Business software implementations are notoriously prone to failures, particularly Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Many studies over the years indicate that 20-30% of such projects fail outright, while up to 70% fail to deliver the promised value within the time expected. While nobody sets out to fail, perhaps you may recognize some of these […]
Five Ways to Fail at ERP Read More »
It has almost become cliché to say that success in business is directly related to people skills. In particular, I’m referring to people skills related to building and managing strong relationships with the right people. Most of us know this intuitively and want to improve the quality and quantity of our network, but attitudes and
Building and Maintaining Strong Relationships – The Key to Business Success Read More »
As more companies look to outside vendors for providing technology support, they are entering into contracts with Managed Service Providers (MSPs). There are some essential elements of an MSP contract that you should look for before signing anything. These are typically addressed in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) portion of the contract, but can be
IT Managed Service Providers Contract Essentials Read More »
Integrating two companies is a project with many complexities that must be done right the first time. It is easily one of an organization’s top stressors and disruptors. Three key pre-merger actions you need to take: Put due diligence on steroids Assign a Program Manager Integrate Communication Action 1: Put Due Diligence on Steroids Due diligence
Three Key Actions to a Successful Acquisition Read More »
WannaCry – Petya – Ransomware – Phishing – DDOS. Unfortunately, these terms have entered the lexicon of the modern boardroom. Experts predict global annual cybercrime costs will grow from $3 trillion in 2015 to $6 trillion by 2021. IT risk management and cybersecurity has gone from an underfunded IT backwater ten years ago to third
Cybersecurity Begins with People Read More »
A lot of professional business people tell me that that they would like to get out and network more, but they never seem to find the time. When I hear that I thank the universe that I learned my lessons about networking early in my career. Why is professional networking important? We all know that
Networking – The Why and How for Professionals Read More »
Making the decision to replace an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a major undertaking for any organization. The first step is to determine the desired features, budget, and timeline for the project. Next, you will need to engage a vendor to assist with the project. There are key actions to consider when developing a request
Choosing a New ERP System – How to Work With Vendors Effectively Read More »
The formula for running and growing any business is fairly simple. There are 3 variables that you need to define to get the right answer for your business and the business technology portfolio. Goals: What do I want to accomplish over time? Strategies: What path am I going to take to get to my goals?
3 Variables for Managing your Business Technology Portfolio Read More »
As management consultants, we hear how a lot of organizations feel about their information systems. Familiar complaints about the IT department include: “The department of NO” “Where good ideas go to die” “A black hole” Not surprisingly, these comments arise when the IT organization is dysfunctional and systems are unstable. However, some of the same
IT is a Discipline, Not a Department Read More »
A True CIO and vCIO are fundamentally different. Increasingly, mid-size businesses are outsourcing their IT support functions such as help desk, server and network management to an IT Managed Service Provider (IT MSP). Within their various service offerings, many of these companies also provide a function called vCIO, or virtual Chief Information Officer. They are
A VIE CIO is a True CIO, and Speaks Your Language Read More »
