelerate digital business initiatives. Finishing what you started can deliver a large completion "bonus." CEO, CFO, CRO and CIO Advisory: Get a Grip on Your Enterprise's Network of Liabilities CEO, CFO, CRO and CIO Advisory: Get a Grip on Your Enterprise's Network of Liabilities 9 July 2009 Regulatory and other pressures following the global financial crisis will likely force enterprises to identify and analyze their liabilities, even as far as the final liability holder. This will create urgent and difficult demands on IT organizations and enterprise information management. Case Study: Holcim Uses Network Optimization to Manage Supply Chain Risk and Optimize Costs Case Study: Holcim Uses Network Optimization to Manage Supply Chain Risk and Optimize Costs 6 July 2009 This research examines the successful use of a strategic network design tool to help manage supply chain risk and cost optimization for cement manufacturer Holcim across its North American operations. CEO Advisory: Recession Impulse Outsourcing Could Damage Your Business CEO Advisory: Recession Impulse Outsourcing Could Damage Your Business 6 July 2009 A 2009 flurry of rushed IT outsourcing plans is a concern. Leaders must consider drastic actions on costs, but this approach can have seriously damaging, unforeseen consequences. CEOs must consider a different strategy. Executive Leadership and Innovation: Critical Issues at the Intersection of Business, Information and Technology Executive Leadership and Innovation: Critical Issues at the Intersection of Business, Information and Technology 2 July 2009 Executive leaders make strategic decisions for the immediate present, the transitional middle term and the different long-term future. Many of those decisions will occur at the intersection of business, information and technology, making insight and implications pivotal. Seven Steps to Customer Process Re-Engineering Seven Steps to Customer Process Re-Engineering 1 July 2009 Customer process re-engineering differs from most business process improvement programs by having improved customer relationships rather than improved efficiency as the primary objective. Customer input is the key to success. The Business Value of Corporate Performance Management The Business Value of Corporate Performance Management 30 June 2009 Interest in CPM continues, despite current economic conditions. Organizations are realizing that CPM offers short-term cost optimization and longer-term business transformation initiatives. This research describes the capabilities and the value of this solution. How Enterprise Architecture Is Instrumental in Enabling the Business to Survive the Three Stages of Economic Downturn How Enterprise Architecture Is Instrumental in Enabling the Business to Survive the Three Stages of Economic Downturn 25 June 2009 The process of enterprise architecture is instrumental in enabling the business to survive the three stages of an economic downturn. In this research, Gartner explores the contributions of best-practice EA teams during the Triage, Doldrums and Recovery stages. Combine Push and Pull Innovation to Achieve IT Innovation Success Combine Push and Pull Innovation to Achieve IT Innovation Success 23 June 2009 Two innovation philosophies impact IT: push innovation, in which emerging technologies are pushed into the business from IT; and pull innovation, in which the business pulls in technology to respond to problems and opportunities. Innovation teams need to understand how to harness both to succeed. Sustainability Will Be Important Even Beyond the Recession Sustainability Will Be Important Even Beyond the Recession 22 June 2009 Sustainability has played its part in business and IT cost-cutting activities in 2008 and 2009. This will continue into 2010, but it will take on more strategic importance, as it begins to influence core strategies. Case Study: How Amcor Used BI to Increase Its Profit Margin Case Study: How Amcor Used BI to Increase Its Profit Margin 19 June 2009 Amcor, an Australian packaging company, implemented a business intelligence application that tracks profit margins down to the invoice level. The new system supported a strategic shift from driving down costs to expanding profit margins. When the Business Asks 'How Can IT Lead BPM?': Surefire Tips for Success When the Business Asks 'How Can IT Lead BPM?': Surefire Tips for Success 18 June 2009 The business often challenges IT's role in business process management. Capitalize on the strengths of IT, and turn BPM into an opportunity to create a better partnership with the business. Supply Chain Risk Management Must Be a Key Requirement for S&OP in