Collaborating with a software implementation (SI) partner expedites and simplifies solution implementation. An SI partner's expertise is a priceless asset when it comes to designing, integrating, implementing, and managing a new system. However, despite these advantages, many organizations fail to fully harness the potential of their software consulting team, due to three common missteps. 

At Canidium, we work to implement and manage technological solutions for enterprise-level clients every day. Our teams of software experts are authoritative voices in the software implementation space. We have firsthand experience with the most common roadblocks companies face when adopting a new solution. 

To help you avoid these common missteps, we've crafted this comprehensive guide and help you unlock the full potential of your partnership with a software consulting firm. By the time you finish reading, you'll understand:

• The importance of enhancing your partnership's value
• The three critical pitfalls to avoid when working with your SI partner
• How to extract maximum benefits from your software consulting team

Why Making the Most of Your Implementation Consultant's Expertise Matters

Although technology investments are generally considered secure, an estimated 31.1% of projects will terminate before completion. Additionally, findings from the same study suggest that 52.7% of projects will exceed their original price estimates by 189%. These figures indicate that organizations adopt a more careful and strategic approach to software investments and implementation. 

While this issue is still prominent, many companies are already acting on these dire statistics, specifically by turning to external experts like SI partners. In 2022, the worldwide market size for software consulting was USD 273.13 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2023 to 2030. According to these estimates, software consultants' ability to advise on, configure, and carefully implement software answers many digital transformation challenges, particularly as the relentless speed of innovation demands continuous learning regarding specific solutions, which companies can outsource to consultants. 

As software consulting's importance continues to grow, it is crucial to learn how to derive more value from partners. In certain instances, your SI partner can design your software rollout in a multi- or single-phase capacity to help ease the initial adjustment period to the solution. The most cohesive partnerships not only reduce project timelines and smooth out implementation issues but also have the potential to decrease total project costs. These factors allow you to start reaping the benefits of your new system sooner, setting the stage for a successful digital transformation. 

Three Common Reasons Companies Miss Out on Their Software Consultant's Expertise

A shocking 70% of all digital transformations do not meet or exceed their target value and result in sustainable change. However, the same study found that successful transformations created, on average, 66% more value than counterparts that generated only limited value.

These numbers tell us that digital transformation is more challenging than organizations expect. It also tells us that the competitive advantage a well-executed implementation offers is significant, which is where experienced SI partners come in. They ease the strain that causes some digital transformations to fail. 

Three specific traps can unintentionally prevent companies from maximizing the ROI of their SI partnership. Knowing about these pitfalls ahead of time allows you to avoid them altogether. Bearing this in mind, here are three reasons why you may not be making the most of your SI partner's expertise. 

1. Unclear Software Implementation Goals

One of the leading reasons projects fail is a need for more clarity surrounding parameters and goals. Poor requirements are the leading cause of project failure, so you must have a firm idea of your implementation goals before starting. 

Your SI partner can help you define the path from conceptualization to realization. However, to get the most out of your consultant's advice, you need to understand what specific features or uses you want. Then, your SI partner can configure your solution to your specifications. 

If an organization is internally conflicted regarding project priorities, it could prolong the development cycle significantly. To navigate the complexities of unclear software implementation goals effectively, stakeholders must adopt proactive strategies to foster clarity and alignment. Open communication channels facilitating the exploration and refinement of requirements can help your organization get on the same page regarding priorities. By proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with unclear requirements, your software consultant can more readily steer the project toward success, minimizing delays and maximizing the likelihood of delivering a product that meets your exact needs and expectations.

2. Organizational Rigidity

Change management is a significant component of successful software implementations. Organizations occasionally go into the implementation process with rigid requirements. However, this leaves little room for your consultant to leverage their expertise to configure your system. 

Suppose your organization resists recommended best practices due to entrenched processes or rigid requirements. In that case, you may not leverage your SI partner to their fullest potential.

Overcoming this resistance requires a delicate balance of education, collaboration, and flexibility. To help keep everyone on the same page, you can explain to different internal parties the rationale behind recommended practices and their alignment with your organization's goals. Frequently, this involves engaging in collaborative discussions to identify solutions that meet your needs while optimizing system performance. 

By fostering open communication and a willingness to adapt, you can navigate organizational rigidity effectively, unlocking the full potential of your SI partnership and increasing the overall value of your solutions.

3. Band-Aid Solutions

Even the most successful implementation will require some degree of ongoing managed services. Glitches in the system, updates, or unforeseen use cases may require reconfiguration after the solution is already in use, causing companies to spend 50% of their software project budget on correcting errors after project implementation.

From your organization's perspective, the urgency to resolve issues quickly can be overwhelming, especially when facing imminent tasks like payroll processing. The temptation to apply quick fixes, or "Band-Aids," arises out of necessity. Still, it can lead to potential complications down the line. 

While opting for Band-Aid fixes may seem like a convenient short-term solution, addressing the underlying issues more effectively is often necessary. Consulting with experienced professionals can help you gain insights into the implications of proposed changes and make informed decisions that align with best practices. 

The choice between applying Band-Aid fixes independently or seeking expert advice boils down to balancing immediate needs with long-term considerations. While Band-Aids may offer a quick resolution, they may not address the root cause of the problem, which could lead to further complications. In contrast, consulting with your SI partner ensures that changes align with best practices, ultimately safeguarding the integrity and efficiency of your software systems.

Leaning Into an Ongoing Relationship With Your Software Consultants

Your software consultants are there to provide as much of their expertise as possible. However, the complexity of an organization's decision-making processes can occasionally hinder them. 

You can avoid the common pitfalls that prevent organizations from fully leveraging their external SI partnerships by remaining flexible, clear in your intended goals, and communicative regarding any need for changes or reconfigurations in the system. 

Working with an implementation partner smooths out the entire process of integrating a new solution. However, you can enhance the value you derive from your consultants by entirely buying into the process. 

The three problems we covered in this article are a good starting point for fostering collaboration with your SI partner. However, as you begin working with your consultants, you may have several other considerations.

With this new understanding of the collaborative process, the next step on the learning journey is to examine What Every SI Partner Wants You to Know About the RFP Process.