Implementation: Collaboration is Key

One of the most common mistakes of implementation projects is not putting together the right team.  Typically, all things software fall squarely on the lap of IT professsionals with the expectation that they will install the system, configure, train users, and switch it on.  Computer project for the computer guy, right?

But when it comes to enterprise software this is an unrealistic expectation.  Let's use another project example for a moment: suppose you're remodeling your kitchen.  Would you defer ALL the decisions regarding your new kitchen to your general contractor?  Why not?  He has the tools and the experience to measure, install cabinets, countertops, hook up appliances, etc.

Well, first of all, the contractor doesn't live in your kitchen. 

He probably doesn't know how much time you spend there, how many people use the space on a regular basis, personal preferences, what type of cooking or entertaining you do.  Perhaps you have special needs such as lower cabinets, wider countertops, or a wine fridge.  In this case, a successful remodel involves the owner working closely with the contractor on a regular basis to plan and excecute a kitchen remodel that meets the owners needs. 

The same holds true with enterprise software.  It's not enough for the IT people to manage the implementation entirely on their own.  In order to be successful, the business owners must work closely with the IT staff to explain their needs, walk through the business process, and test the application.  They're going to live and work in it; they need to own it too.

So who's on the team?  For smaller companies the project team may just be two or three people; in larger organizations, it may require a business representative from each functional area.  It's important that these team members have the authority to make decisions on behalf of their department and understand basic business principles which make the company operate smoothly.  And there needs to be ongoing, clear communicaton and collaboration between knowledgable user representatives and technical staff.

Building a collaborative team from different areas of the organization will not only improve your chances of implementation success, but will be key to continued improvement of business process and operations even after the implementation. As Winston Churchill famously said, "If we are together, nothing is impossible.  If we are divided, all will fail."