A very common problem for organisations is to get the IT function to do what the business wants. This isn’t because they’re obstructive in any way, often there just isn’t effective communication between what the business needs and what IT can deliver.

As a consultancy, it’s a problem we meet a lot. In this context, outsourcing can be a very effective way of getting outside investment and innovation into an organisation, but only when what is actually needed is clearly understood.

For years organsiations have spent millions customising ERP systems to meet their needs. Whose needs? So often, when you start digging, the answer is ‘it’s always been done that way’. I’d suggest that many of the millions spent customising ERP systems have been wasted. If the business had known what the standard product did, they would probably have been perfectly happy with it.

And it’s just as true wih outsourcing. It’s a great answer, if you know the real question you’re asking.

Mike McCormac
Procertis Ltd