To prevent an IT system from becoming obsolete before achieving its planned return on investment (ROI), it is crucial to manage the benefit realization throughout the entire lifecycle of the system. This approach involves continuously monitoring and adjusting the system to ensure it delivers the expected value and benefits from inception through decommissioning. This proactive management helps in adapting to changes in technology and business environments, thus extending the relevance and utility of the IT system. Obtaining independent assurance, defining IT and business goals, and ordering an external audit are important practices but do not directly address the ongoing management of the system's value delivery and adaptability over time.