In our previous post, we outlined the key components that industrial distributors should consider for their 2025 IT roadmap, along with some starter questions. Now, we’re continuing that theme with a simple 5-step process to quickly develop your plan for next year. This guide is designed for busy IT directors who can’t step away from day-to-day operations to focus solely on planning.

Step 1: AUDIT

Revisit the key domains we discussed:

• Hardware
• Software
• Data
• People
• Process

Apply the questions from these domains to your own environment to conduct a rapid audit of risks and opportunities.

Step 2: IDENTIFY

Based on your audit findings, pinpoint possible actions to address those risks and opportunities. Since you and your team are swamped, focus on action-oriented statements that specify time, effort, and resources.

For example, an action like “Upgrade your ERP system to the latest version by May 31—including testing all integrations beforehand” is more effective than a vague “Upgrade ERP.” 

Step 3: PRIORITIZE

You can’t tackle everything at once. Use an impact-effort matrix to evaluate each potential action:

• High Impact, Low Effort: Quick wins to prioritize, such as implementing new features in your ERP that can streamline operations.
• High Impact, High Effort: Strategic projects requiring significant resources but offering big benefits, like implementing the Prophet 21 Wireless Management System.
• Low Impact, Low Effort: Minor improvements to schedule when possible, perhaps small tweaks in your “system reports”.
• Low Impact, High Effort: Initiatives that may not be worth pursuing right now.

This framework helps you allocate resources wisely, ensuring your team focuses on projects that deliver the most value to your industrial distribution operations.

Step 4: AGREE

Every company plans differently, but effective IT roadmaps aren’t developed in isolation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to:

• Validate Priorities: Ensure proposed actions meet the needs of different departments that rely on your systems, like sales, procurement, and warehouse management.
• Gain Buy-In: Secure support from key stakeholders—crucial for successful implementation of any ERP upgrades or IT initiatives.
• Mitigate Resistance: Address concerns early by involving stakeholders in the planning process, especially when changes affect daily use of core systems.

Step 5: PLAN

With a clear set of prioritized, agreed-upon actions, you’re ready to:

• Define Scope and Objectives: Clearly outline what each project aims to achieve within your IT environment.
• Set Timelines: Establish realistic deadlines and milestones, perhaps scheduling system upgrades during a slower business period.
• Allocate Resources: Determine the personnel, budget, and tools required, including any external consultants if needed.
• Establish KPIs: Identify key performance indicators to measure success, like reduced order processing time or improved inventory accuracy.
  
  

An actionable plan turns strategic ideas into real projects, ensuring your IT roadmap leads to tangible results that enhance your operations and overall business efficiency.

Conclusion

Crafting a 2025 IT roadmap is all about pragmatism. Let’s face it—no one’s waiting for Q4 just so to start planning. Instead, planning often gets squeezed into a busy period when you’re hustling to meet this year’s goals.

You won’t earn points for elegant writing or lengthy documents filled with fluff. Use this straightforward process to drill down on what matters to your  industrial distribution business and stay focused on actions rather than exhaustive planning..