Today’s business world is characterized by complex technology landscapes in which powerful software solutions form the backbone of many companies. However, developing and implementing new enterprise software is no simple task. It requires not only technical know-how, but also structured project management to ensure that goals are achieved and schedules are met.
Short & concise
- Enterprise software projects need a clear strategy right from the start.
- Change management and ongoing communication play a key role.
- Enterprise software projects are even more successful when consultants and technical experts work closely together.
If you ask around in the various industries, you will find that companies with experience in the implementation of complex projects are increasingly being sought. Especially in complex enterprise software projects, consulting services from the field of digital consulting can play a decisive role and contribute to the long-term success of the project.
Develop a clear strategy
Even if it sounds banal: Before starting a project, a clear strategy must be defined that specifies which software is to be developed for which area of application. This also includes determining what will not be developed. This results in a very clearly defined goal, with fixed areas of responsibility and precise requirements. Only when these have been defined can planning and concrete implementation begin.
Particularly in enterprise software projects, the question always arises: How should development take place? Does the project rely on low code/no code solutions or is individual software developed? In order to resolve this question in a meaningful way, it is helpful to clearly define the area in which the software solution will be used. In this way, it can already be defined in the analysis phase whether the use of low code makes sense or whether an individual development is required. At this point, it is advisable to involve software developers and architects in addition to consultants in order to obtain as holistic a picture of the project as possible. Software experts help to classify whether the goal is also realizable with the selected strategy and the software solution to be used. Since enterprise software projects are usually complex, an agile development method makes sense. This allows flexible programming that can be adapted at any time and is not subject to rigid specifications.
Communication – best from the start
In addition, continuous, project-accompanying communication is also crucial – right from the start. After all, it is human nature to react to change with skepticism. This is why users often actively resist the introduction of new software solutions. To prevent this, enterprise software projects in particular should be accompanied by a change management process. All persons involved in the process must feel picked up and constantly informed – only in this way will changes be perceived positively in daily work and possible fears be reduced. It often helps to show the direct benefits in everyday life, so that the introduction of new software also becomes meaningful for everyone involved. For example, if you see how much time you can actually save, you will soon see the new solution with different eyes.
However, many companies underestimate the importance of this continuous support in the change process. Chance management is often seen by companies as a “soft topic” that is not absolutely necessary and causes additional costs. Often, as the reality of projects shows, savings are made in the wrong place. If this process is missing, the employees are not prepared for the coming change – which in turn leads to frustration. This is a problem that can be solved or avoided at an early stage if employees are involved in the process right from the start. And ask them what their fears, needs and requirements are for the new software.
Projects well documented handed over
Once the project has successfully reached the home stretch, the transition phase remains – the handover from the project to ongoing operations. The sustainable success of the software project stands and falls with whether this phase is well prepared and the handover to the customer is documented in a structured manner. It must be clearly defined what was done, why and which software solutions were developed and how they are operated.
Especially when the software is handed over to operating teams, a structured and cleanly documented handover is of enormous importance. To this end, the relevant operating teams are brought on board at an early stage so that they can ask questions and build up an understanding of the product. This is the only way to ensure continuous operation of the software.
Avoid problems in the course of the project – thanks to integrated services
Cooperation in software development projects is even better when technical implementation and consulting services come from a single source – as in mgm A12 Low Code projects, for example, where consultants and software developers work closely together from the start of the project. The software experts contribute at the technical level – including software architecture and specialist expertise. Consultants help to structure the project, make project-specific adjustments and ensure that the project runs smoothly.
It is important for success to be able to react quickly to changing requirements or environments. It is not without reason that agile software development has now become established everywhere. Agile processes and methods, the support of product ownerships and feedback cycles by real users help the end product. Especially in large enterprise software projects, this close integration of technical expertise and consulting competence can be an important key factor in successful project realization. Supporting this is the Software Product Consulting (SPC) at mgm. Here, consultants work together with low-code experts and software developers to provide even more specific consulting services for efficient software solutions. The SPC team is currently supporting various projects in medium-sized companies, corporate groups and in the public sector and assists the public administration, for example, in the implementation of digital products in the OZG context.
Cooperation as a success factor
The successful implementation of enterprise software projects is a complex process that requires a clear vision, structured planning, agile development methods and close collaboration between all partners involved. Digital consulting services throughout the entire development process ensure that the project achieves the set goals and has long-term success.
For more information on our consulting services for enterprise software projects, click here.
