With A Little Help From My Friends

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy


At the end of last month, I had the pleasure on the last Monday of it, to go live with one of the smoothest migrations, from one integrated housing system to another, I have experienced for some time. It was down at Homes In Sedgemoor, the ALMO of Sedgemoor District Council, in Somerset. They often get confused with that other similar sounding ‘Sedgefield’, up in county Durham and for avoidance of doubt, I often say “near Taunton” for avoidance of doubt.

Watchers of South West English Social Housing and associated award ceremonies, will perhaps be familiar with #GoTeamHiS, an ALMO substantially punching above its weight. IMHO, many have much to learn from the Homes In Sedgemoor approach and particularly of its modest, but fantastically effective and likeable CEO Jen Barfoot.

Anil Majevadia, Javed iqbal, James Drury,Emma Jones, Tony Smith & Mike Carpenter

For a landlord of getting on for five thousand homes, and only around 65 staff, a full change of system, plus adding enhanced self service and staff mobile working, is clearly a big ask. Its no surprise then that they recognised the need for some critical friend help early, in order to assist the small core team (just two) and the wider management team, to organise themselves, work efficiently and manage their supplier effectively.

I am often asked what it means to be a ‘Critical Friend’.

I often explain it’s a bit like a person at your side who cares about you and when you ask, “Does my bum look big in this?”, you will get an honest answer. Also, if I am doing my job properly, I can point you to some effective under garments or a gym where you could consider getting your buns toned up!

Its that simple honestly, although many teams with large software and transformation projects struggle on, with a certain distrust of staff, what they are telling them and if they are indeed ‘doing everything needed/necessary’. Just get a ‘Contractor’ in, is often the refrain and while they may get on with it, there will generally be little around knowledge transfer and the organisation will be little wiser going forward into ‘Business As Usual’. Connecting with the right critical friend is, well, critical. Personally for example, I am a finisher. However long it takes, I will promise to be there and work realistically.

That last point is crucially important. As Brits, we are such a polite nation. We generally cringe a little if we have to deliver bad news and we are terribly optimistic. Where systems are concerned, in particular. We assume all issues are going to get resolved, our config is spot on, when UAT starts, no significant issues are likely to come out of it, we will have enough data cuts to be 100% confident of our data quality migrating between systems.

A reality check now good people. The world of changing systems is nothing like that. If it can happen, it generally does, so expect it all and be thankful when its not as bad as it could be. As a critical friend, I bring a lot of essential tools & techniques to the table to structure this lot and keep suppliers to account. Its my bag of ‘lessons learnt’. A folder I keep, called ‘Uncommon Knowledge’, after a really old month publication around a long dead database environment.

Suppliers reading this should not be worried. I only hold ones to account that need it when they are incapable of working as partners, as one big team with the client. I have met people who think suppliers always need beating up, even when they have done no wrong. Like some kind of 50 Shades Of Grey fantasy. I honestly don’t and will be the first to back up suppliers with genuine extra change control, if its really necessary. Goodwill needs to be built up on both sides and is a valuable commodity to be traded.

Needless to say, Homes In Sedgemoor went live when planned, using a very structured UAT and go-live timetable, citing timings, responsibilities etc. Monday of the go-live was quite a non-event, it went so well. Our supplier (Capita) told us it was “one of the smoothest” they had experienced.

So the right Critical Friends are good for Social Housing Organisations, as well as suppliers. Always question any consultants you do have in situ. Are they enabling the project to go-live as expected & in time? If not, seriously consider their future.

I care about knowledge transfer, guiding organisations I care about, through a journey I have done 20+ times, that they may only do once in 20 years. It drives me forward too, helping gift great tools to staff I have worked months or years with, to improve what they do and improve customer service to residents. I know the new system will enable Homes in Sedgemoor to further fill their (existing bulging) awards & trophy cabinet with more well justified awards. The thought of that is one of the things that gets me out of bed every morning.

A massive thank you to everyone at Homes In Sedgemoor, who made the smooth migration from Academy to OpenHousing happen. Particularly the fabulous Emma Jones, Javed Iqbal, (‘ar kid) Paul Barry and Rob Starr and the team champions (you know who you are – thanks for taking ownership).

If you have a project taking too long, going too far over budget, feel free to contact me & I will be happy to provide some free pointers. More astute organisations may want to consider connecting with a critical friend before projects start. That’s where the most difference can be made. Most of my customers save my costs many times over in extra change control cost and time saved. Always available for a chat!

