itSMF Bulletin December 2021 | Page 6

Why businesses must conduct effective service cost tracking

You can’t manage what you can’t measure

Reporting is the avenue through which executives keep their fingers on the pulse of their business. Effective service cost tracking allows business leaders to evaluate whether services are consistently being delivered cost-effectively. Tracking cost trends over time can also help executives predict future expenses, value creation, and profitability. Understanding how costs trend over time and where those costs are coming from can help business leaders identify cost-ineffective areas and generate cost savings by enacting changes where needed.

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Comprehensive financial data provides a foundation for informed business decisions

As cost is an essential component of operating a business, comprehensive financial data provides a foundation for informed business decisions. Business decisions made without sound and comprehensive financial data can lead to short- and long-term challenges for any organization. Effective financial reporting and service cost tracking give business leaders the data they require to take action and make important decisions about the services they offer.

For businesses that wish to expand or justify their service offerings, cost tracking provides the opportunity for managers to clearly display the financial value that the new service can create for the company.