IT Project Management Archives - Page 10 of 15 - Innovate. Integrate. Transform. Run.

SAP Implementation Focus: Engineer Software or Business Processes?
SAP Implementation Focus: Engineer Software or Business Processes?

SAP Implementation Focus: Engineer Software or Business Processes?

By Bill Wood|April 29th, 2010|

You have selected SAP as your software application-- now you move on to look for competitive bids from several software vendors to implement the system. You have a good understanding of the scope you want to address, but what do you look for and where do you begin? [FN1] Your Primary SAP Implementation Focus You can install SAP in your company through two primary ways: making your company fit the software, or making the software fit your existing processes. In other words, either you do a softw [...]

The Top 5 ERP Success Factors by Project Stage from 22 Critical Success Factors
The Top 5 ERP Success Factors by Project Stage from 22 Critical Success Factors

The Top 5 ERP Success Factors by Project Stage from 22 Critical Success Factors

By Bill Wood|April 26th, 2010|

A while back, I was reviewing academic material on ERP/SAP Project success factors. One particular study stood out because it laid out 22 specific success factors by project stage [FN1]. Even though this study dates from 2001, the Critical Success Factors (or CSFs) still ring true today, and the conclusions are consistent with what I have seen on SAP projects since I started in 1994. While the sample size was somewhat limited (86 completed questionnaires), the data and information prov [...]

ERP Project Plan: Getting Real (Part 2)
ERP Project Plan: Getting Real (Part 2)

ERP Project Plan: Getting Real (Part 2)

By Steve Phillips|April 16th, 2010|

In many cases, the ERP project plan is not worth the paper on which it is printed. Worse yet, many project managers shoot themselves in the foot because they prematurely commit to a project schedule and budget that sets unrealistic management expectations. Once cast, expectations will not go away and only come back to haunt you later. Could this be one reason why many ERP projects fail? Even when the schedule and budget are formally published, many plans are quickly tossed out the window becaus [...]

ERP, SAP, or IT Project Management and Prototyping for Success
ERP, SAP, or IT Project Management and Prototyping for Success

ERP, SAP, or IT Project Management and Prototyping for Success

By Bill Wood|March 15th, 2010|

Over the years I have worked with teams that had great project management and others that had poor project management. The projects with really good project management generally ran smoothly with less stress, allowing the team to be more productive. A Few of the Characteristics of a Well-Managed ERP Project I have noticed a few consistent elements in well-managed projects. Those elements can be summed up in the following list: The project manager produces a published project plan with tasks, tim [...]

Sales, Software Selection Scams, and Performing Your Own Software Selection
Sales, Software Selection Scams, and Performing Your Own Software Selection

Sales, Software Selection Scams, and Performing Your Own Software Selection

By Bill Wood|March 11th, 2010|

A while back, I did a proposal to help a fairly large retailer do a software and vendor selection. Because of my many years of experience with SAP, they were concerned about whether I could be objective and unbiased. That is not only a fair question, but a critically important question. I decided to approach this sales presentation effort differently by providing solid, verifiable, and objective methods to evaluate software fit as well as vendor fit. Although the client company was gracious, acc [...]

ERP Project Planning – Getting Real (Part 1)
ERP Project Planning – Getting Real (Part 1)

ERP Project Planning – Getting Real (Part 1)

By Steve Phillips|February 28th, 2010|

When the client is not heavily involved, expect plenty of project surprises and no ownership of responsibility. The ingredients for optimal success require active client participation at every stage of the project-- from project planning to project closure. Anyone who has been around ERP long enough understands that meaningful client involvement in the project is critical for success. However, many implementation projects start with the software consultants developing a project plan in a vacuum [...]