Blogs

Cost-conscious and results-oriented: how a fair price leads to better service
Niemand wil te veel betalen, zeker niet binnen de IT-dienstverlening. Maar wat is eigenlijk te veel? Natuurlijk is het mogelijk om diensten tegen een scherpe prijs in te kopen. Toch blijkt in de praktijk dat dit vaak leidt tot onverwachte extra kosten of...

Measuring software quality: from gut feeling to insight
Software vormt de ruggengraat van vrijwel elke organisatie. Wanneer u veel matwerk applicaties heeft, is het meten van kwaliteit en onderhoudbaarheid geen nice-to-have, maar een must om de (toekomstige) kosten goed te kunnen managen. Het lastig om objectief...

The Power of a Sourcing Strategy: From Vision to Control
We leven in een tijd waarin technologie, marktdynamiek en organisatiedoelen voortdurend aan veranderingen onderhevig zijn, is een doordachte sourcingstrategie geen luxe. Toch blijft het voor veel organisaties een uitdaging om deze strategie concreet en...

Smarter Outsourcing: How the right support helps you make better choices
Met de huidige krapte in de arbeidsmarkt is het niet vreemd dat organisaties af en toe tegen grenzen aanlopen. Capaciteitstekort, ontbrekende specialistische kennis of simpelweg te weinig tijd om een goed onderbouwde sourcing strategie neer te zetten. Externe hulp...

𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗟 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
ITIL is niet zomaar een set richtlijnen; het is een waardevol hulpmiddel dat organisaties helpt hun IT-servicemanagement naar een hoger niveau te tillen. Als consultant zie ik dagelijks hoe deze principes organisaties kunnen transformeren, mits ze op de juiste manier...

Successful Renegotiation of IT Services: Strategies and Best Practices
A successful renegotiation of IT services requires insight and experience. We provide support in these processes, focusing on sourcing expertise, market conformity, and substantive evaluation. We ensure improved service descriptions to eliminate...

Building a future-proof IT organization – together
De (door)ontwikkeling van je IT-organisatie vraagt om meer dan alleen de juiste technologie. Het draait om mensen, processen en visie. Wij helpen organisaties bij het creëren van een stevig fundament én het zetten van de volgende stap. Niet door alles over te nemen,...

Clear IT service descriptions: The key to successful collaboration
In any partnership between a client and an IT service provider, everything revolves around trust, expectations, and results. A clear IT service description with well-defined demarcation forms the foundation for this. Why? Because it prevents misunderstandings during the collaboration about who does what – and who is responsible for what.

SIAM in practice: How to maximize multi-vendor IT management?
Service Integration and Management (SIAM) helps organizations effectively manage multiple IT suppliers. Instead of isolated contracts that do not align well, SIAM offers an integrated approach where all parties work together to provide seamless services.

IT selection processes: How to avoid vendor lock-in and maximize flexibility?
When it comes to IT sourcing, avoiding vendor lock-in is a key focus. Whether dealing with traditional, SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS services, companies that maintain flexibility in their contracts and technology choices can respond more quickly to market changes.

IT sourcing: how to choose the right strategy?
IT sourcing offers organizations the opportunity to work more flexibly, efficiently, and innovatively. There are various models, such as single vendor, multi-vendor, and best-of-breed. Each model has unique advantages: a single vendor can provide simplicity and economies of scale, while a multi-vendor approach offers more specialization and bargaining power.

The role of governance in IT sourcing: why good governance makes a difference
Governance plays a crucial role in successful IT sourcing. Clear agreements on responsibilities, performance, and collaboration lead to better manageable contracts and higher service quality.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗧 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺
IT sourcing offers many opportunities, but also has pitfalls. Unclear contracts, lack of governance, and over-dependence on suppliers can negate the benefits.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗧 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗻-𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
Transparency in IT contracts leads to better collaboration, more trust, and long-term partnerships. When both parties openly communicate about expectations, performance, and risks, contracts are created that are not only legally correct but also practically executable.

