Getting IT right. Precisely

We live in a world where we take precision for granted. Our cars are precision engineered, our houses are built level and a gap between a door and frame of more than a few millimetres is reason enough to get the builders back in to fix the problem.

When looking at how IT systems are implemented, however, many business executives don't seem to apply the same standards.

In his article: “Your ERP is a Precision Instrument, Are You Using It That Way?” James Robertson talks, among other things, about the importance of precision and what creates value when implementing an IT system.

Technology doesn't determine value. What does add value is content - and the people you choose to partner with to implement your solution. Consultants who don't exhibit a strategic grasp of your business and don't know how to adapt the software to your business can do huge damage; and those who do can add huge value.

Choose someone who understands the fundamentals of your business and then find out what product they offer, rather than spend large amounts of effort selecting a product and then take the first implementer that comes your way.

Structured, accurate classification schemes that reflect the “real world” in your business will make the difference between a really valuable implementation of a mediocre product and a mediocre implementation of an exceptional product, says Robertson.

Executive decision support information requires executive thinking. Common executive complaints centre both on limited return on investment (millions spent on systems implemented, but still not able to obtain information required for decision-making purposes); and a lack of understanding of IT.

Robertson believes these two problems are linked. While executives don't need to understand IT in detail, they do need to have enough insight to manage IT just like every other area of their business and to ensure that there is executive direction given to the implementation and operation of the system.

ASG's approach to BI is very much aligned with Cameron's thinking. Its first step in any BI project is to understand its clients' strategy and needs, taking both short and long-term business drivers into account. The company believes it is critical, together with its client, to create a basis for excellence - both in terms of process and data management, as these are key prerequisites for quality BI. As such, ASG gets involved at a process and data management level, where required, to ensure the BI solution that is ultimately implemented is meaningful, accurate and reliable.

ASG doesn't deliver a product, but a solution. It partners with organisations, has a passion for quick delivery and develops solutions that are a 100% aligned with its clients' requirements. The journey with its clients is supported by quick wins to nurture a culture where executives have access to meaningful BI that could add immediate value to their decision-making processes. Although ASG works across all areas from a BI perspective, it has extensive experience in data, process and BI solutions in the HR space.