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

Using Key Performance Indicators for Building a Strategy Focused Organization

The key performance indicator acronym (KPI) is used so much that it has come to be associated with any type of business measure.  Everything is called a KPI and it is a silly distraction from an important business tool.  Not every measure is a KEY Performance Indicator, only those measures that are critically important to making a difference in the marketplace are truly KEY to your company health and performance. Because of this confusion what many call Key performance indicators often lo...

ERP and SAP Business Case for ROI, Business Benefit, and Success

Your company’s SAP or ERP business case should start before your RFP, and not just at a high level. It is important to take some time up front to get educated and develop some key understanding before ever issuing an RFP.  The more educated you are: The better the quality of the RFP. The better choice you will make at vendor selection (you'll be able to see past sales pitches to the substance). You'll be better able to make a more objective assessment during demonstrations and t...

The Real Reason Executive Participation Creates IT Project Success

Since I started in the SAP (ERP) arena in 1994 I've heard it often repeated, reiterated, studied, and pronounced that one of the key criteria for IT project success is executive participation.  That mandate applies to any large scale project, whether it is ERP, CRM, APO, SOA, BI, or other solutions. Many implementation companies wrongly believe this is because the executive brings a measure of authority and visibility to the project and that is the key reason for executive participation.  Th...