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10 OKR examples for It Department

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What are It Department OKRs?

The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for It Department to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

It Department OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for It Department. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to implement a metric system for enhanced outcome-orientation in the company

  • ObjectiveImplement a metric system for enhanced outcome-orientation in the company
  • KRConduct training for all department heads to understand and apply these metrics by month 3
  • TaskSchedule and conduct training sessions for the heads
  • TaskIdentify department heads requiring training
  • TaskDesign an orientation program on metric application
  • KRDevelop a customizable metrics dashboard in collaboration with IT department by month 2
  • TaskBeta test dashboard and make necessary adjustments
  • TaskCollaborate with IT on programming requirements
  • TaskIdentify necessary metrics for the dashboard
  • KRComplete research on industry-standard performance metrics by the end of month 1
  • TaskIdentify key industry-standard performance metrics
  • TaskCompile findings into comprehensive report
  • TaskAnalyze metrics' importance and application

OKRs to optimize IT costs by reducing expenses by 20%

  • ObjectiveReduce IT expenses by 20%
  • KRAnalyze previous quarter expenses and identify areas for cost reduction
  • TaskDetermine cost-saving opportunities
  • TaskIdentify spending patterns
  • TaskReview expenses
  • TaskImplement cost reduction measures
  • KREducate employees on cost-saving practices and enforce IT policies
  • TaskRegularly remind staff of cost-cutting policies
  • TaskContain training sessions for IT policy adoption
  • TaskMonitor employee compliance with IT policies and address non-compliance
  • TaskHold information sessions about cost-saving practices
  • KRNegotiate with vendors for better pricing
  • TaskResearch vendor's competitors and their rates
  • TaskHighlight your previous purchasing history with them
  • TaskOffer to sign a long-term contract for a discount
  • TaskAsk for a volume discount based on the forecasted quantity
  • KRImplement solutions and track savings
  • TaskIdentify opportunities for cost reduction
  • TaskImplement cost-saving solutions
  • TaskTrack and report realized savings
  • TaskPrioritize solutions based on potential savings

OKRs to implement up-to-date IT systems

  • ObjectiveImplement up-to-date IT systems
  • KRTrain all IT staff on new systems, achieving 90% proficiency rating
  • TaskSchedule regular training sessions for IT staff
  • TaskConduct proficiency assessments post-training
  • TaskIdentify necessary training programs for new systems
  • KRIdentify and acquire latest IT systems by assessing 5 different vendors
  • TaskIdentify five vendors offering the latest IT systems
  • TaskEvaluate each vendor based on system capabilities and support
  • TaskFinalize and acquire the most suitable IT system
  • KRLaunch and integrate new IT systems with 0% downtime
  • TaskStreamline integration tasks to minimize potential interruptions
  • TaskImplement a phased rollout approach for new systems deployment
  • TaskSet up a parallel operational environment for new systems testing

OKRs to successfully procure and implement a smart workplace management system

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully procure and implement a smart workplace management system
  • KRTrain all relevant staff and fully implement the system by week 12
  • TaskIdentify all staff requiring system training
  • TaskFully implement the system by week 12
  • TaskOrganize in-depth system training for selected staff
  • KRSource and evaluate 5 potential management systems by week 3
  • TaskIdentify 5 promising management systems
  • TaskGather detailed information about each system
  • TaskAssess each management system's effectiveness and suitability
  • KRSecure budget approval and purchase selected management system by week 6
  • TaskFollow-up for budget approval by week 5
  • TaskPurchase selected management system by week 6
  • TaskSubmit project budget for approval by the end of week 3

OKRs to enhance visibility over cloud and on-prem patchmanagement and configurations

  • ObjectiveEnhance visibility over cloud and on-prem patchmanagement and configurations
  • KRComplete training for IT team on latest best practices regarding configurations and patch management
  • TaskIdentify relevant training programs on configurations and patch management
  • TaskEnroll IT team members in selected training courses
  • TaskMonitor team's progression and verify training completion
  • KRImplement a centralized system to track and report all cloud resource configurations
  • TaskTrain staff to report configurations
  • TaskDeploy the system across all cloud resources
  • TaskIdentify necessary components for the centralized tracking system
  • KREstablish a schedule and process for regular patch updates and audits
  • TaskIdentify software and systems that require regular patching
  • TaskDetermine frequency for updates and audits
  • TaskCreate SOP for patch management process

