The most important thing in brief:
IS analysis: Approach IT project the right way
Every IT project starts with a central question: Where are we currently? The answer is provided by a thorough IT IS analysis — and it is therefore the decisive first step on the road to successful implementation. Whether introducing new software solutions, network modernization or migrating to the cloud: Without in-depth knowledge of the current state of the IT infrastructure, projects run the risk of failing due to incorrect assumptions or unclear dependencies.
One IS analysis in an IT project creates exactly this necessary transparency. It helps to objectively record and document existing structures, processes and systems and to optimize them in a targeted manner in comparison with the desired state. But what does a good IT IS analysis off - and why is it so crucial for project success?
What is an IS analysis in an IT project?
Die IT project IS analysis is the first and most important step in traditional project management. The aim is to objectively and completely understand the current situation of IT infrastructure, systems, processes and applications in use. It answers questions such as:
- Which systems are in use?
- Which networks exist?
- How are rights and roles distributed?
- What dependencies are there?
Simply put: The IS analysis sheds light on the darkness. Only those who know what is available can decide what needs to be changed, optimized or replaced.
In our Blog article on analysing the current situation of the IT infrastructure We will show you in detail what this analysis looks like, also with the help of Docusnap.
When is the right time to define the current situation?
Die Definition of the current state should take place as early as possible in the course of the project — ideally even before the actual project planning. Because: Without a clear picture of the current state of the system and process, expenditure estimates, resource planning and goal definition are usually vague or based on assumptions. This increases the risk of incorrect decisions, budget overruns or time delays.
In practice, it has been shown time and again that projects in which the as-is analysis is only carried out during the implementation phase often struggle with unexpected dependencies or outdated system structures, which result in time-consuming rework.
How does a successful IS analysis work in an IT project?
A well-founded IS analysis in an IT project is based on two complementary analysis approaches: the functional analysis and the process analysis. Both provide valuable insights into the current state of your IT landscape and business processes — and form the basis for sustainable improvements.
1. Functional analysis: What is your IT using today?
During functional analysis, you systematically record all functions and components that are already actively used in your IT — such as software solutions, databases, server roles or existing network infrastructures.
2. Process analysis: How do your systems work together?
Process analysis goes one step further: It looks at specific use cases and business processes — i.e. the interaction between IT and organization. The aim is to examine internal processes both technically and structurally. This makes it clear Which processes maintain can become and Where there is a need for optimization, for example in terms of automation, efficiency or safety.
The process of the IS analysis
A successful IS analysis follows a clearly structured process. In practice, an automated and continuous approach in particular has proven successful — as is the case with a solution such as Docusnap It is possible to:
- inventorying
The first step is the automated recording of all IT components. With Docusnap, this can be done agentless and efficiently — from servers to networks to user rights. - documentation
The collected data is presented in a structured manner in clear reports, network plans and evaluations. This creates a clear picture of the current situation. - Analysis and evaluation
Based on the documented current situation, those responsible can identify weak points, security gaps and optimization potential. - Comparison with the target state
The next step is a comparison with the project goals — the so-called TARGET state.
IS vs. SHOULD in IT project work
The comparison of IS and SHOULD is essential to identify the gap between the current situation and the desired goal. An example from practice:
A company is planning to modernize its file server structure. Die IS analysis with Docusnap shows: Outdated servers, duplicate data storage and unclear authorizations make work difficult. The goal is a lean, cloud-based solution with clear access rights.
It is only through the as-target comparison that the actual need for action becomes visible — and a meaningful migration strategy is possible.
Without a well-founded analysis of the current situation, the project would possibly fail due to outdated assumptions.
The IS analysis as a decisive step in IT project management
In theory, project management often sounds linear: setting goals, planning, implementing them. In practice, however, it all starts with transparency. And this is exactly where the IS analysis comes in. It answers the questions:
- Where are we standing?
- What works — and what doesn't?
- Which systems can be reused and which must be replaced?
A typical example from everyday IT life:
A company is facing an IT compliance audit. The project group is planning measures to better secure the systems. Without up-to-date actual data on network structure and user authorizations, there is a risk of miscalculations — and, in the end, expensive improvements.
The solution: Docusnap enables a regular analysis of the current situation, at the push of a button. As a result, IT projects always stay on track.
Conclusion: The IT project IS analysis is not a nice-to-have — but a must
Regardless of whether it's a rollout, migration or security project: The IT IS analysis is the basis for well-founded decisions. Anyone who skips this step risks bad investments and unnecessary complexity.
With software such as Docusnap create the necessary transparency and can manage your IT projects in a targeted and efficient manner.
👉 You can also find out more about the holistic documentation of your IT infrastructure in our Blog articles on IT infrastructure documentation.
The next steps
Start with a structured as-is analysis: Check whether your current or upcoming IT project already has a complete picture of the existing infrastructure and processes. If not, now is the right time.
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