Information technology can prove useful in the reengineering analysis and design process. During the implementation stage, companies should follow these basic rules: Recognize that IT is only part of the solution. It allows managers to collect, store, analyze, and communicate and distribute information better. Bring in internal or external IT experts: their knowledge, skills, acumen, and experience are invaluable. After implementation, continually monitor IT performance and keep up with new IT developments.
On the other hand, some companies have found it useful to design a technology strategy before reengineering. When Star Maker Inc., an entertainment/communications company experienced a downturn, the CIO of the company convinced senior management to make addressing the role of IT the first item on the agenda. Star Maker designed a plan to use technology to place the company in the forefront of the industry, with services such as electronic product catalogues, customer interface standards, sophisticated electronic data links, customer and market databases, and digital video. The cost savings from reengineering then paid for the new technology needed to drive growth.
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