The Digital Shelf Institute (DSI) and MikMak have partnered to release an in-depth report titled “Bridging Gaps and Breaking Silos — Strategies for Enhancing Collaboration Between IT and Business Teams.” The report highlights the growing importance of collaboration between historically siloed departments—IT and business teams—and provides actionable strategies to foster alignment and drive business success.
With global commerce sales projected to reach $7.4 trillion in 2025, the relationship between IT and business units is more critical than ever. According to Jon Harding, CIO at Conair, “The focus needs to be on IT and the rest of the business, not IT versus the business.” Yet, many organizations still struggle with competing priorities that impact efficiency, innovation, and the overall consumer experience.
The report offers keen insights from CIOs and business leaders, highlighting practical solutions to bridge this gap and improve collaboration across departments.
Key Findings Include:
- How IT Has Evolved and Its Impact on Business Success — IT has transformed from a support function to a growth driver, playing a critical role in digital transformation and commerce enablement. The report highlights how IT leaders at Conair, Dorel Home, and Colgate-Palmolive are shifting from reactive problem-solvers to strategic partners, enabling data-driven decisions and creating scalable business solutions.
- Collaborative Models for IT Integration — The report outlines four effective IT integration structures: shared service models, direct IT business partners, embedded IT roles within business functions, and centralized project management offices. Each model includes real-world examples from brands like Petmate and Kids2, showing how these strategies have improved communication, streamlined operations, and fostered innovation.
- Budgeting Models and Technology Planning Best Practices — Featuring insights from executives at Conair and Dorel Home, the report explores various budget ownership structures, from CIO-controlled budgets to co-ownership models between IT and business units. The section also details quarterly technology planning processes, prioritization frameworks, and tips for aligning technology investments with business goals to avoid friction.
Throughout the report, leaders from Personal Care, Grocery, and Home industries share real-life success stories, providing readers with actionable takeaways for building stronger IT-business partnerships. To learn more and download a copy of the report, please visit here.
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