Comments on: The Devilish Details http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:24:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Pamela http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/comment-page-1/#comment-238 Pamela Mon, 28 May 2007 15:54:46 +0000 http://eternaloptimist.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/#comment-238 I too think we are in cozy agreement on the main point - and it's really interesting to hear about the cases where the edges get frayed, too - thanks for the example. I too think we are in cozy agreement on the main point – and it’s really interesting to hear about the cases where the edges get frayed, too – thanks for the example.

]]> By: Eric Norman http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/comment-page-1/#comment-239 Eric Norman Sat, 26 May 2007 03:45:46 +0000 http://eternaloptimist.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/#comment-239 I know what you mean, Pam. And I can't argue with you. I can give you an example of what I'm trying to talk about, though. Consider PKI software. The vendor tells you that you need a Registration Authority (RA). What gets lost in many enterprises is that the enterprise already has one, and has had one for years. In universities, there has always been a business process called enrollement and matriculation for students. But what always seems to happen is that a new business function and office is created that's called an "RA". The result is that students have yet another place to report to become part of the university. Often, this is encouraged (a softer word than dictated) by the software and the vendor. I think we are in cozy agreement on the main, and by far the most important, point. Understand your business processes! I know what you mean, Pam. And I can’t argue with you. I can give you an example of what I’m trying to talk about, though.

Consider PKI software. The vendor tells you that you need a Registration Authority (RA). What gets lost in many enterprises is that the enterprise already has one, and has had one for years. In universities, there has always been a business process called enrollement and matriculation for students. But what always seems to happen is that a new business function and office is created that’s called an “RA”. The result is that students have yet another place to report to become part of the university. Often, this is encouraged (a softer word than dictated) by the software and the vendor.

I think we are in cozy agreement on the main, and by far the most important, point. Understand your business processes!

]]> By: Pamela http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/comment-page-1/#comment-241 Pamela Fri, 25 May 2007 13:45:03 +0000 http://eternaloptimist.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/#comment-241 Eric, I have to disagree with your corollary. It happens quite often that software integration projects illuminate business processes that *should* change -- not because the software dictates it, but because the business process is poor in the first place. Also, very few businesses are going to find software that 100% aligns with their business processes. Companies need to understand that there is always integration work, the question is just how much and is it worth it. Eric, I have to disagree with your corollary. It happens quite often that software integration projects illuminate business processes that *should* change — not because the software dictates it, but because the business process is poor in the first place.

Also, very few businesses are going to find software that 100% aligns with their business processes. Companies need to understand that there is always integration work, the question is just how much and is it worth it.

]]> By: Eric Norman http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/comment-page-1/#comment-240 Eric Norman Thu, 24 May 2007 21:24:26 +0000 http://eternaloptimist.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/#comment-240 I'll try to add a corollary. After you know your business practices, get software that can be adjusted and configured to align with them. Do not buy software that requires you to make significant changes in your business practices, no matter how wonderful that software is. I’ll try to add a corollary.

After you know your business practices, get software that can be adjusted and configured to align with them. Do not buy software that requires you to make significant changes in your business practices, no matter how wonderful that software is.

]]> By: Mark Dixon http://eternallyoptimistic.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/comment-page-1/#comment-242 Mark Dixon Thu, 24 May 2007 16:22:27 +0000 http://eternaloptimist.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/the-devilish-details/#comment-242 Thanks, Pamela for your comments. You are right on target with your comments. Mark Thanks, Pamela for your comments. You are right on target with your comments.

Mark

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