Analyzing Deployment of IT Solutions

An IT solution is a bundle of hardware, software and services (consulting + deployment + training) that intends, indeed, to solve a specific corporate problem. It is usually centered around specific software product (or a software bundle), but is critically dependent on the outcome of consulting services. Which typically involve optimization of corporate processes.

Like acquisition of a hardware item or software product (IT solution always includes the latter and often a former as well), the solution is an investment project. And as such, it must create the maximum amount of financial value and have its KPI – payback period, NPV, IRR/MIRR and economic profit acceptable to your finance department.

And as an investment project, it must include solid financial and operational plans (including all appropriate contingency planning and risk management) and a detailed description of how this particular solution will create financial and aggregate value for your company. In other words, of a specific ‘IRACORACI’.

Which must prove that this bundle, indeed, solves the corresponding problem (alas, this is not always the case). And that the solution will not be worse than the problem (which, unfortunately, does happen).

This description, among other things, must contain a comprehensive, accurate and highly motivational vision of the outcome of the project of developing and deploying the solution in question.

Making the solution in question a success requires services of a competent and highly experienced solution provider – a company, a project leader and a team. Development and deployment of an IT solution is always a joint effort by the provider and the user; therefore, you must make sure that your team and your project leader are also competent enough.

Both leaders must be competent and experienced not only in technical issues of development and deployment, but also in building and maintaining a highly efficient working relationship.