IT project management plans and develops technology implementation and management projects. An IT project manager generally follows a consistent path that includes five phases to complete a task:
- Initiation: assess the need and viability of the task
- Planning: set goals, establish a budget, and identify risks
- Execution: create deliverables and rely on delegation to complete tasks
- Monitoring: track team progress using a project management solution
- Closure: assess and measure what went well
While the above list encapsulates the role of project management, each phase can last months or years, depending on the circumstances. Some delays are unavoidable and unanticipated, but many of these delays fall into one of five common areas for IT project management:
Timeline and Budget
Even experienced IT professionals can find it challenging to adhere to a timeline and budget for cloud migration. From talent shortages to unexpected infrastructure upgrades or security gaps, there are almost endless possibilities that can slow a technology implementation or create additional costs.
Scope Creep
Projects often creep, demanding more time and investment, as line-of-business managers or other executives continue adding more deliverables. For instance, if you are rolling out a phased approach to a new cloud-based communications system, but the contact center managers frequently change how they want to phase to progress or what features they want to prioritize in the technology, the project can get out of control.
Lack of Communication
IT teams serve every department in your company, as well as third-party vendors and other business partners. Challenges can arise when departments fail to properly communicate with one another, or each tells the IT project management team different details. For instance, your accounting team would like to change how a potential new cloud solution for operations calculates inventory costs. Still, IT needs to realize that it’s not just a complaint but a deal-breaker for accounting.
Risk Management
When your company is embarking on an IT implementation, a lot of time is spent getting buy-in on the technology and its advanced features. However, there also needs to be a solid risk assessment to determine the plan if the solution is not operating well at launch. Therefore, accurate risk analysis is a critical part of IT project management.
Changing Technology
Technology will inevitably continue to advance while you are in the midst of your project. Keep this in mind and make every attempt to future-proof your investment. Still, it’s also a good idea to be flexible and recognize that neither the company nor technology will not remain static while you implement the technology.
When it’s time for a technology upgrade, Proper Connections is here to help you anticipate challenges and keep your project within your timeline and budget. Contact us to learn more about the assistance we offer to companies like yours, identifying needs and recommending the best technology to future-proof your business and help you meet your objectives.