IT Cost-Benefit & Risk Visibility Checklist

1.1 Do you have a clear, detailed IT budget that breaks down spending by category (hardware, software, cloud services, support, cybersecurity)?

1.2 Are you able to track the cost of IT services or infrastructure on a per-user, per-department, or per-service basis?

1.3 Do you regularly identify and account for "hidden" IT costs such as downtime, shadow IT, or inefficient processes?

2.1 Do you have clear metrics (productivity gains, revenue increase, cost savings) to quantify the business benefits of your IT investments?

2.2 Do you regularly measure and act upon user satisfaction with IT services and the impact of IT on employee productivity?

2.3 Can you articulate how your IT investments provide a clear competitive advantage (faster service, better data analytics, enhanced security)?

3.1 Do you conduct regular, comprehensive IT risk assessments that identify potential threats to your systems, data, and operations?

3.2 Are you able to quantify your financial exposure from identified IT risks (cost of a breach, downtime impact, regulatory fines)?

3.3 Do you have a clear risk mitigation strategy with allocated resources for addressing your most critical IT vulnerabilities?

4.1 Is your IT strategy clearly aligned with and documented against your overall business goals and strategic objectives?

4.2 Are key business stakeholders actively involved in IT investment decisions and strategic planning?

4.3 Are IT investments prioritized based on measurable business value, risk reduction, and strategic alignment rather than just cost?

5.1 Do you receive regular, comprehensive reports on IT performance, spending trends, and value delivered?

5.2 Is the value and risk of IT investments communicated effectively to executive leadership and the board in business terms?

5.3 Are IT performance metrics regularly reviewed and used to drive continuous improvement and accountability?