Transformation offers many key benefits, and any enterprise that would like to sustain and grow in this ever-changing, fast-paced world would be subject to the deployment of new systems. In my recent ISACA Journal article, I discuss various challenges that any enterprise might experience and how the intensity of any of those challenges would differ based on organizational dynamics and economic variables.
Here are some key points that any enterprise should consider in the deployment process:
- Getting the right people—Human capital is key to any endeavor’s success. Hence, considering human resources as a dispensable commodity could be fatal. Therefore, it is imperative that the leaders spend time and effort not only to get the right fit but also to retain talent to see a successful deployment of the project. People who have spent enough time in the business, if they are part of such projects, could add significant value and foresight.
- Selecting the right fit—Compatibility is the key for long-term sustainability of any partnership. Hence, selecting a vendor (business partner) that would be a key stakeholder in success is very important.
- Defining the scope—Being optimistic is important, but being pragmatic is vital. As the famous saying goes, “do not bite off more than you can chew.” It is critical that the scope of a deployment is defined, analyzed, validated and communicated well before taking the first step.
- Communication is key—Communication to those who will be affected by change is important since it has a direct correlation with change management and the deployment’s outcome. Most change management issues emanate not from the system but from people who do not embrace the change.
- Post-go-live support and health check—Similar to physiotherapy for steady recovery, appropriate post-go-live support and the right metrics to fathom stability and consistency are major indicators to reflect any necessary and timely action.
In all the transitions and deployment projects that I have been associated with, proactive steps on these considerations have been the recipe not only for success but also for continuous improvement.
Read Rajul Kambli’s recent Journal article:
“Identifying Challenges and Mitigating Risk During Deployment,” ISACA Journal, volume 6, 2018.