Turbulent Times Supply Chain Risk Management Must Be a Key Requirement for S&OP in Turbulent Times 12 June 2009 Financial turmoil is driving increased volatility into operating environments. Leading organizations should adopt supply chain risk management concepts as part of their sales and operations planning processes to help manage major disruptions that can impact their operations. Financial Statement Production: The Final Step in the Last Mile of Finance Financial Statement Production: The Final Step in the Last Mile of Finance 5 June 2009 Many U.S. enterprises have controlled environments for transaction management and financial consolidation, but use spreadsheet processes to create and distribute reports to regulators and publishers. Financial statement production tools with XBRL capabilities can provide the missing control links. Despite Turbulent Economy, Companies Expect to Increase BPM Spending by More Than 10% in 2009 Despite Turbulent Economy, Companies Expect to Increase BPM Spending by More Than 10% in 2009 4 June 2009 Despite economic turbulence, one-third of attendees who participated in Gartner's 2009 BPM Summits in London and San Diego plan to increase business process management spending by more than 10%. Juggling Cost Optimization and Acquisitions Juggling Cost Optimization and Acquisitions 28 May 2009 Having to integrate an acquisition, and, at the same time, optimize costs can be challenging for the CIO without the right financial planning tools. TM Forum Management World 2009 Highlights the Importance of Infrastructure Modernization to Prepare for the Next Wave of Technology Innovation TM Forum Management World 2009 Highlights the Importance of Infrastructure Modernization to Prepare for the Next Wave of Technology Innovation 28 May 2009 As expected, the current economic climate set the scene for the keynotes, summit presentations and vendor strategies presented at this years' TM Forum Management World. This climate forces service providers to emphasize revenue retention, cost savings and customer focus as the main concern. Findings: CIOs Should Capitalize on This Rare Moment of Business Strategy Opportunity Findings: CIOs Should Capitalize on This Rare Moment of Business Strategy Opportunity 27 May 2009 After months of firefighting, CEOs have entered a short period of opportunity for critical strategic thinking and executive debate about their firms' future. The sweet spot will pass by 4Q09, so CIOs must seize the moment. Top Issues Facing Senior Facilities Managers Top Issues Facing Senior Facilities Managers 26 May 2009 This research identifies the top issues that senior facilities and corporate real estate managers will face during the 2010 to 2015 time frame. Spotlight on Innovation in IT Services Spotlight on Innovation in IT Services 22 May 2009 Despite the importance of innovation initiatives in IT services, the success of these initiatives are often left to chance. Our research assists initiative leaders and IT services providers in achieving business objectives and increasing stakeholder confidence during their evaluation process. Q&A: CPM Reduces Operating Expenses in a Troubled Economy Q&A: CPM Reduces Operating Expenses in a Troubled Economy 19 May 2009 IT budgets have come under increasing scrutiny, and many companies have slashed funding for many applications. However, corporate performance management applications can help companies with better financial management in this economy and can provide competitive advantage. Using BPM to Capitalize on New Opportunities in Challenging Times Using BPM to Capitalize on New Opportunities in Challenging Times 18 May 2009 Even in a slow economy, enterprises can capitalize on process change opportunities to achieve high-value business transformations. These business process management case studies show how four organizations did just that. Integrating the Transformation of Business and IT Integrating the Transformation of Business and IT 15 May 2009 This research reveals how winners create new value with strategies that integrate business and technology, and by adapting their IT organizations and skills. Eyeing a Return to Growth, CIOs and Business Leaders Plan for Change in People, Profiles and Practices Eyeing a Return to Growth, CIOs and Business Leaders Plan for Change in People, Profiles and Practices 11 May 2009 Even amid economic turmoil, CIOs, business leaders and HR leaders can see changes on the horizon that will demand a unified approach to the quest for talent, the professional profile, work behaviors and human capital management. Case Study: Effective Metrics Drive Business Results at CitationShares