What makes a business software project go from good to great?

An international study carried out by TNS Sifo on behalf of IFS concludes that companies should look for innovative, proactive and responsive ERP vendors in order to achieve successful implementation projects. The vendor’s ability to listen and be close to the customer, to involve the customer in product development and testing, to provide comprehensive support, and be present in the customer’s geographies, is crucial for a productive, long term investment.

The study examined the attitude of 216 decision makers in the USA, the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Benelux countries toward return on investment, procurement strategy and vendor relations when purchasing business solutions.

The survey reveals that 68 per cent of the respondents consider their latest business software project successful. 18 per cent of these perceive their projects as very successful. Projects become very successful when customers select a vendor that is innovative and proactive when it comes to the needs of the customer.

Other key factors that influence project success are customer involvement in product development and testing, a 24/7 support offering, and the vendor’s local presence.

The study finds that the success rate doubles to 36 per cent when projects combine the four most important factors described above.

“This research confirms our long-held belief that successful business software projects depend on the vendor’s willingness to go that extra mile,” IFS CEO Alastair Sorbie said. “At IFS, we promote a culture of accessibility and commitment to provide added value and speedy ROI to our customers. Our industry experience combined with our leading-edge, innovative products makes IFS well equipped to take any ERP project from good to great.”

The second most important factor for ERP success is customer involvement in product development and testing.

For example, participation in an Early Adopter program brings customers closer to the vendor, enabling them to provide timely feedback and steer development to suit their business needs. “My experience of working with IFS is very positive. We have established a real partnership based on two-way communication, which makes our day-to-day business far more productive and collaborative,” said James Greaves, Systems Manager at Portsmouth Aviation, Early Adopter of IFS Applications 8. Commenting on the survey results, Alexander Sovré, Director at TNS Sifo and specialised in IT and telecom-related research said, “The results clearly prove that successful business software projects do not come about by coincidence, but rather are the combined result of a number of criteria against which companies can measure prospective software providers. Among such criteria, building relationships with and listening to customers are crucial.”