Enterprise Systems

The Technology Adoption Life Cycle

Posted on 06. May, 2010
Categories: Enterprise Systems, IT Projects, Recession

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Why are so many organizations reluctant to implement new technologies? Why do organizations often take a “wait and see” approach?

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When Vendors Attack (Each Other)

Posted on 31. Mar, 2010
Categories: Enterprise Systems, SaaS, Vendors

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If I buy a BMW, for example, do I have to get it serviced at a BMW dealership or can I go across the street? It’s my car. Is the same true if I buy enterprise software? The courts will have to decide.

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How Not to Run an IT Project: A Case Study

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010
Categories: Cutter, Enterprise Systems

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The reasons for, and statistics on, IT project failures are well known and cited. However, because so many organizations attempt to hide their dirty laundry, rarely do we see an insider’s account of the precise points at which a project derailed. In this Executive Report for the Cutter Consortium, a case study examines these issues at one organization in the midst of a major system migration.

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Technology Today #12: Tony Fisher on The Data Asset

Posted on 01. Feb, 2010
Categories: Enterprise Systems, Technology Today

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It never ceases to amaze me. Organizations of all types are awash in data. Those able to harness the power of that data, such as Walmart, are able to achieve greater long-term revenues and profits, while keeping expenses at a minimum. The bottom line is that most organizations are awash in data issues. With this in mind, it was with great interest that I recently spoke with Tony Fisher, CEO of DataFlux and author of The Data Asset: How Smart Companies Govern Their Data for Business Success.

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The Future of Enterprise Software: A Podcast with Vince Kellen

Posted on 26. Jan, 2010
Categories: Enterprise 2.0, Enterprise Systems, Technology Today, Vendors

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Thirty years ago, most organizations built their own accounting, HR, payroll, and inventory systems. These days, the vast majority of mid-sized and large organizations use third-party apps. At the same time, terms like Enterprise 2.0 are creeping into the vernacular of technology talking heads like me. To understand the changes taking place as we speak, I recently spoke with fellow Cutter contributor Vince Kellen, CIO at the University of Kentucky.

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What is Enterprise 2.0 and Why You Should Care

Posted on 01. Sep, 2009
Categories: Business Intelligence, Enterprise 2.0, Enterprise Systems, Infrastructure, SaaS, Social Media

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Now is an exciting–some would say chaotic–time in the technology world. I’d be lying if I wrote that I could predict the future, but I’m hardly going out on a limb by stating that the technology landscape now will look quite a bit different in five years compared to today. The ways that people use technology are changing as fastas I can write.

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Doing Things Right and Doing the Right Things

Posted on 17. Aug, 2009
Categories: Consulting, Enterprise Systems, Technology

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Rare is it that I encounter an organization that uses its systems wisely. I recently came across one that offers us four valuable lessons about using technology.

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Five reasons to fire your system integrator

Posted on 07. Aug, 2009
Categories: Consulting, Enterprise Systems, Guest Posts, IT Project Failures, Project Management

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While it’s tempting to blame the system integrator for all project hassles and differences of opinion, introspection is also worthwhile. Before pulling the plug, evaluate your own role in creating the problems you experience. The more accurately you understand each party’s contribution to the negative situation, the better you can solve the problem.

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Changing System Integrators: A Baseball Analogy

Posted on 06. Aug, 2009
Categories: Consulting, Enterprise Systems, IT Project Failures

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For a variety of reasons, organizations in the midst of a project often consider replacing their system integrator (SIs). The project may be the implementation of a new system, an upgrade, or an “add on” type of engagement in which new functionality is enabled. (The latter typically takes place after initial system activation.)

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The Role of the Project Manager on a Failing IT Project

Posted on 30. Jul, 2009
Categories: Enterprise Systems, IT Project Failures, Project Management

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I tend to view PMs are important but not omnipotent. They are certainly not the most critical factor in a project’s success. The buy-in of senior management, the architecture chosen, and the resources committed to a project are (among others) higher up on the list of reasons for a project’s success or failure.

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The Need to Publicize System Failures

Posted on 21. Jul, 2009
Categories: Enterprise Systems, IT Project Failures

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When the results of failed IT projects do become public, key players often attempt to minimize the damage for obvious reasons. Software vendors are less likely to sell new licenses and services if word gets out that their applications do not work as advertised or require heavy customization. SIs face similar concerns from discerning clients.

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Data Correction and Cleansing Mechanisms

Posted on 04. Jun, 2009
Categories: Consulting, Data Issues, Enterprise Systems

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Sometimes on IT projects vendors during the sales cycle (and project managers during the engagement) underestimate the amount of time required to clean up key enterprise information. Technology helps in conducting this imperative exercise but is no panacea for sloppy data that needs to be cleansed.

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Systems Breakdown Case Study: A Square Peg and a Round Hole

Posted on 01. Jun, 2009
Categories: Articles, Cutter, Enterprise Systems, IT Project Failures, Project Management

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Every organization uses software applications to support its business processes. Some organizations buy, some build, and some rent software as a service (SaaS). Buying and integrating proprietary applications are sometimes complicated by M&A activity. Acquired or merged organizations often use different applications and systems than their new owners.

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When Vendors Enter New Territory

Posted on 29. May, 2009
Categories: Enterprise Systems, IT Projects, Vendors

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Vendors that rely on local VARs to sell and implement products face challenges when they attempt to sell “upstream.” In this case, Sage should immediately attempt to forge some type of partnership among its vendors to facilitate successful X3 implementations. Clients whose implementations suffer from a lack of coordination among multiple VARs will serve as anything but a case study for future X3 engagements.