Keys to Success |
ITC believes that a thorough understanding of the points below will create the basis for the successful introduction of your IT solution.
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1. A system needs a clear and solid concept.
In order to construct an Information Technology (IT) system to be used successfully and for a long time, you first need to establish a clear concept as the basis for the entire system. If you are building a system to support the whole company it becomes even more important. If this concept is solid, you should be able to launch the system from any point without the risk of disturbing the overall balance. If you need to alter some part of the running system or add a new component to it, the concept must support and maintain operational integrity and stability. This concept should also help the system users (employees) to understand the importance of the system and contribute to its' successful implementation.
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2. A good system has a "Spinal Cord"
Everyone agrees upon the importance of speed in the ability to respond to changing customer requirements, markets, society and your own company's needs efficiently. In order for a system to provide such responsiveness it is crucial that the foundation of the system has been carefully considered. It is like a spinal cord. Just as nerves grow from a spinal cord, numerous sub-systems can be connected intrinsically if the system's "spinal cord" is firmly established. When a system is developed in such a way, it can easily respond to any situation with the speed and flexibility required to fully support the activities of a dynamic company.
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3. Choosing technologies and packages is a consequence not a beginning.
Information Technology has grown beyond being merely a tool for the collation of simple information or for the pursuit of small gains in efficiency. Despite the IT system being now regarded as a key strategic tool for supporting most company activities, many companies start the development process with the question; "what technology or packages should we use?" On the surface this seems like a reasonable way to make a start. This approach will not however lead you to a system that fits flexibly to your company's unique situations/tasks. ITC suggests, begin with the purpose of the system as a starting point and consider how to utilize your existing resources (systems) first. Choosing technologies and packages is the next step.
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4. A good system covers individuals and the "Big Picture" at the same time.
A well-designed networking and IT system can convert information held by individuals into valuable resources for company management. In order to make this happen, it is crucial for you to grasp and understand what kind of statistical analysis can provide the keys to unlock your company's future. At the same time, it is equally important for you to establish a method of obtaining a usable amount of reliable raw information. Therefore, it is important to consider strategies as to how to obtain this information from your employees, affiliates or customers. Failing to consider both the micro and macro perspective will lead to an under utilized IT system.
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5. A good system is born from imagination and creativity.
It is widely recognized, that to establish an effective IT system, IT consultants and developers need to have abilities in understanding, analysis and description. Needless to say, a skill in time management is also important in order to meet production deadlines and minimize disruption. However, the importance of imagination and creativity are often overlooked. If IT consultants and developers simply follow existing guidelines, recycling common approaches from the past, they will fail to allow for the subtle differences that exist in all company structures and therefore fail to provide their customer with the best possible solution.
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6. A strong partnership creates and fosters a successful IT system.
The specifications for IT systems are rarely static. These days, the IT system tends to encompass all of the company activities through the concept of "back-end" and "front-end" integration. Modern systems comprise various sub-systems that are all inter-related. Specifications for the system decided at the beginning may not be appropriate to continue with throughout the project development. It is vital therefore, that IT consultants and developers are conscious of and sensitive to these changes whenever required. The key to making it all happen is to establish a sense of partnership between the client and the IT consultants and developers. Rather than a "buyer and seller" relationship, it is essential to the development of a successful project that the client and their IT partners share and are committed to achieving common goals and outcomes. Finding the right IT partner to build this relationship with is the first step in creating an outstanding system. |
