Planning for a successful business transformation project

At Trabon, our passion is helping organizations succeed and thrive as a result of our technology-driven business transformations. Our experience has shown the following to be important factors in executing a successful project:

Business Leadership Involvement

Viewing information technology needs and opportunities as a business strategy— rather than simply a technology upgrade—creates the right formula for success. Consistent and significant senior involvement with accountability for the outcome is critical.

Clear Project Vision Linked to Business Strategy

Selecting the right capabilities for new or redesigned software can be difficult. Some are planned using a “kitchen sink” mentality—throwing in every feature conceivable for fear of missing an opportunity. The result can be a costly, lengthy project with unnecessary features.

Software projects also can suffer from a lack of innovation. By not challenging processes and assumptions, companies can end up with a system that is merely a faster version of the current system. Costs are incurred, but the promise of significant business benefits is left on the table.

At Trabon, we know that successful projects begin with a solid understanding of the business strategy. Innovation, operational efficiency, better service and new markets are all aspects we heavily evaluate, among others. This sets the foundation for defining the right blend of architecture and features. So you get the maximum benefit for the lowest cost and risk.

Phased Deployment Based On a Master Plan

The project is defined. There’s an understanding as to how the various pieces will integrate. Next, projects are divided into smaller phases for construction and implementation. This phasing allows for benefits to be realized earlier. Additionally, it provides critical feedback, while keeping the project focus on measurable and apparent milestones.

Robust Communication Techniques

Here’s the most difficult part in technology-driven business transformations: turning the tacit/tribal knowledge of the organization into explicit information that is clear and unambiguous enough to properly automate. While many techniques can accomplish this, a deep understanding of both process flow and data structures is required. Understanding data relationships is particularly important, as it provides the foundation for the system. Yet this area is too often under-analyzed.

Experienced Project Management

Managing a large software project is unlike most other business activities. There’s numerous complex decisions to be made. Communication with all involved is vital to the project. And the need to foster innovation throughout the entire process is essential. These are only some of the challenges that face the project manager of a large development project. These projects require dedicated managers with solid experience in new software development to ensure project success.