Why do technology projects in print fail?

Monday 31st January 2011

Why do technology projects in print fail? What can be done about it?

 

 

In today’s competitive marketplace the smart printer knows that better use of technology (MIS, CRM, ERP systems etc) can give better information about business activity, track targeted sales and marketing and drive profitability. After all, in a very competitive market the biggest advantage you have may be your processes…

 

However, the worry is that you know about print and not software, so choosing the right system and managing the business changes to implement better technology systems can be a huge distraction, as well as expensive if the project drags on. 

 

- But research shows over 70% of technology projects actually fail, often with business critical as well as significant financial impact. There are reasons for this which crop up again and again, and can be avoided !

 

 

Ten reasons why technology projects fail (in no particular order)

 

 

• Inadequate understanding of the business processes underpinning the systems to be integrated

 

• Inadequate time and money allocated to business change issues, so the new system doesn’t have the impact expected.  

 

• Technology vendor was economical with the truth concerning what they could deliver, and the printer didn’t spot it

 

• Business processes abandoned during implementation because no one controlled them

 

• Requirements changed by the client as the project progressed and the vendor wasn’t managed

 

• Functionality to be delivered was inadequately specified

 

• Delivered functionality was not thoroughly tested, so new system failed

 

• Resources or budget allocated to the project (by the vendor or the printer) pulled after project start

 

• Unwillingness to spend time detailing business processes, so it isn’t clear how the technology will drive benefit in the business

 

• Inadequate breadth of skills in processes and technology change management to manage the change.

 

 

 

What you want is the right system delivered at the best price without any nasty surprises along the way. To achieve this you will need help. You wouldn’t expect your car mechanic to specify the and manage the right printing machine for you would you?

 

WCA has in house project management and technology change resources, and a detailed understanding of the print industry.

Do you think using us to manage technology would reduce your overall project costs or increase them?

By drawing on these in house resources we are able to reduce your project delivery costs and maximise the efficiency of deployment. Contact us for more information.

 

 

 

 

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