|
To Buy or To Build? –
The conventional wisdom for this question is that it always better to buy than build. Generally money and time can be saved by buying pre-built systems. Even so, there are many situations where a custom develop system is the only option. Some businesses have unique business processes that are not sufficiently covered within the features of purchased systems. In other cases, companies can realize a significant competitive advantage by deploying a unique piece of software. Even when companies purchase a business system, often there are requirements for some custom development work.
Software Development is Difficult –
Software application, website and database development (AD) projects can be a challenging and frustrating experience for business managers. Typically these projects begin with high expectations and positive anticipation. However, things can quickly degrade without careful and experienced oversight. There are a myriad of details to be managed.
High Project Failure Rate –
It is well-known that a high percentage of technical projects fail to meet business expectations. The reasons for these project failures are many. Suffice it to say that most of these reasons can be combined into a single category: poor project planning, execution and control.
It Takes an Army –
Typical AD projects require a variety of skilled IT resources, including: business and technical analysts, technical architects, software engineers, designers, database specialists, program coders, and testers. Especially for smaller AD projects, sometimes certain skilled IT resources can simultaneously handle multiple of these roles. Although this sometimes results in quicker project delivery, it can come at the intangible cost of increased quality risks due to the lack of natural checks and balances that exist when the roles are distributed. When one person wears multiple role “hats” there is a natural conflict of interest that can develop. For example, if the program coder and tester is the same person, it is likely that testing will be less rigorous. Experienced AD project managers understand these roles and the work that must be accomplished. Experienced AD project managers will ensure that the work results meet the expectations for the project, and can provide the necessary leadership to ensure time, quality and costs are optimized throughout the entire schedule.
Communication is Key –
Successful AD projects require a true partnership between the business and technical roles. Effective communication paths must exist between key resources in both camps. Because the software application, website or database will likely be automating certain business functions and processes, it is imperative that business managers retain active ownership (sponsorship) of the goals and objectives for the project. It is also imperative that the business staff understand and support these goals and objectives, and participate in the requirements, acceptance testing, implementation and adoption of the new system.
Demand Experienced AD Project Managers –
Effective AD project managers must be very knowledgeable about business software in general. They also must be very experienced with current software, website and database development best-practices. Lastly they need to be able to quickly ramp up on their knowledge of the client’s business processes and understanding of the critical business issues. They must know how to walk the delicate balance between providing the necessary autonomy for resources to exploit their talents and creativity, and providing the leadership, structure and control required for protecting the interests of the client. They know that successful AD projects must “integrate” with the business’s ongoing work process and culture. They also know that the level of success for any custom software, website or database development effort will be assessed long after the project is complete.
K2 Technical Services has
extensive experience Managing AD projects. Most of our
K2Pros
™ have acquired professional project management certifications. We provide the expertise to help ensure you receive the utmost value for your software, website and database development investments.
|
