Jeff On-Site: Software Showdown in the Midwest

"Looking back on it one year later, I would never do another software implementation without LIDD."

So, how did the client come to this realization? Let's work backward and uncover the story behind it.

As businesses experience growth, they inevitably face operational complexities and often require software solutions to scale their operations efficiently. Recognizing the need for new technology to support increasing demand, the client embarked on an internally managed software selection process. They sought a suitable solution to enhance their manufacturing and distribution operations. Their internal process was well-executed, resulting in the selection of a system with the right feature set for their needs. However, what is often overlooked in the system selection process is the choice of a partner to ensure successful implementation aligned with the business's unique requirements. Without a trusted advisor guiding the way, organizations may make incorrect configuration or customization decisions that can have negative repercussions for years to come.

Unfortunately, the selected system fell short of meeting the client's evolving needs, leaving them to grapple with the ensuing challenges independently. A major contributing factor to this outcome was the lack of experience and support during the setup process. A junior consultant primarily focused on meeting the customer's preferences rather than providing guidance on utilizing the system effectively. In hindsight, our client recognized the criticality of having an advisor to offer optimal approaches, considering the compounding effects that may initially go unnoticed but become apparent as the business grows.

From this experience, two valuable lessons emerge:

1. Compounding applies to everything – Minor design decisions have compounding effects as revenue, volume, and headcount grow. While the impact may not be immediately noticeable, businesses often resort to hiring more people to address inefficiencies, only to realize that it takes 20% longer to achieve desired outcomes. These poor choices increase costs and hinder growth, resulting in a total spend that exceeds the cost of hiring a professional implementer to avoid them.
2. Continuous improvement cannot eliminate infrastructure mistakes – No matter how much investment is made in continuous improvement, starting with a flawed foundation due to poor design decisions will result in higher penalties. It is crucial to make the right decisions from the start, ensuring that your software implementation aligns with your business goals.

Reflecting on their journey, our client candidly admitted that they would never make such a decision without the assistance of LIDD. They realized the value of having experts who understand the intricacies of system implementation and can guide them towards making informed choices.

At LIDD, our expertise and requirements-driven approach ensure that your software implementation aligns with your business goals, minimizing complications and maximizing efficiency. With a trusted partner like LIDD, you can confidently navigate the complexities of software implementation.