February Fireside Follow-upA discussion – IT getting in the way

The Alliance ForumMay 17, 2012

Alan Wlasuk Brad LindemannMark Gerkin Steve Nelson

Some thoughts on software:

1. Structure is your Friend– Track everything – specifications, rework, progress, future plans, defects,

trouble tickets– Top to bottom visibility – momentum, adherence to schedule, budget, time– Protect your data – secure, single point of access, immune from disaster

2. Too Many Moving Parts– Access/Excel Applications – have no place in any business– One business, one system – at worst, integrate– Manual processes – obvious, deadly failure points – Build Minimal Viable Systems first – grow from there

3. A Holistic View– Software may be critical to your business – it should not hold you hostage – Hire youth and experience – almost never the same person– Avoid plausible deniability – ask the right questions upfrontAlan Wlasuk, WDD

Some thoughts on resources:• The only thing fixed in a fixed bid are the odds against both parties

– IT’s win/win or lose/lose…never win/lose – Free estimate = guesstimate– System requirements = object in motion tends to… (think Agile)– Hybrid approach (cost overrun rates)

• The firm’s deep bench could put your project on injured reserve– Bench cost imbedded in rates – Intense pressure to clear the bench– Double whammy…higher prices, lower quality

• IT’s about the people, stupid!– Firms don’t do the work, their people do– Parts are interchangeable, people aren’t – Three C’s Grid: character, competency, chemistry

• When the consultant’s fishing rod becomes a loaded gun, IT’s time to cut bait– Teach employees to fish– Blaze new trails– If you can’t live without ‘em…just do IT!

• Embrace the free agent economy– Employee vs. Independent Contractor (illusion of control)– Many true IT pros are ICs– Reputable firm + IC = top quality + fair price

Brad Lindemann, Ambassador Solutions

Some thoughts on ______________:

Mark Gerkin, AME Group

Some thoughts on IT execution:1. Organizations, and particularly middle management, are good people, working

to get the job done– They will invent the tools they need to make things happen– These tools can pose a long term risk to the organization

2. Most system implementations fall short of the goal– The project is not managed through to completion; the “hard stuff” was saved for last– Experienced power users and training documentation is lacking

3. Generally, IT leadership is not in touch with the needs / processes of the business– In many cases, key business processes are not documented– In some organizations, the IT processes / “kingdom” can impede the organization’s ability to

execute

4. IT people often resist hiring contract experts to solve problems5. Often, there is not routine, periodic communication with the software vendor6. An annual or bi-annual review to insure “safe practices” are being implemented

would be beneficial

Steve Nelson, MCG