3 Questions To Ask Before Starting Your Next Technology Project
Technology projects don’t always go well. When they don’t, users are frustrated and managers look bad. Nobody wants this to happen.
As we are all asked to do more, with fewer resources, it’s harder to ensure success.
Here are some questions to consider before embarking on your next project:
As we are all asked to do more, with fewer resources, it’s harder to ensure success.
Here are some questions to consider before embarking on your next project:
1. Can I handle this project successfully with in-house resources?
- If your staff is already working at or near capacity, they may not have the time to take on another project. Equally important is whether they have the expertise needed to make the project successful. Most organizations have staff members who are experts at keeping the environment running. But the acquisition of new technology takes a different skill set, and different knowledge, that often does not exist within an organization.
- Is your staff current on the marketplace?
- Do they know what capabilities are available?
- Are they familiar with the strengths of various vendors, and where their roadmaps are headed?
- What about pricing models and current market rates?
2. How can this project make me look good?
If outside expertise sounds like a good idea, how do you find a guide you can trust?
The Society of Communication Technology Consultants (SCTC) is an association of independent consultants who are vetted for independence and experience. Members must meet requirements for experience in the industry, provide references, and agree to uphold the ethical and professional standards of the SCTC. The screening process is thorough. Not every applicant is admitted. In an industry without certifications for expertise or credibility, you can be sure that SCTC members have met rigorous requirements.
- A well-executed project will certainly enhance your professional reputation. Are you confident that your internal staff can devote the attention necessary to accomplish that? Or would it be better to use an external resource who is focused on the project and not distracted by other duties?
- You can mitigate the risk with guidance from an expert who has worked on similar projects, is up to date on the technology, and knows how to avoid common pitfalls.
If outside expertise sounds like a good idea, how do you find a guide you can trust?
The Society of Communication Technology Consultants (SCTC) is an association of independent consultants who are vetted for independence and experience. Members must meet requirements for experience in the industry, provide references, and agree to uphold the ethical and professional standards of the SCTC. The screening process is thorough. Not every applicant is admitted. In an industry without certifications for expertise or credibility, you can be sure that SCTC members have met rigorous requirements.
