In our third blog article we will examine five specific use cases in which real-time metrics are able to solve problems.Understanding the availability of applications
It is important to continuously monitor the availability of websites and web-based applications in order to be able to solve problems quickly. Modern tools, such as Pingdom, test the availability of web applications with real-time inquiries every few minutes and facilitate quick troubleshooting if problems arise.
Modern monitoring tools and their functionalities are invaluable in daily IT operations. However, the data is naturally granular. Subpages and numerous entities must be monitored. In LeanIX Metrics, data points can be aggregated to a meaningful level for strategic decisions. This helps decision-makers understand whether a specific application fulfills the SLA (Service Level Agreement), whether more revenue can be generated with higher availability or whether a communication measure for customers is necessary during malfunctions.
Understanding interface transaction volumes
In modern IT environments, interfaces play a continually larger role. They represent dependencies in the environment and can become a risk if many or very critical transactions are handled via an antiquated interface. Therefore, it is important for decision-makers to obtain the following information: Which interfaces are critical? What happens if a critical interface malfunctions?
There are even special tools that can be used for this, such as AppDynamics. These tools detect and monitor transactions on the code level. An integration with LeanIX offers the advantage that information is put into a clear context. In order to make good decisions, the granular data must be linked to end-users and business implications. LeanIX enables one to easily understand the effects that the malfunctioning of a critical interface has on other applications, users, and the business.
Measuring the use of applications
There is very little transparency on the use of supplied applications. How many end-users really use the 365 Degree HR Feedback Tool which costs 100,000 Euros in annual license fees? And how often do they use it? Can we switch to a cheaper license or are there any other tools available in the company with similar features?
In Metrics, this data can be transferred to the correct fact sheet, i.e., the appropriate application, via the API. As a result, decisions on the meaningful use or further development of an application can be made on the basis of real data.
Integrating customer service data
The web-based software Zendesk, in particular, has revolutionized the customer service of many companies. The software bundles all customer communications in one place. Thus all communications are managed from a single system independent of the channel of communication. The quality of customer service can be assessed and improved based on detailed figures and reports.
This is valuable information for managing the IT environment. As a result, applications can be expanded to provide information on the number of open tickets or average problem-solving times. This helps draw conclusions on sensible ways to further develop an application and on whether improvements would result in better support figures.
Visualizing IT costs in a business context
Managing IT costs is a complicated topic for many businesses. It is quite often difficult to superimpose accounting & controlling perspectives on required decision-making perspectives. LeanIX offers a meaningful structure for decisions with applications that support business capabilities.
Many types of costs can be easily displayed for an application with the Metrics add-on. In this way, license costs, for example, can be visualized for an application without needing to wait for IT controlling assessments.
