Similar to the commonly used definition of a printed set of roads and landmarks, a technology roadmap is a set of indicators that help develop a strategic framework. There are five main phases to a tech roadmap, and each stage details what needs to be active in each stage.
Illustrate: This stage answers the question of how value is delivered to customers. Examining what methods and processes the company uses that attracts customers is the primary goal of the Illustrate section.
Translate: Defining the key elements of the business as an income figure, it is clear to see how the cause and effect relationships produce results. Understanding where income is generated, it becomes easier to leverage and maximize even more profit.
Indicate: Using measurement data to indicate the successful completion of goals, the next phase in road mapping is to link the data with desired features and planned performance enhancement.
Dedicate: This phase allows the company to allocate employees to the needed areas, ensuring that the appropriate performance measures and evaluation tools are in place. This is done through training and procedural drills.
Operate: Once the roadmap has been established, the company can begin to operate under the new direction. It requires communication between teams, management and customers.
As a guide to success, a road map helps establish the direction a company should move in. It can provide order to generate income, increase value in a product and uses technology strategically. By setting up realistic goals and targets, and then creating a systematic method of reaching those goals, a company can become a streamlined and efficient business. Through careful planning and communication, the successful roadmap can point out gaps in technology as well as provide links for other tools that may be used. Using a roadmap builds a common understanding of a plan and promotes team buy-in and cooperation.
