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

In Support of Strategy

What’s with all the “strategy bashing” of late? How could sound strategic planning possibly be a bad thing? Things have spun so far out of control that I recently had a CEO ask: “Is strategy still relevant in today’s business world, and if so, what role does strategy play in the overall make-up of a CEO’s duties and responsibilities? Let me begin by stating that strategy has never been more relevant than it is today. With all of the current emphasis on tactical execution I guess I understand how...

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...