Securing digital funding while making the right decisions for the future

For Christine Rootsey, IT Strategy and Architecture Manager at SA Power Networks, the reset proposal was a key priority and included securing digital funding for the next 5 years, while continuing to align, assess and adjust to deliver better business and focus on the right priorities. 

This included partnering with the right people to obtain the support needed to make quick and good decisions, while avoiding risks and unnecessary costs. 

Gartner played a pivotal role in providing industry trends and getting SA Power Networks perspective, a lot broader than just what’s happening in Australia, but also around the world, which was crucial, since the reset proposal, sets SA Power Networks up for the next 5 years. 

Gartner also provides support with technology strategy and planning, which included identifying the solutions and technologies needed to support business areas. Information and tools were shared to strengthen business analytics and intelligence, for better decision making. This knowledge was also used to ensure current and future technology capabilities map to business capabilities.  

Additional research and insights centered around digital and data strategy, in relation, to the business and identifying value streams. Examples include D&A and Enterprise Architecture IT Score assessments to identify gaps and provide baselines with actionable KPI’s, D&A governance frameworks, AI Opportunity Radar research, which help frame business conversations, and vendor proposal reviews to support contract negotiations and license renewals. 

With support from Gartner and the Gartner Technical Professionals team, SA Power Networks was able to:

• Identify the solutions and technologies needed to support the business resulting in improved efficiency, better use of data and alignment of people skills.
• Make quicker evidence-based decisions, with confidence, backed by experts, saving time and money. 
• Formulate a roadmap for contract renewals resulting in cost optimization and cost savings. Gartner identified close to $250K of savings over 36 months from one contract renewal.
• Connection with industry peers at Gartner local Summits, Symposium and through Gartner Peer Connect Forum.