Related Post: Who is in charge of your self-service for customers? Comms or Customer services?   

Catch the blog monthly archive at https://soundcloud.com/housingitguy/

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.

The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friends.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark,Housing Portfolio Management System, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,housing predictive analytics, Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, InfoBoss, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue,Portfolio Management System, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points,predictive analytics for housing, QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, "Social Housing IT",Social Housing ICT, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star 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. . . . . . . . . . .

Jet Airliner

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



It was shocking to hear about the recent Boeing 737 max crashes recently. Even more worrying that it was software possibly to blame.

There’s been a few places I have worked where to be honest, I would be reluctant to fly, if I knew they had provided and tested (hopefully thoroughly), the software within and controlling it.

The anti-stall feature of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, apparently activated before the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 plane nosedived into the ground.

The same mechanism was suspect in the Lion Air crash in October 2018. Between the two crashes, 346 people died onboard.

The feature, called Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), is designed to help prevent a stall if a plane flies at too sharp an upward angle and, as a result, the wings lose their lift. But if activated at the wrong time, like shortly after take off, the system can force the nose down, causing the 737 to suddenly lose altitude.

All Boeing 737 Max 8’s across the world have now been grounded for some weeks.

How such software could get through safety checks from the US and national aeronautical authorities, clearly needs reviewing. More seriously, it’s come out that in both crashes, the two planes were similar in that they lacked two key safety features, that possibly could have prevented both accidents. Essential sensors were being sold as ‘optional extras’, at extra cost.

Those two safety features in question were an “angle of attack indicator” and an “angle of attack disagree light”, both of which were not included in the aircraft by Boeing as standard safety features, according to a report in the New York Times. If features or services are essential to a product or project, should they not be priced in from the start and delivered, to preserve the integrity of the whole project?

What has this got to do with social housing system project delivery?

You might well ask.

I am seeing in more and more projects, essentials initially priced in and sold, such as hand-holding support on go-live, over weekend cutovers, that come back twelve or eighteen months later as ‘Change Control’. In any procurement, cost will make up a significant part of scoring criteria. Lower cost tender bids are clearly more favourable. However in the process of agreeing a solid project plan, finalising a PID (Project Initiation Document) and subsequent reiterations of the project plan, much can change.

Be careful that in your projects, some of your ‘safety features’ are being quietly dropped and re-added later as ‘extras’. Limiting the number of included data conversions, is a common slight of hand. I have often asked at the initial sale, “So you are saying that just two data conversions and  ago-live one for a £2m systems project is sufficient, in your professional opinion”?. “Have you examples recently where that has been the case”?

In my mind at that point I am probably aware of at least two projects where that supplier has been involved, where they are on their 4th or 5th (and often maybe more!). I have still to have been given a valid site to contact, from any of these suppliers, where they managed what’s been suggested.

So, in your projects be aware of the safety features you need, have them priced in and don’t lose them in the duration of your 12-20 month project. Otherwise, just like those unfortunates in the Boeing 737 max 8 disasters, your budget and perhaps your project may tend towards crashing and burning.

Clearly too, when Boeing do crack that software clitch. IMHO, they should send all their directors, CEO & managers on the maiden flight!

Related Post: WiFi - As essential now, as the air we breathe?    

Catch the blog monthly archive at https://soundcloud.com/housingitguy/

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.

Steve Miller - Jet Airliner.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark,Housing Portfolio Management System, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,housing predictive analytics, Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue,Portfolio Management System, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points,predictive analytics for housing, QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, "Social Housing IT",Social Housing ICT, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital Management, TonySmithHousing, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, SunAccounts, Social Housing Software Applications, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tableau Business Dashboards, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing,Tony Smith That,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT, guy,tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousinguy,tony smith housing guy,sharepoint, share point, SHBVN, Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy, TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, 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Happens All The Time

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy


I was talking with someone who has worked in Social Housing ICT for over a decade, with various system solutions recently. He had recently been involved in yet another late system implementation and asked me, “Have I ever known any manage to go as per project plan or even just 3 months late”? After I had stopped laughing, I said yes, only one recently! This happens pretty much all the time.

He knew I had been an implementer once and managed a team of them. He also had been involved in one of my old implementations which pretty much went to time. He asked me how I had managed to pull it off and why they often go wrong.

