R3Now.com – ERP, SAP, and IT Solutions for IT Decision Makers

ERP Software: Are Modifications Always a Bad Idea?

Software modifications must be discouraged but sometimes they make perfect business sense. Remember, software exists to support the business, not the other way around. As an inexperienced project leader back in the 1980’s, I once informed an executive at a large aerospace manufacturer we were going vanilla with our enterprise software implementation. Absolutely NO software modifications or enhancements allowed I proclaimed! His response stayed with me and still rings true today... "Steve, ...

Why Indexed KPIs are Critical for Business Performance and Success

As I've written before not every metric for business or processes is a KPI.  Too many IT systems and too many companies define a departmental goal as a Key Performance Indicator creating unnecessary friction between other departments or areas of the company. By using a weighted index you significantly reduce, and in some cases eliminate the competing requirements. As part of a continuing effort on using key performance indicators for building a strategy focused organization I'm offering th...

Achieve Breakthrough ERP, SAP, or IT Project Success: 1 of 4

Series Introduction Note:  The next 3 parts of this series contain step by step instructions and pointers on managing the RFP process (Part 2), conducting the vendor selection (Part 3), and then how to use the blueprint process to correct any discrepancies and lay a solid foundation for succes (Part 4).    If you are an IT decision maker and you’re tired of pressure to achieve results that your system vendors or integrators can’t seem to deliver, use these steps to get the most for you...