Case Study: Effective Metrics Drive Business Results at CitationShares 23 April 2009 CitationShares, a fractional aircraft ownership company, used business-focused metrics to effect process change and achieve the desired business results. Beyond Survival: Five Companies Use BPM to Thrive in Tough Times Beyond Survival: Five Companies Use BPM to Thrive in Tough Times 5 May 2009 Five case studies show how enterprises are using business process management as a catalyst for business expansion. These examples show how companies increased capacity, improved productivity, reduced risk and achieved faster business results. Five Ways the CEO Can Use EA to Support the Business Five Ways the CEO Can Use EA to Support the Business 4 May 2009 CEOs should use enterprise architecture to understand the effect of today's IT and business decisions on the business of tomorrow. EA captures the relationships of IT and business to bridge the gap from strategy to implementation. The Business Process Cookbook: How to Get Real Business Benefits by Improving Your Business Processes The Business Process Cookbook: How to Get Real Business Benefits by Improving Your Business Processes 4 May 2009 Senior business leaders would like to drive business results through business process improvement, but convincing them to adopt the discipline of business process management can be challenging. We offer this straightforward BPM cookbook to illustrate what it takes and why it will work. What the CFO Needs to Know About the Effect of BPM on Business Performance What the CFO Needs to Know About the Effect of BPM on Business Performance 1 May 2009 The CFO can achieve direct business performance improvement through the adoption of business process management as a sound producer of better results. This is based on examining enterprise business processes as assets to be managed and improved. Case Study: Effective Metrics Drive Business Results at CitationShares Case Study: Effective Metrics Drive Business Results at CitationShares 23 April 2009 CitationShares, a fractional aircraft ownership company, used business-focused metrics to effect process change and achieve the desired business results. Guide for Determining EA Business Value Guide for Determining EA Business Value 23 April 2009 To understand and to ensure that organizations deliver business value from EA, senior executives should guide and push their EA teams to focus on business outcomes, not just on capabilities. Cool Vendors 2009: Changing Models and Changing Times Cool Vendors 2009: Changing Models and Changing Times 22 April 2009 Even during worldwide economic disruption, the ability and need to innovate continues. It is important that companies make their technology decisions based on conservatism and innovation. The best investments will have both of these elements, which is the focus of this year's Cool Vendors report. Keeping the Innovation Dream Alive During the Economic Downturn Keeping the Innovation Dream Alive During the Economic Downturn 7 April 2009 Organizations often question whether they can afford IT services innovation, particularly during economic downturns when cost cutting dominates. But, the real question is whether they can afford not to innovate. How to Address CFO Concerns in the BPM Business Case How to Address CFO Concerns in the BPM Business Case 1 April 2009 The current economic roller coaster will require business process management professionals to think like a CFO when justifying projects. This research lays out some typical questions the CFO will ask and offers guidelines for giving compelling answers. Case Study: Star Tribune Uses SaaS to Boost Traffic on Its Web Site Case Study: Star Tribune Uses SaaS to Boost Traffic on Its Web Site 30 March 2009 News provider Star Tribune needed to revise its Web content management strategy when new owners took over. This Case Study shows how its use of a software as a service offering increased visits to its Web site by almost 100% in one year. IT Performance Management: Watch Out for Reckless Obedience IT Performance Management: Watch Out for Reckless Obedience 27 March 2009 Reckless obedience to performance metrics can create long-term problems that were once low-probability risks or create new and unforeseen risks for IT leaders. IT leaders should revisit their performance metrics to ensure alignment with the current economic situation. CEO Advisory: Transformation Is 'Out,' Restructuring Is 'In' CEO Advisory: Transformation Is 'Out,' Restructuring Is 'In' 27 March 2009 CEOs and CIOs must collaborate to instill a different kind of strategic business change management discipline, in