Making the move to the cloud: Translating Tech into Business Value

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to effectively translate technical development into tangible business value. This is usually measured based on business key performance indicators (KPIs), quantifiable metrics, to evaluate the success of an organization in achieving its objectives (i.e. strategy for growth and competitiveness). The technology roadmap must align with these strategic objectives of a company to generate meaningful business value; this can achieved in different ways by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, or driving innovation. In this article, we will explore how technical development experts can bridge the gap between with business to achieve success by understanding the relevance of KPIs, and implementing strategies to optimize results that drive value.

Translating technical terminology into business value is a critical skill, it allows organizations to effectively communicate the benefits of technology to everyone in the organization.

Understanding the business

The first step in translating technical terminology into business value is to understand your audience. Engage in open communication with stakeholders, from different business domains, by seeking out opportunities to exchange ideas and information. This will help you understand their perspectives and perception on how technology can support their goals. Ask questions about their objectives, challenges, and how they measure success. By taking the time learn more about the industry in which your organization operates, you will gain knowledge that can provide context to your technical development goals.

Neighbouring days: Shadow your colleagues and understand their day-to-day operations.
Business workshops: Attend trainings that focus on business-related topics to gain valuable insights into business operations strategies.
Business strategy discussions: Participate in strategic planning sessions discussing the company’s future to gain valuable insights into business decision-making process and basic understanding of financial implications.

Regularly request feedback from non-technical stakeholders regarding the impact of your work on the business. This feedback loop can help you fine-tune your technical solutions.

Define relevance of technical development

To effectively translate technical development into business value, you must implement strategies that not only track KPIs but also drive meaningful change and improvement. Adopt an iterative development approach, like Agile or DevOps, which allows for continuous improvement. Gather feedback of end-users during the development cycle and capture feedback to effectively address the business need.

Simplify Complex Concepts: Break down technical jargon and complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand terms. Use analogies and metaphors to explain technical processes.
Use Visuals: Visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and infographics, can simplify complex data and make it more accessible. Visual representations of technical information can help non-technical stakeholders grasp the value more easily.
Tell a Story: Storytelling engages and allows you to resonate with your audience on a personal level. Sharing real-life examples are a powerful way to convey the value of technical developments.

Invest in training and development for your technical teams ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to support the achievement of KPIs vital for driving business value.

Map Technical Efforts to Business Objectives

Connect technical projects and initiatives to specific business objectives and KPIs. Show how technical work supports and advances these goals, regularly assess progress and adjust development strategies accordingly. This flexibility ensures that technical efforts remain aligned with business goals.

Highlight Competitive Advantage: Explain how technical development can provide a competitive advantage.
Develop a Business Case: Create a project proposal that outlines the expected benefits aligned with business objectives.
Quantify Benefits: Use data metrics to quantify the benefits of technical solutions.
Calculate Return on Investment (ROI): Show the return on investment associated with the technical development. Describe how the initial investment in technology will lead to long-term benefits.

Define a compelling value proposition, a concise statement that summarizes the business benefits of the technical development.

Effectively translating technical development into business KPIs and value is a dynamic and collaborative process. It requires a clear understanding of strategic objectives, alignment between technical and business teams, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By selecting relevant KPIs and understanding correspondingly the relevance of technical development, organizations can harness the power of technology to achieve their goals and remain competitive in an ever-changing business landscape. The strategies presented in this article should help your organization bridge the gap between technical language and business value, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to appreciate and support technological initiatives within the organization.

Your ability to align technology with business goals will contribute to your organization’s competitiveness and long-term growth.