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Technical Support Information
This section contains information important to implementing and supporting the IT
portions of your reengineering project.
Technical Support Tips
 | Make security your first priority and not simply a maintenance item. |
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| Make sure all of your systems and vendor’s systems are year 2000 compliant (get it
in writing). |
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| Get end user requirements in writing. |
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| Always have written documentation for a project as well as maintenance and support
documents. On line Help screens are less costly in the long run. |
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by Kelly O'Donnell
The Center for Project Management, in San Ramon, CA estimates that 30% of all IT
projects launched are never completed.
How to Prevent IT Project Failures
| Create milestones that will alert IT managers if a project veers off course. |
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| Contingency plans are also vital in the case of business shifts |
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| Regular evaluation of business goals |
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| Not being afraid to pull the plug - in this fast paced business environment one should
be ready to change direction and even pull the plug on a project in order to keep moving
forward with current company goals and needs. |
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From the Center for Project Management in San Ramon, CA
Warning Signs of IT Project Failure
| Lack of a credible business plan |
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| Project size - too large is bad, reorganize the project into smaller ones, this will
help to improve communication and make the project more manageable. |
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| Staff turnover - anything over 10% turnover in two weeks put a project on the
re-evaluation or help list. |
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| Cost Overruns - if the costs keep rising make sure the business sponsor/client agree to
pay the new price tag. |
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| Loss of business sponsor - key business sponsor/client leaves the company or is
reassigned make sure that you have the complete support of their replacement. |
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| Scope Creep - client keeps adding new requirements to the project. This may be a sign to
re-evaluate the business and project objective, make changes if necessary and get the
business sponsor/client to agree to the new deliverable, deadlines, and cost adjustments. |
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"Braving the Storm" by Aileen Crowley PC Week August 10, 1998 P 62.
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