Introduction
Today, the business environment is undergoing rapid change; therefore, an integral part of the IT strategy must be ensuring the approach remains consistent with the enterprise’s plan. When Delta Corporation decides to leverage online sales and marketing, it must consider the implications for the IT department, the potential benefits and risks of IT outsourcing, and the importance of staying attuned to the latest strategic technology trends.
However, to successfully navigate this digital transformation journey, Delta Corporation must carefully assess the implications for its IT department and weigh the potential benefits and challenges of outsourcing IT management across the development lifecycle. Management across all departments, as shown in Figure 1, must stay informed about technology trends and learn from the experiences of companies like Almarai, which have successfully aligned their IT and business strategies.
Considerations for Moving to an Online Approach
As Delta Corporation is on the verge of introducing online sales and marketing activities, several considerations are necessary, primarily regarding IT, which should be involved in the planning stage. First, the company will have to investigate its current IT infrastructure and evaluate if it has the capacity and needed capabilities to accommodate increased online transactions, data storage, and customer interactions (Pollard et al., 2018). Such investments include purchasing software and hardware, as well as network upgrades, to ensure a smooth, safe customer experience when browsing online.
Moreover, the IT department’s active involvement during the development and deployment of the online system is not just important; it is crucial. They are the body of technical experts with the experience to consolidate, build, and maintain any required systems (Dairo et al., 2021). Integrating the information technology department with other elements of the company, such as sales and marketing, is central to creating an online platform that aligns with the company’s purposes and meets the needs of both customers and internal stakeholders.
Further, IT professionals need to prepare for new skills and upskill in areas such as web development, user experience design, and data analysis. Human resources development programs will be vital to educating IT employees in ways that enable them to contribute to the company’s digital transformation. Finally, the IT department should be equipped with the necessary tools to address cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, hacking attempts, and fraud in e-commerce transactions (Pollard et al., 2018). Engaging in effective cybersecurity measures such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and real-time threat detection will ensure the firm is well-positioned to protect clients’ sensitive information, thereby promoting confidentiality and building trust.
Benefits and Pitfalls of Outsourcing IT Maintenance and Development
As Delta Corporation anticipates increased costs associated with its move to an online approach, outsourcing IT maintenance and development may be a tempting option. Outsourcing is highly effective for gaining access to specialized expertise, reducing labor costs, and optimizing resource allocation within the company (Pollard et al., 2018). An established IT service provider partner can be useful in sharing their knowledge and practices to fast-track the development and roll-out of the online platform, leveraging synergies and economies of scale in infrastructure and technical support.
Although outsourcing has many benefits, it also presents several challenges. As shown in Figure 2 below, the key issue is the loss of control over critical IT functions, as the company relies on an external provider to maintain and manage its systems (Dairo et al., 2021). Thus, miscommunications, escalation of the issue-resolution process, and a lack of process integration in the business requirements may occur.
Additionally, outsourcing carries certain risks, including data security breaches and intellectual property theft, as information is shared with third parties. To limit these risks, Delta Corporation should require IT service providers to carefully examine the durability of the prevailing security and confidentiality mechanisms they employ and adopt rigid contractual measures to protect its interests and safety. In addition to these, outsourcing may incur unexpected costs related to contract modifications, service level agreements, and transition costs (Somers, 2023). The business must thoroughly measure the total expenses of the outsourced tasks and compare them with the benefits it accrues to determine whether this is a viable option.
Strategic Technology Trends to Monitor and Consider
To plan for the future, Delta, as an organization, must be technology- and trend-conscious, which may threaten existing technologies or create opportunities for growth and innovation. Some key strategic technology trends the company may wish to monitor include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). AI and ML solutions have become common practices, frequently applied to emerging challenges such as process automation, decision-making optimization, and customer communication (Pollard et al., 2018).
Delta can use these technologies to ensure the efficiency of its online platform, newly developed marketing approaches, and supply chain management. Similarly, the firm can also apply the Internet of Things (IoT). Developing and deploying these smart sensors and IoT devices enables organizations to collect vast amounts of data, yielding real-time insights into processes and customer behavior (Dairo et al., 2021). Delta Corporation may implement IoT approaches to more accurately track its assets, reducing downtime and energy costs, among other benefits.
In addition, cloud services offer scalability, flexibility, and cost benefits not associated with traditional on-premises IT infrastructure. Implement Delta Corporation’s plan to migrate its web platform and other critical systems to the cloud to reduce capital expenditures, improve agility, and streamline internal communication (Somers, 2023). Lastly, it should focus on cybersecurity, as cybercrimes continue to expand in sophistication and complexity; all businesses (Pollard et al., 2018) must invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions and strategies to ensure their security. Delta should consider cybersecurity a major issue to be addressed in its IT strategy by, for example, applying its o-trust architectures and threat intelligence, and by training its employees to protect its assets and maintain its customers’ trust.
Almarai Company’s Alignment of IT and Business Strategies
Alamari Company, the largest dairy manufacturer in the world in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has aligned its IT strategy with its business strategy. The partnership has invested heavily in digitizing its processes from farm to table. The company recognizes that technology is essential to achieving its objectives (Hanaysha, 2023). One area in which Almarai excelled in aligning its IT strategies with its business strategies is: at the first stage, the company has been speeding up production and ordering processes with technological aids. By adopting state-of-the-art analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Almarai has been able to monitor and manage its livestock, optimize the manufacturing process, and minimize leftovers (Mohamad and Asfour, 2020). As a result, production has improved product quality, increased output, and lowered costs, all of which are key drivers of the company’s profitability and competitiveness.
Furthermore, Almarai has emphasized the use of technology to enhance intrigue and perception. The company has invested significant resources in a powerful web presence, incorporating a customer-friendly e-commerce platform and mobile applications that enable customers to easily purchase products, access nutritional information, and provide feedback (Al Mheir et al. 2020). Almarai has created customer engagement through a broad range of digital platforms. Brand loyalty, consumer preferences, and market changes should be addressed quickly.
Almarai’s IT-business alignment has benefited it in numerous ways, including strong financial performance and market leadership. The company has achieved significant growth in sales, profitability, and market share even in a hostile economic environment with tougher competition, a remarkable development (Al-Nasser, 2024). Through applying technology to ensure flawless operations, upscale customer relationships, and attempt new things, Almarai is taking this competitive advantage over other companies in the face of the complex and fast-paced world.
Conclusion
While acquiring a company with online sales and marketing tactics, it is equally important to remember that information technology should be an inseparable part of the business strategy. The management should include the IT department from the very beginning, develop a clear understanding of the potential rewards and risks related to offshoring, and stay updated on the trends of strategic technologies in IT. This will allow the company to benefit the most from the ongoing change. The Almarai Company in Saudi Arabia offers a meaningful example of how a business might astutely align its IT and business strategies to achieve milestones in three areas: operational efficiency, improved customer engagement, and a culture of innovation.
References
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Hanaysha, J. R. (2023). Almarai Company: Regional growth in the Arabian Gulf market. Emerging Economies Cases Journal, 5(2), 74-81.
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Somers, M. (2023). The Delta model: How Arnoldo Hax reprioritized corporate strategy | MIT Sloan. Mitsloan.mit.edu.