Free Resource
The Application Rationalization Playbook
A step-by-step guide for IT departments running application rationalization with their business stakeholders - including 7 ready-to-use templates.
Get the free playbookEvery application should have a plan
That single sentence captures what this playbook is for. By the end of an assessment cycle, every application in scope has an owner, is scored against business and technical factors, is placed in the TIME quadrant, has a near-term action, and has a roadmap item for the next twelve months.
Not a strategic essay. Not a separate project. A row in a table where every cell is filled in.
The portfolio that emerges from those rows is what allows your organization to see itself clearly enough to make better decisions about technology investment.
Foundations
Set up your workspace, import your application inventory, and identify owners per business unit.
Pilot with willing business units
Run the 12-step engagement with one or two business units. Score Tech Fit with IT, run Business Fit workshops, populate TIME placements.
Decision and roadmap
Translate TIME scores into PAID actions. Roll up to the capability level. Build a 12-month strategic roadmap with owners and timelines.
Decommissioning
Use portfolio visibility to make the case for retiring applications. Five-step discipline for removing cost and complexity safely.
Sustainability
Quarterly cadence, annual full review, and integration with operational systems. The day-two answer for keeping your portfolio current.
7 templates included - ready to use
Every artifact in the kit is sector-neutral and editable. Localize with your organization's name and logo - nothing is locked to a single industry. Each template pairs with GetInSync as the system of record.
Application Assessment One-Pager
Single-page handout for business stakeholders. Shows the 4-step process, TIME quadrant, who should attend, and what to expect from a workshop.
How to Spot a Business Application
Six-question decision guide that helps IT and business stakeholders agree on what counts as a business application before scoring begins.
Business Factors Questions Handout
The 10 scoring questions used to assess Business Fit, with 1-to-5 anchors for each question. Ready to use in a workshop.
Technical Factors Questions Handout
The 14 scoring questions used to assess Technical Fit. Designed for IT to complete before the business session.
Intent-to-Meet Email Template
Word-for-word email template to send to each business unit to initiate the assessment process and set expectations.
Strategic Application Rationalization Infographic
Visual summary of the four-step methodology: Inventory, Score, Map to TIME, Strategic Roadmap. Works as a one-page handout or presentation slide.
Methodology Walkthrough Deck
Three-slide presentation centered on the methodology infographic. Use it to introduce the process to leadership or a new business unit.
Who this is for
The playbook is built around three roles that work together to run a successful rationalization engagement.
The relationship layer
Business Relationship Managers or vCIOs who own the conversation with each business unit and keep stakeholders engaged.
The execution layer
IT leads or portfolio managers who run the scoring sessions, facilitate workshops, and maintain data quality in GetInSync.
The system of record
GetInSync - where application inventory, scores, TIME placements, and roadmap items are captured and maintained.
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