Use this checklist to evaluate whether your current IT provider is aligned with your business’s Operational Maturity Level (OML). Alignment ensures smooth operations, strategic growth, and minimized risk.
1. Strategic Alignment
✅ Our IT provider understands our business goals and incorporates them into technology planning.
✅ Our provider proactively recommends solutions aligned with our growth strategy.
✅ We review IT and business goals together at least quarterly.
2. Process & Documentation
✅ Our provider has well-documented processes for support, onboarding, and change management.
✅ They help us standardize and document our internal processes where needed.
✅ SLAs and SOPs are clearly defined, followed, and reviewed.
3. Security & Compliance
✅ The provider proactively manages cybersecurity, risk, and compliance.
✅ We receive regular security assessments, reports, and recommendations.
✅ They are aware of and help maintain industry-specific compliance standards.
4. Data & Performance Insight
✅ We receive regular reporting on KPIs, performance metrics, and service levels.
✅ Our provider supports data-driven decision-making through dashboards or analysis.
✅ Issues and patterns are identified and addressed proactively.
5. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
✅ Our provider introduces new technologies that improve efficiency and competitiveness.
✅ They facilitate regular reviews and suggest areas for improvement.
✅ They are forward-thinking and help us stay ahead of industry trends.
6. Culture & Communication Fit
✅ Communication is clear, timely, and consultative—not just transactional.
✅ They feel like a partner, not just a vendor.
✅ We trust their guidance and value their input.
If you checked most of the boxes above, your provider is likely well-aligned with your OML. If there are significant gaps, it may be time to reevaluate your partnership or initiate strategic alignment conversations.
