Choosing a PPM Solution: Complementary Guide

Choosing a good PPM solution can be a complicated process. It pays to do it right – to know what you want; and where you’re headed – before making the commitment. Otherwise you risk making an expensive mistake.

Cora Systems is delighted to have teamed up with renowned PPM industry expert Lee R. Lambert for this fascinating guide to choosing a PPM Solution, CIOs: Think Before You Buy – 5 Rules to Adopt When Buying a PPM Solution.

The guidebook analyzes recurring trends – and mistakes – in the buying process of chief information officer (CIOs) when it comes to adopting enterprise-wide project and portfolio management (PPM) solutions. The lessons are culled from over 50 years’ personal experience of one of the leading thinkers in the PPM industry.

Summary:

1. Define Your Needs and Goals Clearly

• Understand Your Requirements: Before selecting a PPM (Project Portfolio Management) solution, it’s crucial to identify your organization’s specific needs. This involves understanding the types of projects you manage, the processes you follow, and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
• Set Clear Objectives: Establish clear, measurable objectives for what you want the PPM solution to accomplish. This could include improving project visibility, enhancing resource management, or increasing project success rates.

2. Evaluate Vendor Capabilities Thoroughly

• Research Vendors: Conduct thorough research on potential vendors. Look into their history, reputation, and the breadth of their experience in providing PPM solutions.
• Assess Functionality: Ensure that the PPM solution offers the necessary features and capabilities. This includes project tracking, resource management, reporting, and any other functionalities critical to your operations.

3. Consider Integration and Scalability

• Integration with Existing Systems: The PPM solution should integrate seamlessly with your existing tools and systems, such as ERP, CRM, and other project management tools.
• Scalability: Choose a solution that can scale with your organization’s growth. It should be able to handle an increasing number of projects and users without compromising performance.

4. Focus on User Experience

• Ease of Use: The solution should be user-friendly and intuitive, minimizing the learning curve for your team.
• Training and Support: Ensure that the vendor provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to help your team get the most out of the PPM solution.

5. Analyze Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Initial and Ongoing Costs: Consider both the initial purchase price and the long-term costs, including maintenance, upgrades, and support.
• Value for Money: Evaluate the overall value the solution brings to your organization. This includes not just the financial cost but also the benefits in terms of efficiency, productivity, and project success.

For more detailed insights, you can down the full guidebook “5 Rules to Adopt When Buying a PPM Solution“. If you need more specific details or have any other questions, feel free to ask!