Stories by Bart Perkins

5 ways newer ERP systems overcome traditional limitations

Few enterprises look forward to updating their ERP. It is hard work, not leading edge, and rarely enables the business to increase sales. When your enterprise requires an ERP refresh, take the following actions:Here's what you need to know about the new breed of ERP and how to ease the process when you've decided your ERP system needs an update.

Written by Bart Perkins09 Oct. 17 20:43

Brexit creates supply chain uncertainty

Monitor Brexit closely to avoid having your supply chain disrupted. If you don't, Britain’s exit from the EU might not be the only exit in your future.

Written by Bart Perkins16 Aug. 17 19:46

Nothing is ever completely outsourced

An outsourced project is out of your hands, right? Well, no, not entirely. In fact, that belief is a common misconception that can lead to trouble.

Written by Bart Perkins15 Aug. 15 01:41

6 ways to cope with a resistant sponsor

A few years ago, the chief administrative officer at a multinational enterprise realized that, despite the extensive benefits projected, support for a new ERP system was not unanimous. In order to strengthen commitment, he forced the heads of finance, HR and manufacturing to sponsor the project within their respective areas. While the heads of finance and HR were enthusiastic about better automation, the VP of manufacturing liked the current systems and saw no need for ERP. Over the next few months, he publicly supported the project while simultaneously creating significant project roadblocks.

Written by Bart Perkins20 Feb. 15 05:52

Half-baked mergers

It can take years after a merger has been declared "complete" for the <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2564041/it-management/methodical-merger.html">IT processes and systems to be truly merged</a>. Over the years, we've all seen stories in the business press about this sort of thing, and yet it keeps happening, despite what can be dire consequences.

Written by Bart Perkins20 Sept. 14 00:43

Bart Perkins: A project staffing worst practice

When it comes to IT professional services, using the DOD sourcing method called Lowest Price Technically Acceptable is ludicrous, because it disregards the value of expertise and experience.

Written by Bart Perkins19 May 14 20:35

The disappearing CIOs

Save the CIO, save the enterprise! It might not be the catchiest slogan, but there's more than a little truth in it.
Several Fortune 500 companies are eliminating their corporate CIO positions. They plan to move IT into the business units (BU), on the theory that an IT staff that isn't distracted by corporate initiatives can provide better support for BU priorities. A minimal corporate IT staff will support only corporate functions, such as HR, Finance and Legal. An IT leadership group (ITLG) composed of the BU CIOs will establish IT direction, create standards and allocate resources for projects across all departments.

Written by Bart Perkins09 Jan. 11 22:00

Opinion: Look before you leap to outsource

Most major corporations are considering outsourcing everything from the corporate cafeteria to IT and beyond. Outsourcing is often touted as an easy way to achieve more functionality for less money, with less aggravation.
But how do these deals actually turn out? Customer-satisfaction researchers at a major IT outsourcer report that most outsourcing relationships deliver less-than-expected results, often leaving both sides disillusioned by the end of the first year.

Written by Bart Perkins09 Dec. 03 22:00

Opinion: The forgotten side of outsourcing

If onshore and offshore outsourcing is the new wonder drug, &quot;human factors&quot; should be listed as both a benefit and a side effect. Human factors are one of the most important parts of any outsourcing effort, particularly when the outsourcer is located offshore. To proceed successfully, you should carefully consider the people issues from both sides: benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits

Written by Bart Perkins09 Dec. 03 22:00