A Target Operating Model (TOM) is essential for successful IT sourcing
A well-designed target operating model (TOM) forms the backbone of a successful IT sourcing strategy. It ensures clear roles, defined responsibilities, and optimal collaboration between internal teams and external suppliers

A Strong IT Organizational Structure: The Backbone of Your IT Services
Effective IT service delivery starts with a solid foundation. This includes not only ITSM processes but also IT organization, governance, reporting, and meeting structures. A well-defined IT Operating Model (TOM) helps align IT strategy and operations with business goals, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation.

NIS2, it's really coming this year
This also means it's time to check your IT contracts or take them into account when entering into new contracts. There are several points of attention to ensure that you meet the requirements and best practices of NIS2. We have listed a number of points of attention below:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
IT contract lifecycle management (CLM) has become a cornerstone for organizations aiming to keep pace with change and maintain a competitive edge. The essence of IT CLM lies in its ability to adapt IT contracts to support changing business needs, ensuring that technology services remain aligned with strategic objectives.

𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗟/𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗠 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗟/𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗠 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 Within IT service management, it's important for organizations not only to maintain their ITIL and ITSM processes but also to actively seek ways to improve them. These improvements...

Insight into IT Costs: Key to predictability and control
For 'IT managers,' it is essential to have a clear view of IT expenditures. Having control over costs and being able to predict cost developments enables organizations to act proactively, implement innovations, mitigate risks, and optimize investments.

Creating an effective IT sourcing strategy
Creating an effective IT sourcing strategy is a multi-step process that involves understanding your organization’s needs and aligning them with the right technology and services. Below a structured approach to developing an IT sourcing strategy:

What to do if you have doubts about the continuity of your IT supplier?
Your IT supplier is an important partner for your business operations. You rely on their services, products, expertise, and support for the continuity of your business processes. But what if your IT supplier gets into trouble? What if they go bankrupt...

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆
We all encounter IT challenges from time to time. Whether it's solving technical issues, implementing new application versions, or developing a digital strategy, a reliable sounding board can make a difference

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗧 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
When searching for a new IT service provider, it is important that you have 'a good feeling' about your future supplier, as you will be working closely together for the coming years. Traditional selection processes often follow a rigid path, but an approach based on dialogue offers a valuable alternative that transforms and optimizes the process.

Stay or change?
When your IT service provider underperforms, you face a crucial decision: stay or change? It's a dilemma many companies encounter. On one hand, there's the notion of switching to a new supplier, hoping for better service. On the other hand, there's the argument to invest in improving the relationship with the existing supplier and the quality of their services.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗧 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
It is important that your IT governance organization functions well to support and ensure the success of your business processes. The governance organization is responsible for managing, coordinating, and optimizing IT processes to ensure seamless operation of systems and applications. But what makes an IT governance organization effective?

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗧 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 : 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗠 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿
Outsourcing IT services to an external provider can be a strategic decision for many organizations, as it can help them reduce costs, access specialized skills, and focus on their core business.

𝗜𝗧 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆
Businesses face the challenge of selecting the right technological solutions that support current and future business processes. But it doesn't end there. These contracts also need to be actively managed to align with evolving business needs.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰?
Rationalization of your IT landscape and suppliers? More efficient operation of your IT Service Management processes? Business needs that align even better with the services of your IT organization? Suppliers contracts that adapt to your business developments?

The Benefits of Contract Lifecycle Management
In the rapidly evolving world of information technology, the ability to be agile is of invaluable importance. The 'Contract Lifecycle Management process' (CLM) emerges as a strong tool for organizations aiming to adapt to market developments, business changes, and technological advancements.

Verlening van partnerschap met ASICS Technology
ASICS “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” – “a sound mind in a sound body” Aaron Stafford (Director Security, Infrastructure & Application Services ASICS Technology B.V.) “I'm pleased to continue our long-standing and valued relationship with Van Dorp Management Consultancy into...

The Power of Dialogue: Connecting Customer and Supplier for Success
In a world where business relationships are becoming increasingly complex, effective communication between customers and suppliers is essential. Dialogue sessions provide a valuable opportunity to promote mutual understanding and strengthen collaboration.

