I used to work for a small, mobile software company. We had built an app and figured we could make a business out of it, so we charged forth. As I came along to help manage the business portion, I found holes in the metaphorical bucket of business process and plugged it with software. I used OpenERP (a great tool if implemented correctly), but was unable to get the team to use it and, therefore, it did not reach its potential.
I chose to plug a hole with software when there was a bigger problem hiding in the shadows. This problem doesn't just plague small companies just starting out. It hurts any company who doesn't plan accurately or correctly define the problem. With the other company, there were process problems (to say the least) that needed more than an open-source software to fix them. Having learned from this experience, I will help you correctly find technology and implement it so your company can really soar.
Big Picture
Before choosing the first thing that comes up in your Google search results and running with it, make sure you can answer a couple questions.
- Does it Meet Business Goals? Each tool should improve the execution of your business goals or it will just waste your valuable time. If it saves you time on a tedious task so you can spend more time on your core skills, then go for it.
- Why Does Your Current Solution Fail? Before throwing away this shiny tool for another one, make sure you know why you are throwing it away. If the current solution doesn't match your business strategy, then spending time finding one that does saves time and money.
Implementation
If you have decided on a tool to use and are ready to put it into practice in the next few months, make sure you plan for success.
- Have an Accurate Timeline. With an accurate description of the problem and solution, take the time to, carefully, implement the new tool. Allow time for testing so every piece is smoothed into place, and you don't have to revisit it in a year to overhaul it, again.
- Plan for Maintenance. No software lasts forever, and people are always working to improve it, so putting time aside for updates and revisions will save time and money. If time isn't taken, issues develop and escalate into bigger issues until you stop and fix them. It is better to plan regular for maintenance, so issues are solved in small doses and don't cause big budget headaches.
Summary
Having the latest technology will only improve your business if it meets your goals. The key is understand the problem accurately so you can solve it once, forever. If you plan enough time for successful implementation and regular maintenance, little issues remain little, and you reap the benefits over time.
Do you have an interesting story or solution to a problem? Let me know in the comments!
Photo by J. Todd Poling