Can you give me a quote? Plus Computer Solutions Ltd.
Posted by Glen Mund on Thu, May 10, 2007 @ 05:05 PM
Sure, here's one:
"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." Bill Cosby (1937 - )
But seriously, we receive hundreds of requests for a "quote" every year, it is impossible to provide pricing with minimal or no information, this may sound "duh" but honestly we struggle with these requests almost daily. At this point we have to launch into our commentary about providing good service, ensuring the product fits, understanding the need driving this purchase decision and the long term goals of the organization.
It is astounding to me that Companies are so cavalier about embarking on a software implementation project without first doing internal soul searching about what the needs are, and more importantly is there an internal desire to begin a project of this nature.
To see what happens when projects aren't entered into with thought and planning, all you have to do is a simple google search on "project failure" my search returned the following results: Results 831 - 839 of about 75,200,000 for project failure.
Admittedly, the impact to the companies involved in the results from my search may be of an order magnitude compared to most of the customers that approach us for a "quote", but the results are all relative, a small company can't afford project failure any more than a large company or government for that matter.
The Standish Group research shows a staggering 31.1% of projects will be canceled before they ever get completed. Further results indicate 52.7% of projects will cost 189% of their original estimates. The cost of these failures and overruns are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The lost opportunity costs are not measurable, but could easily be in the trillions of dollars. One just has to look to the City of Denver to realize the extent of this problem. The failure to produce reliable software to handle baggage at the new Denver airport is costing the city $1.1 million per day.
Source http://www.standishgroup.com/sample_research/chaos_1994_1.php
Key to success: The three major reasons that a project will succeed are user involvement, executive management support, and a clear statement of requirements. There are other success criteria, but with these three elements in place, the chances of success are much greater.
Plus Computer Solutions Ltd.