the face of the most severe recession of modern times. Uncover Breakthrough Cost-Optimization Opportunities Using the 'Four Heads' Technique Uncover Breakthrough Cost-Optimization Opportunities Using the 'Four Heads' Technique 26 March 2009 After identifying obvious cost-saving techniques (such as delaying new purchases and upgrades, canceling projects, and letting go of contractors), many IT organizations get stuck. Use a brainstorming technique to uncover deep cost-optimization opportunities. Commoditization: The Catalyst, Not the Enemy, of Innovation Commoditization: The Catalyst, Not the Enemy, of Innovation 26 March 2009 Forces of commoditization in IT, evident over recent years, have produced the conditions from which a new phase of innovation is currently emerging. Cost Cutting in E-Commerce, 2009 Cost Cutting in E-Commerce, 2009 26 March 2009 IT organizations responsible for e-commerce are challenged to improve online customer experiences to make up for closed locations and lost sales personnel, while cutting IT expenditures by 5% to 25%. Careful attention to e-commerce can save money, boost sales and improve customer experiences. Innovate or Incubate? Innovate or Incubate? 26 March 2009 The consensus calls for using incremental approaches to major IT changes. The radical changes needed today may require different strategies, however. Gartner Business Executive Survey, 2009 Gartner Business Executive Survey, 2009 25 March 2009 This survey of large enterprise CEOs, CFOs and COOs suggests that they don't expect to see respite from the recession this year, but they will protect IT from the worst of it. Case Study: The Value of BPM Seen in Significant Cost Savings Realized by Industrial Equipment Manufacturer Case Study: The Value of BPM Seen in Significant Cost Savings Realized by Industrial Equipment Manufacturer 16 March 2009 By applying a disciplined approach, an industrial equipment manufacturer drove down the costs associated with engineering change notices, reducing the average cost of changes from $2,000 per unit to $50 per unit. Using Profitability Modeling and Optimization to Understand the Drivers of Profitability Using Profitability Modeling and Optimization to Understand the Drivers of Profitability 16 March 2009 Most organizations are challenged to understand profitability at anything other than an aggregate corporate level. Profitability modeling and optimization applications provide a sophisticated and powerful environment that supports a deep understanding of the drivers of profitability. It's a Matter of Survival: Use BPM to Drive Out Costs It's a Matter of Survival: Use BPM to Drive Out Costs 12 March 2009 For struggling companies, business process management is a lifeline that helps them survive by reducing and avoiding costs in this volatile and turbulent economy. The Business Impact of Social Computing on CRM The Business Impact of Social Computing on CRM 4 February 2009 Social applications are as varied as the online customer interactions they support. Companies can support CRM objectives by understanding how these social applications fit into the online buying cycle. How Governments Are Addressing the IT Consolidation Conundrum How Governments Are Addressing the IT Consolidation Conundrum 4 February 2009 Amalgamation, shared services and centralization initiatives continue to proliferate at all levels of government worldwide. During 2008, Gartner analyzed a variety of case studies to understand the practical and theoretical aspects of such consolidation programs. Forget Technology, People Drive Innovation Forget Technology, People Drive Innovation 3 February 2009 In the struggle to deliver innovation inside the organization, it is critical to understand that people, rather than technology, are the real drivers. Focus on the "why" of innovation, rather than the "what." Predicts 2009: Consolidation, 'Cloud' and Clarity of Innovation for Business Process Services Predicts 2009: Consolidation, 'Cloud' and Clarity of Innovation for Business Process Services 30 January 2009 Business process services are evolving as companies rethink sourcing decisions for business functions against a backdrop of radically altered economic conditions. Gartner presents advice for buyers of BPO services through four predictions and looks back at two of our previous predictions. Cut Waste, Not Marketing Programs, Using MRM Cut Waste, Not Marketing Programs, Using MRM 30 January 2009 Marketing budgets are under increased scrutiny. Invest in IT to support marketing resource management and to cut waste from marketing, so you won't have to cut valuable programs that can help reach