The true measure of success for technology-based solutions is how well they enable and empower the Business to accomplish their goals. Very often a great deal time and effort is spent in gathering requirements, designing and implementing solutions that do not provide tangible value to the clients or businesses that the tool/solution supports. Many tools can be highly tailored and customized to do almost anything; however that does not mean they should. In order for a technology solution to be a valued tool in the Business' tool belt, it must provide high value by providing the business with timely access to accurate information and tool workflows that empower the Business to be successful in attaining its goals, while at the same time providing a competitive advantage.
The process of defining, designing and delivering technology solutions should be done by working closely with business clients, preferably a group representative of various areas and expertise, to understand their business processes and what they require of technology. From this Business requirements should be defined that detail areas that technology can enhance the business process. It is critical that these business requirements be representative of the enterprise and quantified to provide real value to the business. Strong, quality business requirements will provide the best input to the technology solution-ing process.
To best adhere to the spirit of the business requirement it is very important to maintain ties back to the business requirements and Business throughout the solution-ing process. This may include checkpoints/tollgates, pilots, design reviews, and demonstrations to keep the business and goal of the business requirement as the driver of the solution. Sometimes these disciplines are considered to utopian, but the more one strives for the best solution, the better the end result.
Technology solutions that are successful in solving business problems and empowering the business will be those that the they cannot do without.