A new analysis by Teqtivity, a leading IT Asset Management solutions provider, reveals that poor alignment between IT and Finance departments is creating a double financial hit for organizations: wasting 15-20% of IT budgets through inadequate visibility while simultaneously missing significant revenue opportunities hidden in asset management programs.

The findings, based on Teqtivity's analysis of client data and industry practices, indicate that most CFOs continue to view IT departments as cost centers rather than strategic partners capable of optimizing expenses and generating revenue.

The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

"We're seeing organizations waste substantial portions of their IT budgets simply because CFOs and CIOs aren't working from the same data," said Hiren Hasmukh, CEO and Founder of Teqtivity. "CFOs make budget decisions based on incomplete information, while CIOs struggle to demonstrate ROI effectively."

Teqtivity's analysis identified familiar sources of waste, including:

• Duplicate software licenses across departments
• Unused mobile lines and subscriptions
• Underutilized hardware and cloud resources
• Poor asset lifecycle management

Organizations with strong CFO-CIO partnerships consistently identify 15-20% more optimization opportunities than those operating in departmental silos, according to Teqtivity's client data.

Hidden Revenue

Beyond cost savings, Teqtivity's analysis revealed that IT departments can actively generate revenue through strategic asset management—an opportunity most CFOs are unaware of.

A recent client implementation demonstrated the potential: one organization's IT asset disposal program, spanning nine offices, generated $809,850 in revenue while securely processing 4,322 laptops and sustainably recycling 35,000 pounds of e-waste. 

"CFOs who view IT purely as an expense center are missing half the equation," Hasmukh explained. "Forward-thinking finance leaders are discovering that technology departments can contribute to the bottom line through asset recovery programs, optimization initiatives, and strategic partnerships."

Breaking Down Microcultures

Teqtivity's analysis also revealed the importance of what the company terms "microcultures" - distinct working styles and priorities that develop within individual departments. While these microcultures drive specialization and innovation, they can create silos when not properly aligned.

"IT, Finance, HR, and Security teams each have their own expertise and workflows," Hasmukh explained. "The key is connecting these microcultures through shared objectives like cost efficiency, security, and employee productivity rather than eliminating them."

Immediate Action Steps for CFOs

Based on its analysis, Teqtivity recommends specific steps CFOs can take to unlock both cost savings and revenue opportunities:

1. Conduct Asset Visibility Audit: Partner with IT to identify underutilized hardware, software, and licenses
2. Initiate Asset Recovery Program: Work with certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) vendors to generate revenue from retired equipment
3. Establish Monthly IT-Finance Reviews: Create regular alignment meetings using shared metrics
4. Implement Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Break down silos between IT, HR, Procurement, and Security teams

Industry Impact

The findings align with broader industry trends showing IT's evolution from a support function to a strategic enabler. Organizations that successfully align IT and Finance report improved budget accuracy, faster decision-making, and better ROI on technology investments.

"The CFOs who recognize IT as a profit center, not just a cost center, are positioning their organizations for competitive advantage," Hasmukh concluded. "Our analysis is clear: alignment between these departments drives both cost optimization and revenue generation."

For more information about Teqtivity's approach to breaking down IT-Finance silos, download the free whitepaper 'Microcultures: The Secret to Bridging IT and Business Systems' at www.teqtivity.com/microcultures.