3. Testing a New Program in Production Server

Testing in production server leads to a breach of security, which can lead to “immediate” release without testing which can ultimately disrupt production environment.

SOLUTION: There should be specific protocol setup for security and quality control considerations for new program tests.

4. Inadequate Testing

Experience and studies show that testing is almost always pushed to end of development cycle. Since development is usually bad, testers run out of time. The result? Running over schedule and over budget. Not to mention release of an inadequate product.

SOLUTION: Remember problem #1? Ditto! Yes, you have to make it to market before your competition. But if you make it to market and your product is filled with bugs, what do you get? A pile of returns and complaints, and a bad reputation. Test all way through process, and you’ll save a lot of time in end.

5. Pressing Budget Too Tight

When you have unrealistic goals for a project’s budget to start with, chaos is bound to set in. Departments fall behind, resources are slow to arrive, and - because of budget constraints - project, once again, runs off road.

SOLUTION: Create an accurate budget. Also, outline ways to develop better upfront planning of resources.

6. Never/Rarely Checking Progress of Project

As project goes along, unexpected happens. Various people implement their ideas as to how to fix these challenges and - when launch day comes - you’re surprised with an entire list of challenges that need your immediate attention.

SOLUTION: Define “checkpoints” throughout project. Give attention to those things that need to be adjusted along way, even if they cause minor delays. Fixing them now, rather than later, will take less time overall.

7. Not Reviewing Existing Standards

Do most or all of your projects run late and over budget? Do you keep same standards in place time after time? How’s that working for you? If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you get. Let’s face it… things change, and if you want to keep pace, you have to change, too.

SOLUTION: Take time to review standards used for each and every project. Keep a running list of what worked, what didn’t, and how to do it better next time.

The next time your IT project is late, over budget, and looks like it is never going to work, review this list again. Make necessary adjustments, and you’ll be downright amazed at difference!