Crafting the Technology Selection Plan for Business

Dr Colin J Smith

VisionarySystematicDrivenLearnerHustlerPassionateGrounded

Executive SummaryAlthough this is the first part of the paper, it is

normally written last. It is written to show the reader what is

expected from the paper and highlights the main reason for acquiring the technology as well as the benefits of the solution.

Written in either present or future perfect tense.

Technology Selection Paper What is the current situation faced by the firm that

necessitates the adoption of new technology? What are the technology options that are available? What are your criteria used to select the technology? Are there feasibility conditions based on Budget,

Operations, Scheduling, Expertise or others? What are the must haves? What are the added benefits not in the original criteria? What are your factors for analysis? Make your recommendation.

Market and Industry IdentificationWhat is the worth of the current market? Is there room for another player?What will have to be the value proposition?How will the new offering or resource be

effective?Benefits to firm.

CustomersAre they business or consumer customers? Or

both? Customers can also be internal customers from within the firm.

What is the demographic / psychographic?What are they looking for in the product or

service?How can the technology help in meeting the

need?

Justification for Technology What are the outcomes? Is there time or money saved? Is the process improved? Is there innovation in the process?Can any of the results be further monetised?

Sustainable Competitive AdvantageDefine the firm’s Sustainable Competitive

Advantage.How can this be enhanced with the technology

implementation proposed?

Critical Success FactorsList the critical success factors for the business

to be successful.This can be based on schedule, available

customers, necessary marketing or funds needed to sustain the initial operations.

Governance and TeamWho will be driving the project or business?Why have they been selected?What are their skills or qualifications?

Operational PlanWhat are the various stages of

implementation? This is best represented in a Gantt chart.

If the firm is already in business, show the current technology environment and the envisioned environment with the implementation to give a Before and After impression.

ExpansionHow can the new technology allow the

company to scale up?Are there future events that the firm would

have to react to? Is there an exit plan?

ConclusionState the big WHY this technology has to be

implemented as a final statement to your stakeholders.