Article

Why do ECM and BPM implementations fail? 3 places to focus

by Gene McDonough
Strategic Solutions Manager, Computer Support Services,

Whether you are looking to gain better control of you AP approval process or a more efficient way to handle Federal Mandates for industry standards such as Sarbanes Oxley and ISO requirements, many companies are looking at workflow and enterprise content management solutions (ECM) as a perfect plug-in to their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.  While these systems typically provide a quick ROI once setup, the challenge of the implementation can sometimes hinder or even stop the adoption of the technology. 

For these types of efforts, the planning should start long before the actual engagement of vendors. If you don't have a project manager on staff, I recommend hiring one for the effort or even better send an employee for project management training or establish an internal project management office (PMO) and start incorporating true project management principles in your organization.

Below are three key areas where I believe organizations should focus their  efforts to start and keep the project on track.

Defining scope

The first question you should be asking is "What business problem are we looking to solve?". This should evolve into what project managers call 'scope'.  What we are really asking for here is not a technical definition of what is required, but a list of business objectives.  Make sure they are clear and concise and that they can be included in the contract as goals for the project.  Here are a few examples:

  • Reduce overall processing time of XYZ document type to 24 hours
  • Provide detailed audit trail of who/what/when data has been updated and screens viewed
  • Provide remote access via any web browser to staff and clients
    • Should provide internal and external security capabilities ...

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AP Automation Business Central Business Process Mgmt Document Automation Document Management Dynamics 365 Dynamics AX Dynamics GP Dynamics NAV Dynamics SL Enterprise Content Mgmt Project Management Regulatory Compliance Workflow Management
About Gene McDonough

Gene McDonough a certified Document Imaging Architect and Project Manager in Information Systems. has compiled over 20 years' experience in the Content Management Industry. Gene has been heavily involved with many successful projects that have contributed to his expertise with Business Process Redesign and Electronic Content Management.  Gene is the Strategic Solutions Manager at Computer Support Services in Lewisburg, PA.

@gene_mcdonough

www.coreintegrator.com

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