TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT--FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT

Written by Niki Bohne


The task of researching software products and service providers can be so daunting that projects are often waylaid until an organization finds itself making critical business decisions during a crisis. Inaction is a course of action which can cost an organization both in terms of employee morale and lost financial resources. Typically a company will userepparttar cost ofrepparttar 106823 proposed project as a deterrent to decision making. Before answering that you can't afford to, ask yourself if you can afford not to.

Good companies have standardized processes in place so that limited human resources aren't wasted on procedural inefficiencies. Elite companies have taken it a step further and have even standardized their decision making processes. For these companies, a good decision is simply a logical conclusion to a well administered plan. Good planning consists of several key elements:

-> A documented decision making process -> Needs analysis -> A budget -> A realistic implementation timeline -> Product and vendor research -> Service provider selection criteria

Documentation: Without appropriate documentation, there is no standardization. Decide who inrepparttar 106824 organization will be involved inrepparttar 106825 selection process and at what level. Then identify an individual to be responsible for facilitatingrepparttar 106826 needs assessment and ultimately deciding which products to consider. Decide who will research and presentrepparttar 106827 solutions andrepparttar 106828 pros and cons of each torepparttar 106829 group. Your final documentation should also include information regardingrepparttar 106830 process by which a final decision will be made andrepparttar 106831 deadline for making that decision.

Needs Analysis: Due diligence is your responsibility and begins with a detailed understanding of your needs. Regardless of what type of product you're researching, you'll need to identifyrepparttar 106832 critical element that drivesrepparttar 106833 business need. For example, if you're looking for accounting software and inventory management is key, you have narrowed your search down to products with inventory management capabilities.

The next step in your process should be a comprehensive needs analysis ofrepparttar 106834 already identified critical elements andrepparttar 106835 need as a whole. Determine what features are non-negotiable. These are your deal breakers--the things you can't live without. Then develop a wish list based on your organization's fantasy ofrepparttar 106836 perfect solution. The items on this list are things you would like to have but could live without if all your other needs are met.

Budget: You'll also need to set a budget. Your budget should includerepparttar 106837 software costs, additional hardware, changes in operating systems, and product implementation and training. There are also long term costs to consider when evaluating products. There may berepparttar 106838 cost of ongoing maintenance contracts, support contracts, and additional training due to product modifications or staff turnover.

WHY CONSULTING FIRMS FAIL

Written by Niki Bohne


The key to succeeding inrepparttar market has always beenrepparttar 106822 ability to gain and maintain a competitive edge. Today's consumer is obsessed with speed and hasrepparttar 106823 false impression that speed lends itself to efficiency by default. Just because we are working faster doesn't mean we are working smarter, and as a resultrepparttar 106824 consumer often pays more for less. This speed-based commerce has evolved itself intorepparttar 106825 even greater "one stop shopping" phenomena. A phenomena which is fast becomingrepparttar 106826 defining factor surrounding an organization's ability to attract and retain quality clients.

Speed has come at a price forrepparttar 106827 consumer. As I listen to and participate in conversations, a common theme is that of people marvelling atrepparttar 106828 lack of customer service in industries acrossrepparttar 106829 board. They are not, however, willing to forego their "now not later" way of life. In exchange they have been forced to accept a lack of consistency and customer service and view it to be a necessary by-product ofrepparttar 106830 force that is driving their lives.

I believe that standardized methodologies can do nothing but

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