OKRs to streamline administrative tasks in sales department

  • ObjectiveStreamline administrative tasks in sales department
  • KRImplement new software to automate at least 50% of repetitive tasks
  • TaskIdentify repetitive tasks suitable for software automation
  • TaskInstall and test automation software
  • TaskResearch and select appropriate automation software
  • KRReduce sales report generation time by 30%
  • TaskStreamline the sales data input process
  • TaskTrain team on faster report generation methods
  • TaskImplement efficient sales reporting software
  • KRImprove data entry accuracy to 98%
  • TaskUtilize automated data validation software
  • TaskEstablish robust data auditing processes
  • TaskImplement rigorous data entry training programs

OKRs to develop a comprehensive IT upskilling program for colleagues

  • ObjectiveDevelop a comprehensive IT upskilling program for colleagues
  • KRIdentify 3 major IT skill gaps in the team within 7 days
  • TaskCompare findings with current IT skill standards
  • TaskAnalyze team's recent project performance
  • TaskSurvey team to identify perceived IT skills deficiencies
  • KRAchieve 80% completion rate across all training modules over the quarter
  • TaskRegularly monitor and review completion progress
  • TaskImplement incentives to motivate completion
  • TaskDevelop engaging and comprehensive training modules
  • KRDesign 2 in-depth training modules per identified gap in the subsequent 3 weeks
  • TaskDesign and finalize two training modules per gap
  • TaskIdentify the gaps that need training modules
  • TaskDevelop detailed outlines for each module

OKRs to reduce overall IT expenditure per employee

  • ObjectiveReduce overall IT expenditure per employee
  • KRDecrease hardware renewal cost by 20%
  • TaskIdentify and eliminate unnecessary hardware assets
  • TaskImplement preventative maintenance strategies on existing hardware
  • TaskNegotiate better contracts with hardware vendors
  • KRImplement software use audits to identify 15% cost-saving opportunities
  • TaskIdentify key software used in organization operations
  • TaskAnalyze audit findings to identify cost-saving opportunities
  • TaskDevelop and implement a software auditing process
  • KRAchieve a 10% reduction in IT service contractor expenses
  • TaskExplore cheaper alternatives or in-house solutions for IT services
  • TaskEvaluate current IT service contracts for potential cost-saving opportunities
  • TaskNegotify renegotiations or cancellations of costly contracts

OKRs to enhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats

  • ObjectiveEnhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats
  • KRAchieve a 100% completion rate of all recommended security updates and patches
  • TaskConduct routine audits to ensure all devices and systems have the latest security patches
  • TaskProvide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees on the importance of installing security updates
  • TaskImplement an automated system to regularly scan and identify available security updates
  • TaskEstablish a policy for prompt installation and deployment of all identified security updates
  • KRImplement a comprehensive training program on cybersecurity for all employees
  • TaskCreate an online platform to provide ongoing access to cybersecurity resources and learning materials
  • TaskSchedule regular training sessions to ensure all employees receive cybersecurity education
  • TaskAssign qualified trainers to deliver interactive and engaging cybersecurity training sessions
  • TaskDevelop a customized cybersecurity training curriculum tailored to different employee roles
  • KRReduce the average response time to security incidents by 20%
  • TaskStreamline incident response workflows to remove unnecessary steps and improve efficiency
  • TaskDevelop a clear escalation process and ensure all stakeholders are aware and trained
  • TaskConduct regular simulations and exercises to enhance incident response readiness and identify areas for improvement
  • TaskImplement automated monitoring systems to identify and alert on security incidents promptly
  • KRIncrease the frequency of security audits to at least once every quarter
  • TaskAssign specific personnel responsible for conducting security audits
  • TaskDevelop a standardized reporting format for security audit findings and recommendations
  • TaskImplement regular communication channels to track and monitor security audit progress
  • TaskReview and update security audit checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage

OKRs to upgrade System Scalability and Maturity

  • ObjectiveUpgrade System Scalability and Maturity
  • KRDecrease system downtime by 15% by improving performance
  • TaskImplement regular system performance analysis and monitoring
  • TaskImprove fault detection and recovery measures
  • TaskRegularly update and optimize software
  • KRIntroduce two new maturity models to improve system maturity
  • TaskTrain staff on implementing and using the new models
  • TaskIntegrate new maturity models into the existing system
  • TaskIdentify suitable maturity models for our system
  • KRIncrease system capacity by 25% to support growth
  • TaskPurchase and install additional server hardware
  • TaskEvaluate current system capacities and identify limitations
  • TaskOptimize system configuration for enhanced performance

How to write your own It Department OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

It Department OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your It Department OKRs

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More It Department OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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