Coordination When Implementing a New System
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operations and other aspects of the firm. ERP systems are supposedly effective agents for such coordination, but they are notoriously hard to implement and maintain. Less ambitious information technology initiatives may be easier to put into place, but often fail to achieve sufficient coordination. Clearly, being able to do do "large-scale" right can be a major advantage—the question is to what degree is it really a competitive advantage, rather than simply a matter of management efficiency. Coordination is nice, but it may or may not be worth the price.
Here are two takes on this issue:
Don Tapscott, Service Enablement and Competitive Advantage. SAP International http://www.sap.com/belgie/solutions/business-suite/erp/pdf/brochures/BWP_Service_Enablement.pdf
Neville Turbit . ERP Implementation - The Traps. Project Perfect. http://www.projectperfect.com.au/info_erp_imp.php
And some recent dealings:
Houston Neal. (2011). ERP Implementation Strategies - A Guide to ERP Implementation Methodology. Software Advice. Retrieved from http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/manufacturing/erp-implementation-strategies-1031101/.
Ann All. (2011). Secrets of an (Almost) Pain-Free ERP Implementation. IT Business Edge. Retrieved from http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/community/features/interviews/blog/secrets-of-an-almost-pain-free-erp-implementation/?cs=45241
After reading these articles and reviewing other information from the Background and other sources, prepare a 3- to 5-page paper on the following topic:
Is skill in implementing coordinated information technology really a competitive advantage for a firm? Why or why not?
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Solution Summary
This article will provide details around why it is important to have coordination when implementing a new system for companies.
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Is skill in implementing coordinated information technology really a competitive advantage for a firm? Why or why not?
After further research, while it is common to see companies that have decentralized technology system practices, they tend to struggle in the long run due to not having a sufficient communication flow. Certain operations within a company can do more and become more efficient when implemented in coordination with other departments. For instance, having the billing department on the same platform as the sales department is pertinent because when a sale is registered, the Sales department would have visibility in the system to know what information is required in order for the Billing department to complete the sale. This is only one scenario however it can apply to many other departments such as Payroll, Compensation and even Information Technology technicians.
"The need to achieve a smooth system implementation, free of omissions and delays, is obvious for successful business management.
Unfortunately, past implementation exercises may not have gone smoothly. Many staff will know of situations that have become folklore within the organisation. Sometimes, departments/business units have suffered a loss of credibility that has affected their reputation for months or years.
Poorly planned and executed system changes are normally disastrous, with loss of time, customer inconvenience, public relations problems and greater cost being common outcomes.
A planned approach is essential. It does not have to be complex, but it does need to be organised.
Well-planned projects consistently demonstrate significant time savings and cost containment because of appropriate project management.
The factors that will help guarantee success include:
* Ensuring that one person ...
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