First EngagEment
The Challenge
ASIS International (ASIS), a midsized professional association, contracted DelCor for a Chief Information Officer (CIO) engagement to stabilize the organization’s information technology (IT) environment. The technology used to support staff and members was outdated, and they had customized their association management system (AMS) until they could no longer upgrade it, diminishing the customer experience and making it difficult to access content.
While ASIS had a well-designed network infrastructure and security plan in place, the organization lacked a comprehensive technology strategy to align business users with technology users. Because of that, IT staff only executed assigned tasks instead of acting as partners and contributors with business staff. With the arrival of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the organization was ready to bring in DelCor to assist with establishing effective IT practices and developing an organization-wide technology strategy to move ASIS forward.
The Process
DelCor conducted an initial assessment based on DelCor’s The 501(c) IT Maturity Model to identify some of the root issues with ASIS’s technology infrastructure. We discovered that the organization had been focused on individual tasks and resolving symptoms as they arose rather than addressing the sources of their issues. As part of the solution, we gave them a comprehensive overview and inventory of their business applications and partners, and we outlined changes the organization needed to make with the involvement of their business leaders and partners.
The Result
Overall, we translated the organization’s strategy and goals and aligned the needs of the technology staff and business units. Because of our work, ASIS was able to refresh their technology stack and develop a framework for their business system ecosystem technology plan as well as a roadmap for updating, replacing, or removing ineffective applications and processes. As ASIS began to implement projects to rebuild and align systems to meet their goals, the organization asked DelCor to work with their HR leader to develop an updated technology leadership position description and support the hiring of a Chief Digital Strategy Officer (CDSO).
Second EngagEment
The Challenge
After our initial engagement, ASIS continued to refine the business and staff needs. Like many associations, the majority of ASIS’s revenue came from events and exhibits, and the organization had to make critical adjustments due to COVID-19. When the ASIS CDSO left the organization, ASIS decided to contact DelCor to discuss options for filling the technology leadership vacancy and reassessing the technology roadmap. The organization also asked DelCor to assist with focusing their limited resources on the most impactful technology initiatives.
The Process
To start, we reviewed ASIS’s critical business needs and related technologies with the businesses and IT team. We made a recommendations list for ASIS that focused on the organization’s staffing and structure, projects, and systems. One of our key suggestions was to promote a senior IT staff member to a leadership role with a coaching plan instead of creating new positions and hiring more staff.
The Result
Our previous work with ASIS allowed us to leverage our understanding of the organization and our relationships to quickly react to the most pressing needs. The IT leadership coaching was successful and allowed the staff member to execute their plan. We maintain an ongoing relationship with them, serving as a sounding board and strategic advisor. We continue to do periodic check-ins as the organization rebounds and prepares for the next phase of growth.
Questions about these projects? Contact DelCor here.
