Post by Doug L on Sept 5, 2012 14:19:02 GMT -5
We have all heard the expression "It ticks all my boxes", well that is the essence of selecting products and services which will serve you best.
It is well worth it to compile a list of "Must have", "nice to have"-- features or attributes before getting to the selection stage.
Another expression "There are more ways than one to skin something", that also comes into play and I have seen many times where folks have thought something would meet a need and when fully informed about alternate strategies or options one of those superseded the original thought.
This is inspired by another adage, if your tool is a hammer, then soon all your work is with nails."
Screws, nuts and bolts and other fastening devices are left out of the picture.
For instance, you may think you are just buying a computer or a cool information systems application, but what you are doing is establishing a computing platform and environment... with all that entails. It is from that purchase all other options in the future may have to back engineer to.
This single move now.... eventually defines your business model... no small thing.
I have seen many cases where the whole computer system revolved around spreadsheets, an often fatal mistake in accomplishing any sort of cohesive and efficient data management strategy as data piles up. Spreadsheets have a place, but not as THE system. (See hammer and nail example).
It is wise to have a consultation with someone who is versed and experienced in the topic of your requirement or needs to be met... it can pay off big dividends down the road if you avoid starting out wrong.
If you have made the napkin list, that is a good place to initiate the conversation from with someone who is unbiased and can offer suggestion, guidance or assistance in a bigger context outside of the initial obvious.
The question is... what is it you hope to achieve, both immediately and in the future, cost effectively and efficiently?
(From the word to the wise file.)
It is well worth it to compile a list of "Must have", "nice to have"-- features or attributes before getting to the selection stage.
Another expression "There are more ways than one to skin something", that also comes into play and I have seen many times where folks have thought something would meet a need and when fully informed about alternate strategies or options one of those superseded the original thought.
This is inspired by another adage, if your tool is a hammer, then soon all your work is with nails."
Screws, nuts and bolts and other fastening devices are left out of the picture.
For instance, you may think you are just buying a computer or a cool information systems application, but what you are doing is establishing a computing platform and environment... with all that entails. It is from that purchase all other options in the future may have to back engineer to.
This single move now.... eventually defines your business model... no small thing.
I have seen many cases where the whole computer system revolved around spreadsheets, an often fatal mistake in accomplishing any sort of cohesive and efficient data management strategy as data piles up. Spreadsheets have a place, but not as THE system. (See hammer and nail example).
It is wise to have a consultation with someone who is versed and experienced in the topic of your requirement or needs to be met... it can pay off big dividends down the road if you avoid starting out wrong.
If you have made the napkin list, that is a good place to initiate the conversation from with someone who is unbiased and can offer suggestion, guidance or assistance in a bigger context outside of the initial obvious.
The question is... what is it you hope to achieve, both immediately and in the future, cost effectively and efficiently?
(From the word to the wise file.)