As the most popular, accepted and well-regarded IT service management method available today, the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is quickly gaining popularity in businesses all across the world. 

Many organisations are moving to implement ITIL, investing in ITIL training and certification for key team members and putting significant resources into capitalising on this framework as quickly as possible.

However, this rush to take advantage of the benefits that ITIL can often lead to a number of common mistakes and errors creeping in. If not addressed, these pitfalls can completely disrupt the ITIL implementation process and lead to significant delays and unnecessary costs.

Here are three of most common ITIL implementation mistakes being made today, so that your organisation can be better aware of the potential problems that might arise. 

Lack of communication

As with any process changes, communication is essential to any successful ITIL implementation. You need to communicate your strategy to team members and get them on board early, so that they can spread positivity and enthusiasm for the initiative.

Consider your audience and think about the information they need to hear. Don't treat your ITIL implementation as a secretive process, but also ensure that information is filtered in such a way that it is relevant and important to those on the receiving end. 

Misunderstanding of ITIL 

Many organisations misunderstand ITIL and overestimate its transformative abilities. Remember that ITIL is only a framework – a set of best practices that your IT organisation can look to follow. It is not a one-time deployment or a goal with a set objective. Instead, it is an evolving and fluctuating initiative that needs to permeate your IT management mindset. 

Failure to plan and prepare

Proper ITIL implementation requires careful planning and foresight. Before you look to integrate these practices, you need to take a close look at your organisation and consider where the pain points are and where improvement is most necessary.

You also need to ensure that everyone has received the necessary training and education required to make the most out of the ITIL framework, otherwise decision making will be slowed and you will be unable to maximise your return on this investment.