I agree with both of you, and am about to spout something crazy - every part of the business affects every other part of the business.

I know! what a wacko!

If I develop a report with pristine, critical data that shows the weakest points in our company, and exactly what needs to be addressed, and hand it to the leadership who do exactly nothing with it, (or the wrong thing with it) then nothing is gained.

I like the distinction between utilitarian versus strategic IT, and I think that companies gain an edge through the savvy of their leadership, no matter whether they're the corner fruit stand or a global conglomerate. Fancy tools may make it easier to find the information (sometimes) but in the end it depends on all the parts of the organization working together to achieve a common goal (note - this does not include 'collect a paycheck'), under solid leadership to coordinate everyone's efforts.