Why do system integration projects fail?
Tuesday 1st February 2011
Why do System Integration Projects fail? What can be done about it?
Successful system integration (“SI”) results from a combination of implementing the project activities to a detailed plan, allied to well managed systems engineering. Therefore, if the user requirements, requirements definition, functional analysis, interface definition, life cycle integration, system implementation, risk management, testing and deployment are managed within a formal project framework, the system integration should be delivered on time and within the agreed budget.
But research shows over 70% of SI projects fail, often with business critical as well as financial impact. This doesn't need to be the case.
So why might this be, and what’s the solution?
Ten reasons why SI 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 customer 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 customer) 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.
Our experience suggests that for these projects to be delivered successfully a solid mix of integration skills, technical understanding commercial awareness and project management experience at an appropriate level is required. - but it would be highly unusual to find such a mix of competence in a single individual.
WCA has the team resources and ensures the right blend of these essential competences is available when they are needed, but not charged when they are not. By drawing on these experienced resources we are able to reduce your project delivery costs and maximise the efficiency of deployment. Contact us for more information.