Project implementation with a 3rd party vendor such as ERP Implementation can be a tough journey. So difficult that it can lead to complete project failure. Analyst firm Gartner, estimates that 55% to 75% of all ERP projects fail due to this obstacle.
Research shows common pitfalls to be due to:
Weak business case
Lack of project sponsorship
Unrealistic objective or poorly defined goals
Underestimated data migration
Missing change management
Poor communication with company business processes
Scope creep
Other
All of these are very important topics that need to be looked at carefully before engaging in a mission critical project with a 3rd party vendor - but that's not all.
In any project implementation with a 3rd party vendor, the customers company will appoint an internal project manager and key employees as SMEs (subject matter expert). These key players will work on the project and further involve a System Implementer/Integrator (SI) that will bring in a project manager and functional & technical consultants.
Organization in the team and maintaining clear role assignments can be found to a difficult task. Team members are quick to perform tasks beyond there scope in attempt to ensure timelines are met, but this can lead to overlapping task completion, a lack of unity and ultimately miscommunication internally and with clients. None of this will lead to project success.
It is crucial that project managers behave like such, consultants partner with subject matter experts, and all work together as single team.
Recommendations to create and nurture this team mindset:
Make things clear that the team is all in this together and keep repeating it during difficult times.
Before the project starts, have team building activities all together
Bring everyone working on the same projects in the same room/calls for the project duration to keep communication between all members fluid.
Have your regular team meeting all together
Have a non work related breaks in the workday (such as a breakfast or team stretch) once a week.
Have some "out of project" time together: lunch, dinner, sport, fun activities, .. and
NEVER BLAME THE OTHER PARTY, but find a solution together.
Do you have strategic business requirements but no one to handle them, or ongoing projects that need some help? Contact our certified project manager today! contact@kitameraki.com
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