9 principles to improve IT supplier relationship management

8. Ensure resource continuity

One of the most common issues with IT supplier relationships and other partnerships is a lack of resource continuity, particularly when key individuals involved change. After all, with IT’s high turnover rate, personnel changes are inevitable in any supplier partnership. Provisions that ensure resource continuity, particularly regarding key personnel, will keep work flowing smoothly. “People will inevitably change over the course of your relationship with a supplier,” says George Nellist, director and CIO at Ascend Agency. “But if you have the right framework in place, these changes don’t have to disrupt your processes and outcomes, particularly when both sides are involved in coordinating the change. The right onboarding for new personnel and ensuring the partnership continues to get the same level of priority will keep everyone aligned and focused so your output doesn’t take a step back.”

9. Incorporate an onboarding plan

As an extension of ensuring resource continuity, businesses must also account for relationships with IT suppliers as part of their onboarding process with new hires. All team members and stakeholders involved with the supplier relationship should be onboarded to the partnership, with materials and guidance adapted to their roles. A consistent yet adaptable approach to onboarding that highlights the vision, guiding principles, required skills, desired outcomes, and mindset associated with the partnership will keep things running smoothly, even as new hires are onboarded.

Better relationship management, better IT outcomes

CIOs who improve their ability to manage relationships with IT suppliers can drastically improve outcomes for their business. With stronger relationship management, you can ensure full alignment between your organization and its IT suppliers, enhance productivity, and drive meaningful progress toward your IT goals. A framework that strengthens the relationship between both parties will create the necessary win-wins for lasting relationship success.