Finding your business processes online is not an easy task! According to Gartner Group, a well-known research company, a full 75 percent of all e-business projects fail due to poor planning and unreasonable expectations of new technologies. The productivity and cost savings promised by e-business solutions are often not lost due to the technology itself but due to improper management of their implementation. In many cases, when the installation of a large e-business solution went awry, business executives were to blame. Failure to understand project size, project simplification, inadequate expectations and lack of commitment to resources are the few mistakes made by management that hamper the implementation and implementation of programs.
Traps for the process of installing E-business solutions
A large distribution company has decided to implement a new online supply chain management solution. People - those who had to use the system - were skeptical about the ability of the system, as they did not have enough knowledge and had little or no training to use the same system. As a result, it took more than a year for the company to bring the solution to its full functionality. Production was severely damaged. The final operating costs came out several times higher than the original budget. Many companies report that they will face similar challenges with the implementation of their e-business solutions.
Problems that occur when a company tries to implement e-business solutions, most likely, include:
Senior executives do not spend enough time and effort learning and understanding solutions. As a result, they have no idea how their employees will adapt to this new solution; and they fail to set their measurable goals in terms of efficiency and productivity. End users do not receive the required training. As a result, treat the new solution as an additional burden than a tool to increase efficiency and productivity. In many cases, IT infrastructure is not old enough and does not have the capacity to support a new solution. Due to the misunderstanding of e-business solution managers who plan to use them, in general, the time and money allocated to a project is much less than what is needed. Often advanced e-commerce online solutions need to be integrated with part of the older systems the company currently uses, which, in some cases, generate software and system incompatibilities.
How to avoid pitfalls
E-business solutions are complex systems that cover key areas of a company and its relationships with customers. That is why the implementation of these projects should be done according to detailed plans.
Preparation
Create a well-developed range. Creating scope involves all end users of the solution, not just professionals of the technical and business model. Find answers to questions like these:
- What is one of the most important goals the company plans to achieve as a result of this solution? - What are the key issues the solution is intended to solve? - Is the time and money spent worth its implementation? - What are the key steps for implementation? - How will you know if you have reached those records? - Once you have found all the company's relevant people involved in the process, select a working team of experts for all the required categories. This team should be responsible for developing the implementation plan. According to this plan provide services and deadlines. Upon completion of each implementation phase get senior management to participate to review progress.
Education and Training
Education should cover the side of the “why” solution and train the “how” side.
- Identify people who needed training and training. - Explain the objectives
- Explain the training and education method and select the syllabus - Set the test method - Perform a real learning process - Check their progress
Implementation
The implementation of the solution should take place in accordance with the previously defined solid phases.
Upon completion of each implementation phase get senior management to participate in reviewing progress. Do a virtual test!
- How does the solution meet your expectations so far? - Does it do what it is supposed to do? - Do you need to update any of your priorities?
Once the implementation is complete, set up a full post-launch meeting with the task team and qualified end users. The important thing here is to see if everyone involved in this project is satisfied with the result or not.
In order to successfully use e-business solutions, it is very important that you fully understand the technology behind you. If necessary, hire a counselor and work closely with him. Over time, this can save you a lot of time and money.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. E-business solutions are just tools. Do not expect them to completely change everything you have learned about business processes.
2. The implementation of E-business solutions like any other project requires strong project management action.
3. Before considering an e-business solution, make sure you have a legitimate business need to get one. Electronic market place, Private Trading, Business website a few e-commerce solutions that help you attract new customers and markets. These solutions also allow you to streamline many important business processes. In your e-business plan these solutions should be at the top of the list.
4. Keep track of new technologies and keep an eye on competitors' e business strategies. E-business is the fastest moving segment; you have to be prepared for the changes and accept them whenever you are
You must be logged in to post a comment.