Rapid Software Implementation - Fact or Fiction?
Rethinking the Value of Complexity

Have you ever seen the movie “There’s Something About Mary”? It contains a funny scene where the Ben Stiller character picks up a psychotic hitchhiker who pitches him on his new business idea - 7 Minute Abs. The guy tells him, "You walk into a video store, you see 8-minute abs sitting there and then you see 7-minute abs on the shelf right beside it. Which one are you gonna pick man?" Stiller then proceeds to tell him that his is a great idea – at least until someone comes up with 6-minute abs.

I am reminded of this scene when I hear some of the vendor claims on how quickly customers can implement their ERP, PLM, or other business software solutions. Perhaps you too have heard the 30, 60, or 90 day claims being tossed around. Is this really possible? What are buyers to believe when they see some high profile fashion companies engaged in massive, multi-year implementations of the same technology?

Accelerating software implementation cycles is very important in the fashion industry; where success depends on the ability to rapidly respond to changing business requirements. While it once took years to complete full scope implementations, today’s fashion companies often need to go-live with critical system components in a two to six months to meet competitive pressures.

Some buyers attempt to shortcut implementation by installing new software without redesigning their related business processes. While this might be quick, continuing to perform tasks in the same way as before virtually removes the greatest opportunity to achieve sustainable benefits from the project. Keep in mind that the system implementation is, first and foremost, a business project that also has a technical component. Technology is simply a means to support business initiatives and achieve business goals.

Recent changes in business and technology have indeed opened up new opportunities to permanently reduce long implementation timelines. The custom application development that was common in older business systems has given way to packaged software that can be quickly configured to meet specific client needs. Modular software design enables buyers to take on smaller, focused projects rather than massive, full scope implementations. These and other changes have shifted much of the control and responsibility for implementation timelines to the buyer. So, that vendor claim of rapid implementation may not be a pie in the sky after all if you are ready and willing to do what it takes to make it happen. Five the things you can do to ensure your rapid implementation include:

1. Select the Right Solution - while no package solution will meet 100% of your requirements out-of-the-box, 80-90% may well be possible; the closer the fit, the easier and faster the implementation.


2. Start with Pre-Configured Software - for the initial phase, implement the standard pre-configured software version with no changes to source code and few changes to configuration parameters and reports.


3. Make Quick Implementation Decisions - it is not practical to review all of the alternatives with everyone that will be affected; make the system and process decisions quickly in a small, highly focused project team.


4. Pick the Right Consultant - supplement your team with an experienced partner that can help you manage the risks, remove barriers to completion, minimize surprises, and increase the odds of overall success.


5. Rethink the Value of Complexity - consider a cloud solution to reduce resource technical requirements and human resources; look for quick and easy configuration opportunities rather than customization; implement in phases.

So how do you balance available resources with the need to stay open to new ideas? Technology-specific guidance and consulting services can help companies find and evaluate products that align with their specific business needs. In addition to saving time in the process, independent consultants can also bring ‘fresh eyes’ to the business issues and processes that are driving the need for technology. Both IT and business managers are also advised to attend focused industry events where they can meet with many technology exhibitors and learn from a focused seminar track all in a single trip. Such opportunities may also provide ongoing opportunities to learn from industry experts and leaders on a wide range of business issues.

Of course, there are many other steps you must take to achieve a rapid and successful system implementation. The good news is that we now have solid options that will enable us to quickly gain tremendous business benefit from technology without the time, cost and risk that once defined business software. And don’t worry about the claims; the 7-minute abs guy guarantees his workout will be just as good, or he will mail you the extra minute for free!

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