ITIL V4 is the latest version of ITIL, published in February 2019. Built on the previous ITIL versions, ITIL 4 is a sophisticated update to the ITIL 3 framework. 

As businesses are completely turning digital, the entire organizational ecosystem is undergoing a massive accentuation. So naturally, the frameworks that define how an organization deals with problems, interacts with clients and stakeholders, etc., need to be facilitated. Hence, the need for an upgrade from ITIL V3 to ITIL V4.

ITIL 3 was focused on processes. It provided functions but needed more insight. So, while you can mark the IT department's functions, you need a more flexible resource that serves as a guiding post. Thus, the introduction of 'ITIL 4 Practices.

You need to understand ITIL 4 Practices in detail to get an ITIL V4 certification.

What's New In ITIL V4?

There has been a lot of debate on the difference between ITIL 3's processes and ITIL 4's 'Practices.' The bottom line is that a Process is "a set of activities that brings results based on the input." In contrast, Practices are "a set of resources that helps strengthen the organizational values and objectives."

The most important thing about ITIL 4 that you must understand is that it emphasizes value creation instead of simply delivering services. 

Processes told organizations what to do! It was a spoon-feeding framework that is redundant in the dynamic and expansive environment organizations operate in nowadays. So the new ITIL 4 framework aims at delivering personalized solutions by means of practices. Two significant components have been included in the new ITIL 4 versions focusing on the new value-creating agenda of ITIL, which are: 

• The Four Dimensions Model
• The ITIL Service Value System

The Four Dimensions Model Of Service Management

The four dimensions service management model is a significant addition to the ITIL V4 framework covered in every ITIL V4 certification course. The model's main objective is to ensure that the organization is undertaking a balanced approach and paying attention to every crucial perspective from its service management design. 

The four dimensions are as follows: 

1. Organizations and People
2. Information and technology
3. Partners and suppliers
4. Value streams and processes

If even one of these dimensions is not considered, it can cause significant problems for the organization and render the service provided ineffective and redundant. 

ITIL Service Value System 

ITIL Service Value System outlines the system's inputs, various organizational components directly involved in value generation, and the system's outputs (achieving business objectives). The ITIL Value System is the core part of any ITIL V4 certification course you choose. 

Opportunity/Demand

Opportunities represent all potential opportunities to produce value for end users. The need for goods or services is what drives demand. The system always has these two essential inputs, but the company only sometimes takes advantage of all the chances or concentrates on meeting all the expectations.

Guiding Principles

Regardless of changes to the organization's goals, strategies, or organizational structure, it is a collection of guidelines by ITIL 4 that direct a company throughout its service management lifecycle. 

The 7 guiding principles that the ITIL V4 states are as follows:

• Focus on value
• Start where you are
• Progress iteratively with feedback
• Collaborate and promote visibility
• Think and work holistically
• Keep it simple and practical
• Optimize and automate

Governance

The main objective of ITIL 4 governance is to make sure that the organization's procedures and the service value chain function well in accordance with the established business objectives. This is accomplished through evaluation, direction, and monitoring activities.

The ITIL Service Value Chain

The ITIL Service Value chain is at the center of the SVS. It states 6 activities required to respond to demand and obtain value realization. 

• Plan
• Improve
• Engage
• Design and transition
• Obtain/build
• Deliver and support

Continual Improvement

In service management, Continual Improvement (CI) means continuously seeking ways to increase the efficacy and efficiency of IT services that support business activities.

Practices

Practices are a set of guidelines that are designed for assisting organizations in accomplishing their goals and objectives. 

The ITIL Service Value System comprises 14 general management practices, 17 service management practices, and 3 technical management practices.

ITIL 4 Certification

The ITIL V4 certification path starts with a foundation, to the intermediate level, and then goes on to the master levels. Depending on the level you are at, you can choose a certification. 

The entry-level course, ITIL 4 Foundation, addresses the principles and foundational terms related to service management.

Once you pass the intermediate-level courses, you can go for the master-level certification in ITIL 4. As you climb higher on the ITIL 4 course levels, your position and salary packages climb higher too.

Conclusion

With a stronger emphasis on end-to-end value creation, ITIL 4 continues the path started by earlier ITIL versions that assisted companies in shifting from a process focus to a lifecycle focus.

As it takes into account everything service providers and service users need to co-create value, ITIL 4 expands on the concepts and procedures introduced in those earlier editions of ITIL. Anyone can learn the ITIL framework by simply taking an ITIL v4 certification course.