Pitfalls of E-business solutions installation process
Considering a case where a huge distribution firm has made the decision to use a new technique of managing an online supply chain. Those who were actually supposed to execute the solution had very little knowledge about the system and did not believe that the new system could be successful. Due to hurdles like these, it took approximately a year for the company to put the new system into practice. The time delay led to cost overrun and the cost incurred was very much higher than that expected. This is a common problem faced by many companies in the successful implementation of their ebusiness solution.
There could be several problems like the people who are to actually execute it do not really believe in it and thus, do not spend enough time to understand the ebusiness solution. Without knowing it themselves they would not be in a position to pass on appropriate orders lower down. They are unable to lay down any specific objectives and targets. Thus, they do not make a whole hearted effort in the execution of the new e-business solution as they don’t expect it to achieve any great results.
There may also be cases wherein the IT related infrastructure is not sufficient to support the latest ecommerce solution. Due to a lack of understanding and communication the funds allocated and the time spent for the execution of the solution is not adequate. Sometimes the new ecommerce solution formulated would be such that it complements the old solution and thus, if it does not involve proper planning then it may result in incompatibility problems.
How to avoid pitfalls
The implementation of ecommerce solutions has a far reaching impact on the company and therefore, proper planning must be done for successful implementation of ecommerce solution.
Preparation
The ecommerce solution must be prepared after careful planning and taking into account the requirements of the different user groups. The ecommerce software devised must have answers to questions like:
• The aim of the ecommerce solution
• The areas the solution is meant to address together with a great ecommerce web site design .
• Is it economically viable to implement the ecommerce solution?
• The target that the solution aims at meeting
It is important that you have a team of experts or a good web design company who would look after matters related to the implementation of the solution. The resources required for implementation must be allocated and the deadlines specified. The experts must at every stage consider the developments taking place and must see to it that the targets are met from time to time.
Education and Training
Education refers to finding the right team of experts who would be able to implement the solution successfully. The objectives and goals to be achieved must be laid down clearly and the staff must be trained so that they understand not only the details regarding the solution but also how significant it is for the organization. Evaluation must be done from time to time and the progress must be compared with the targets to ascertain if the targets are being met or not.
Implementation
The ecommerce solution must be implemented as per plans so as to employ the resources efficiently and ensure that the targets are met. The senior management must evaluate the performance on a regular basis to see that the program goes as per plans. The solution must be evaluated at every stage and must consider the requirements of all the user groups. The satisfaction of all the user groups is very important for the successful implementation of the solution. Understanding the technology required for the implementation of the solution is very important, if need be employ the services of a professional so that you not only save on cost but also effort.
One must however, understand things and thus, have realistic expectations. The ecommerce solution is going to take time for bringing about the desired results and a change overnight should not be expected. A step by step plan and evaluation is necessary to ensure its success. Some of the ebusiness solutions that help in attracting customers include business portal, e-marketplace and the like. First of all, the business must consider the various factors and determine if there is a requirement of a new ebusiness solution for the business and whether it is economically viable to implement it. It would be helpful to keep abreast of the changes in technology and also the strategy implemented by the competitor.
By: Anne Catherine