Will the software solution solve my planning issues?
In recent years, we have experienced many new software solutions for planning, budgeting and forecasting (PBF). Companies have acquired and implemented new software solutions with the anticipation that their PBF issues disappear like snow in the sun.
Unfortunately, this has not been true for all implementations, as the planning tool wasn’t the only problem. Furthermore, we have seen that during the implementation, organisations have even created more problems than were solved.
Many of the issues arise because companies don't go through all the necessary preparatory steps and jump straight to the implementation. When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail!
Instead of relying on one tool to improve your planning process, you should consider the full picture.
Ask yourself the following questions before software implementation:
- What are my issues – will the software solution be the only answer?
- What is the purpose – who is the solution for?
- What is the scope of the implementation – how far do we go?
- What does the foundation look like – do we have the right information?
- Are my processes aligned – do we do things in the right order?
- Do we have the right competencies - are roles and responsibilities clear?