customers in this tough economy. Predicts 2009: How ERP and the Supply Chain Are Adapting to a Changing Economy Predicts 2009: How ERP and the Supply Chain Are Adapting to a Changing Economy 28 January 2009 Through 2014, users in the ERP and supply chain management markets will be affected by the modernization of technology, the maturation of application functionality, and user frustration with vendor maintenance and lock-in costs. They will also question the value of business applications. State of California to Shut Down Offices Two Days a Month: What Does It Mean for IT? State of California to Shut Down Offices Two Days a Month: What Does It Mean for IT? 28 January 2009 California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his intention to shut down public offices twice a month. This action has implications for government IT systems and staff. Innovation and Idea Management: Make These Decisions First Innovation and Idea Management: Make These Decisions First 26 January 2009 Organizations believe that great ideas are hidden within their people and processes; innovation programs are launched on these beliefs. Great ideas are there for the taking, but think before you leap -- a few big decisions are critical to success. Rethinking Risk: Lessons Learned From the Credit Crisis Rethinking Risk: Lessons Learned From the Credit Crisis 22 January 2009 As today's credit crises shows, effective risk management can be easily trumped by the drive to maximize revenue in the absence of transparent policy. Too little attention has been paid to the impact of operational activities and processes, and the risks associated with those exposures. 15 Options to Finance Government IT 15 Options to Finance Government IT 14 January 2009 The global economic crisis will affect government IT budgets. This research analyzes alternative models for governments to consider for financing IT spending. Process-Centric Business Application Life Cycle Management Process-Centric Business Application Life Cycle Management 17 December 2008 Transforming the business application life cycle from an application-oriented to a process-oriented perspective will help enterprises align applications with business success. IT Cost Optimization: How to Anticipate Your Corporate Response to Economic Downturn IT Cost Optimization: How to Anticipate Your Corporate Response to Economic Downturn 14 November 2008 Recent economic turmoil has left many corporate business plans in disarray. While executive teams at headquarters go into a closed huddle, here's a ready method to help you anticipate the business direction and start preparing your IT cost response for 2009. PMO Best Practice: Maintaining the Portfolio While Dealing With Project Slips and Changing Priorities PMO Best Practice: Maintaining the Portfolio While Dealing With Project Slips and Changing Priorities 3 November 2008 No matter how good an organization is at creating a portfolio, most project management offices struggle to maintain the portfolio as soon as the changes start, which generally is hours or days after the portfolio is finalized. Cost Cutting: CIOs Can Exploit Asymmetries Between Regions and Industries to Find New Opportunities Cost Cutting: CIOs Can Exploit Asymmetries Between Regions and Industries to Find New Opportunities 10 October 2008 Enterprises and markets are increasingly global; however, economic slowdowns usually have different characteristics in different parts of the world and in different economic sectors. Because this brings threats as well as opportunities, IT leaders must analyze those differences and act accordingly. Toolkit: Return on Investment Calculator Toolkit: Return on Investment Calculator 27 August 2008 CMany organizations must commercially justify proposed new solutions. An ROI calculator can help to define a justification by estimating the ongoing as-is solution's costs, comparing this with any proposed spending and defining a series of tangible benefits.	Stay Connected Gartner Analysts on Twitter Stay Up To Date Application Architecture, Development & Integration Summit 15 - 17 November 2010 Los Angeles, CA Identity & Access Management Summit 15 - 17 November 2010 San Diego, CA Data Center & IT Operations Summit 22 - 23 November 2010 London, UK Events Calendar Set up Email Alerts IT and the Economy Add + Reducing or Controlling Costs Add + Budget Management Add + IT Spending Add + Optimize IT Investments Add +
About \| Products & Services \| Gartner Policies \| Terms of Use \| Contact Gartner \| Classic Gartner.com © 2009 Gartner, Inc. and/or its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner Inc. or its Affiliates.