The Enthusiasm Effect: Transforming Customers into Fans
Enthusiastic customers! That's what it's all about. If you've ever seen Steve Jobs launch a product where the audience cheered as if they had received tickets to a concert, then you know what I mean. But how do you generate that excitement?

Are you ready for your SAP S/4 migration?
A migration to SAP S/4HANA can be a significant leap forward for your organization, but it requires thorough planning, investment, and engagement from both the IT and business teams. Before you begin, it is advisable to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine...

Maximizing your sourcing success: Early Supplier Involvement for IT Outsourcing Contracts
Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) is a strategic approach wherein outsourcing providers are engaged in the decision-making process at the early stages of planning and designing IT projects or services. Instead of treating the supplier as a mere contractor, ESI views them as a strategic partner, collaborating closely from the outset.

Software licenses: how do you negotiate?
Preparation is Key; first identify which functionalities you really need, what types of users/licenses are available, possible forms of licenses, determine your negotiation strategy, and what the maximum cost should be. There is a lot to gain in the negotiation strategy, and...

Help, my contract is expiring!
The current agreement with your current supplier is approaching its end. There have been some challenges during the past period, and there's a sense of unrest within the organization. What will you do now? Several options are available:

Recognize each other's strengths in the collaboration
I sometimes observe a lack of understanding between customers and suppliers regarding the quality experience of the provided services. Customers don't comprehend why certain service levels are not met, while suppliers keep bouncing incidents back due...

ITSM: How do you implement it to bring the most value?
These are the key focus areas: Define clear objectives Design tailored processes Automate where possible Drive adoption within the organization Measure and evaluate performance Continuously improve Invest in training and development Demonstrate the value

Are you making the most of your IT contracts?
Technology and business requirements are constantly changing and evolving. This can sometimes happen very quickly due to external developments or rapidly changing business needs. By knowing the content of the contractual agreements, you can prevent inefficiency, minimise risks and make better decisions. A good supplier relationship is essential here.

Successful service delivery starts with a request that includes a clear scope and demarcation description, as well as the objectives to be achieved.
" I should be able to expect that..." is a phrase often heard when a customer and supplier have different expectations regarding the agreed-upon service. However, if those expectations were present, they should have been clearly described in the scope or objectives. Therefore, pay extra attention to this, as it will benefit the service and relationship between the parties.

Never a fixed agreement
I never enter into a fixed contract with my clients, which means we agree on the desired outcome, but not on the specific number of hours per week of the project.

The selection process is complete. Now the real work begins!
Selection processes have a beginning and an end. The end is where all contract documents are signed and the signatures are put on the MSA (sometimes followed by a celebratory drink). For the facilitator of the selection process, the work is done. For the client (and the supplier), however, the real work is just beginning; the transition and transformation.

Public tenders…
Not everyone enjoys responding to a (public) IT tender. It is often seen as time-consuming and bureaucratic. Support in such processes can be beneficial and increase the chances of success.

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
References from potential suppliers can be tempting to rely on during a selection process. It is important to remember that references do not always provide a complete picture of reality.

ITSM strategy workshops at ASICS
The past period, ASICS held a number of strategic workshops to determine the strategy and future vision for the ITSM implementation. ASICS has already implemented a lot in recent years, but wants to continuously adapt to the changing organization and keep improving to serve the business and its customers as well as possible.

Cost-efficient or cost-effective?
No one wants to pay too much, especially when it comes to IT services. But what is too much? The services can be performed at very low cost, but do they meet the actual need? Or do you often have to provide additional tasks, including the associated costs, to get the desired level of service?

Speak the customer's language!
The world of supplier offers has evolved significantly in recent decades. I receive high-quality offers monthly, which are composed with great care and attention to detail. The content is well described, including specific solutions, tools, and processes. It's a great story that suppliers are proud of.

Do many KPIs guarantee better customer service?
I often come across lists of SLAs with KPIs with the thought that measuring everything will result in better customer service. This idea is still prevalent in the government sector in particular. However, the opposite is true. This approach often creates a rigid and inflexible attitude between parties, which certainly doesn't improve the customer experience.
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