Realizing the business benefits of enterprise IT

Abstract

The development and implementation of IT/IS systems inherently requires a deep understanding of user requirements. However, experience shows that a key barrier to the success of an IT/IS system, is the manner by which it is adopted by end users. As such, this viewpoint article presents an overview of those typical enterprise IT user traits as experience by the author. These traits are placed in the context of the steps that need to be taken in terms of a lifecycle approach to business systems implementation. Thus, the paper describes those drivers which inhibit the adoption of enterprise IT/IS projects from a user expectation point of view. By outlining key benefits of such systems, the author presents a 6-stage approach to benefits realisation, known as the acronym, ASSIST. By applying such an approach, the management of business process change and delivery of IT/IS should be more achievable, by addressing the specific needs and expectations of different types of users, as identified in the text of the article. In doing so, the definition of those key IT/IS benefits as outlined in the ASSIST phase approach described is therefore a useful addition to existing project management and business analysis tools and techniques, that can be utilised by enterprise IT system delivery managers as well as Senior IT/IS management