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Title:
Buying Information Systems
Review:
"80-90% of IT investments fail to meet their performance objectives"
This book covers all stages of buying and implementing off-the-shelf
software systems, but particularly majors on the earlier part of the
procurement process, where problems are most likely to have their
root. The author states his intent as helping readers to "reduce the
risks associated with information system procurement".
Types of systems covered are configurable packages which would support
business processes, e.g. enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
The author spends time ensuring we understand the distinction between
the different tasks involved in buying systems such as these and
buying PC packages such as word processors. He states "A configurable
package is really just a toolset that we need to apply to our own
problem and which will involve a number of people and many hours of
work to realise our stakeholders' expectations", and, bearing in mind
the complexity of the task, advises us not to believe anyone who says
they can guarantee success.
Chapters cover an analysis of the problems involved, where to find
advice, who should be involved, how to manage the purchase, how to
decide what you need, which package/supplier to choose, how to manage
the implementation, how to know if the system is successful and a
final overview chapter at the end "putting it all together".
Proformas for key documents such as 'Invitations to Tender' and 'User
Requirements Specifications' are included throughout, as well as
checklists for key parts of the process such as vendor selection, and
managing the implementation. Pointers are also given out to sources of
further information on more specialist aspects of the process.
The examples used are from the manufacturing industry but the book is
clearly intended for a much wider audience - a comprehensive
glossary is included in the back of the book to explain any specialist
terms. This book is fairly obviously aimed at managers involved in
some way in the introduction of new information systems, and
associated process changes for their organisation. They will find
much to assist them in here, but they would be most well advised,
first of all, to heed the authors most important piece of advice to
those considering embarking on such a project: "If you haven't bought
an information system before, hire someone who has".
Free Pint Reviewer:
Veronica Bezear works for Surrey County Council's Adults & Community
Care Service as an Information Officer.
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