It is an article about the implementation of a complex IS within a company. Such a project usually entails a lot of problems that must be solved and a lot of barriers to be crossed, so it presents an interesting and challenging road towards the completion.
So, let us begin with the most dull and a million times heard universal truth that goes something like this: "Don't repeat mistakes other have made and don't solve problems that have already been solved!” Yeah, right... We all know that, but have gone down the road of repetition nevertheless.
But this time, be prepared for something completely different!
Introduction
Are you a CIO or IT expert or just a regular employee in an IT sector working on a new project that involves the implementation of a new BIS (ERP, CRM....) within a company?
Getting a new "IS" is a strategic decision, where functionality, applicability and adaptability play the main role.
I am going to write about USERS, as they are there and are the reason for a project to succeed or fail.
Looking for a new solution
We all know that choosing a new product can be very tough. According to sellers and promoters:
- theirIT solutions are the best and the only real solutions to our problems,
- they can do anything and there are no limits,
- "we can do it and yes it works as you want it...",
- “all other solutions are just not as good as ours...”.
Sounds Familiar?
How to choose?
The answer is not a simple one. It depends on what we want and how big our company is, on our knowledge basis, on how many IT experts we have and, finally, on how much money we want to spend on a new solution.
What do we want?
The best practice is to predefine what we want to achieve with a new SW. Of course it is hard to see all the aspects. But try to look ahead.
Try to Avoid Thinking Like:
We want a new system that will work in exactly the same way as the previous one!
This is the worst way to start a new project. In this case you do not need a new IS at all.
Of course you have to do a snap shot of business processes, but it is meant to be only a guideline, do a snapshot only to see how the processes are working.
When changing the IS,use the opportunityto review your current business process and try to make some improvements, modify them, make them better and try to get as much out of the system as possible. There are always opportunities for improvements - read about Kaizen.
Make the IS Implementation Project Work for You
After selecting a solution, you pay to a supplier a part of the final price that usually includes also some consulting. Use it as an added value to your organization; they know the product they are selling, therefore they can best foresee the best practice and solutions for your company. Do not waste those valuable work hours just listening to things that you already know.
Start with Questions:
- “How can we improve things?”
- “Where is added value for us?”
- “How can we reduce time needed for specific processes?”
- “How can this help our users?”
- ...
You must agree that the main reason for trying to introduce something new is to make things work better, faster, and to get new and better results.
Sharing news that there are going to be some changes
Get Prepared for Typical Responses from Users:
- “Why do we need a new solution or new SW?”
- “The old one is good enough.”
- “We will have more work now.”
- “This is stupid.”.
- ...
If you are a beginner in implementing a new project, it is going to be a very good experience, just do not give up!
Power Users
For a project to succeed, it is useful to involve some power users from a sector where those changes are to occur! After a while you will have a reliable person working with you on a project and directly involved in the process he/she is responsible for. You will also gain a valuable support inside an organizational unit (OU), and users will have someone from their own to ask the first question!
Implementing
So if you are already at this stage, it is time to do some serious work. This is a critical situation when all your fears and nightmares can come out from the dark.
How Well are You Doing?
- How well prepared and planned was your project?
- Did you thing about everything?
- Is everything going to work OK?
- Does your HW really meet the minimum requirements (although you specifically ask for a HW requirement and probably have bought the latest model of a high performance family server......)?
