Fear factor

"Change is the only constant thing in the world." To the entrepreneur, this means a never-ending search for innovation, for the next best thing. Global competition and the pressing need to differentiate oneself from others have made business transformation a matter of survival. It is critical for businesses to keep reinventing themselves, understanding the change in culture, behavior and thinking. With the Internet era, technology has brought about one of the greatest fundamental shifts in commerce.

While several companies have taken the leap onto becoming an eBusiness, many others have taken the back seat. When surveyed why they have not begun their transition, the answer was a resounding "fear." Whether it is fear of the unfamiliar or fear of change, transforming your business should not be a daunting experience. The challenge is to know what you want. As a customer who has gone through similar experiences, here are some lessons learned in hindsight, which will mitigate your risks and help you face your fears – the Four Cs.

Content. Select the software solution that fits your business requirements. The constant challenge is whether to opt for a packaged solution or a customized application. Although each company has its own uniqueness, packaged software is usually able to adapt to those unique needs. Companies need to identify which critical business processes require the software to fit in with and the non-critical processes that are flexible enough to adapt to packaged functionality. However, more often, the complete solution will be a mix of both customized and packaged applications. For strict business processes, consider a customized application that accounts for future flexibility; for non-critical operations, consider implementing a packaged solution, upgrading as your company grows.

Cost. Price is always one of the selection criteria. Software companies now provide intensive training and certification for consultants to ensure successful implementation. The focus has shifted from churning out configuration specialists to business consultants, from functionality to business flows. Therefore, comparing apples to apples might pose a slight challenge to customers. A budget preparation exercise will be helpful in discerning what is critical and what is nice to have. The important factor is to gain value for your money.

Commitment. It is important to remember that the decision to implement technology is synonymous with your decision to change. Your commitment to change must be clearly communicated across your organization. Expectations need to be set accordingly as your project is only as successful as your commitment to its success. In the same manner, the "commitment" criterion in selecting your technology provider is essential. A software company with business experience spanning different eras across several industries shows strength in stability and wealth of local business knowledge. A complement of foreign consultants provides good balance of best business practice; the company’s local presence is important for the understanding of the local environment and culture. Ask that your technology provider’s senior management be part of your project steering committee to ensure full visibility and increased response for escalated requests.

Chemistry. The People Factor. Technology and software give you possibilities; people translate the possibilities into reality. In projects, the chemistry among the team members is paramount. It is important to recognize the process of group evolution in the social environment of a project team. From the forming stage to storming, we need to acknowledge conflicts that are actually very normal in any team formation. This will be followed by the norming stage where responsibilities and silos become more defined. Performing is the final stage where the team begins delivering output. Find your comfort level in the people you will be working with. Transforming your business, no matter how minute, is never at arm’s length. It will require your time, your resources, your dedication and the same commitment from your technology provider. At the end of the day, you have to decide whom you want to work with. Positive interaction, healthy exchange of ideas and respect (that is, "good chemistry") will help make your transition a pleasant learning experience.

Business expansion, operational cost reduction, customer segmentation, product offering improvement – these are triggers for you to take a second look and consider harnessing the possibilities of technology. Business transformation does not mean abandonment of fundamentals. It is simply an evolution of commerce where tools such as technology are utilized to bring modernization to the next level. From Bell’s invention of the telephone to wireless mobile communications, our society has accepted technology as part of everyday life.

The same is true for your business. Prioritize your focus. Research how other companies are using technology to change their businesses, locally and globally. Armed with the Four Cs, plan your evaluation process and decide. Are you ready to face your fears?

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Abigail K. Yap is CEO of Active Business Solutions Inc. (/a/b/s/, www.activebusiness.com), the software and solutions company belonging to the Yapster e-Conglomerate group of companies. You may e-mail her at [email protected].