Implementations can easily go adrift with badly trained, inexperienced or poorly disciplined implementers. That can hit profitability of system implementations badly, particularly if the initial sale has not included enough days. For sales people it is tempting to reduce days in the initial sale as it makes it more likely to win an OJEU process. The hope is that any missing days can be mopped up later, at (customer) cost, via Change Control.

Implementers are best motivated or rewarded for completing those days as efficiently as possible. Then they get better at their job. Incentivising implementation teams to ‘sell on’ extra days is generally a recipe for disaster. Short term it looks like it adds additional profitability, but is quite the reverse reputationally.  It rewards poor work, which experienced customers generally realise, adding insult to injury. Reputationally its shooting yourself (& your reputation) in the foot.

What can customers do to keep projects on track?

Well, do your best to use the project plan as a living document, would be a good start. Its not just a static appendage to the original contract. Force your supplier to keep up to date with it, revise timescales as things change. Also customers need to keep a tight reign on their own project team. To ensure the right staff attend supplier on-site or config sessions, ensure suppliers are pressed to provide overviews of what future sessions will cover. These can often be delivered too near to scheduled days or often not at all. This is not acceptable.

If this occurs I think its justifiable to be able to cancel a session, without penalty. If your supplier cannot define what the planned session is intended to cover, it should be deferred until they can.

Many projects are allowed to drift for the first few months, the excuse being that “there’s plenty of days in the project”. Lost days like this will no doubt be added on in the end, exaggerating the delays that can occur and potential additional costs. If you think it necessary, agree objectives for each supplier day and rate them when completed, including any follow ups required. Working together as a partnership openly is by far the best policy, to reduce misunderstandings.

Start well and ensure your supplier does too.  Start as you mean to go on is the best advice and hopefully it will set the scene for a more successful and on-time project.

Fingers crossed!

Related Post: Are Apps the best way forward for tenant self-service? 

Catch the blog monthly archive at https://soundcloud.com/housingitguy/

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.

Depeche Mode - Happens All The Time.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark,Housing Portfolio Management System, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,housing predictive analytics, Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue,Portfolio Management System, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points,predictive analytics for housing, QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, "Social Housing IT",Social Housing ICT, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star 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Changes On Standby

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy




Application software solutions are expensive aren't they?

The only thing more pricey is the cost of additional programming changes after live running has successfully started. While I would suggest that on new OJEU procurements, the functional requirements are as tight as possible, this will only take you so far. The future is notoriously hard to predict and changes are often needed for a multitude of good reasons.

The pain of justifying changes internally with budget holders, change control, ordering, authorising the PO, and issue is bad enough. Your supplier has then got to agree your amendments, schedule it, delay it a release or so, deliver, fix the buggy bits, then have you sign it off. You will have been invoiced for it by this point. Pain over. Job done you would have thought.

However, I come across more & more organisations that seem to have increasing numbers of changes like this, that are permanently held on standby. Why would you do that and what's the real cost of unwanted RFC's and not putting a lot of this stuff live?

How many examples like this, have you got in your organisation?
I come across many of these, when I ask why "Is that done manually" or "Why aren't you using that functionality", often the answer is "we paid for a change to fix/enhance that, but never switched it on".

It's essential to be sure before ordering changes, why the changes are needed & what the benefits will be. Ask yourself if you can solve the problem in a different way, before reaching for the Request For Change form. Does the change support the processes as required and are all users in the 'journey' involved, when specifying the change. Many RFC's fall down when driven just by a single dept/team, just in one part of the process journey. In many cases like this, the process as a whole may not be fully supported/accepted, possibly leading to the change never being put live.

Many RFC's are initiated by decisive or charismatic managers. In the organisation you need 'Finishers', to efficiently push these changes through to completion. Refreshing your test system, building an efficient/thorough UAT and getting this into live takes some commitment.

In addition, the time it can take suppliers, to turn a change around does not help.  It's not uncommon for me to hear of Housing Associations waiting 18 months or longer for delivery of RFC's. The worse I have seen was something I helped specify for a housing group, in December 2013, its due on the suppliers April 2016 release. A whopping 27 months! By the time that RFC is delivered, that client will have been using a workaround for at least 20 months. So in the context of that 'delivery fatigue' , it's not surprising the change never makes it live.

So, know why the RFC is important to you and what its benefits will be. Have your 'finishers' lined up. Check your delivery times with your system and application suppliers, factoring in if you need an upgrade (particularly if you are a few releases behind).

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: So, how many Ghost-Ship projects have you around the place? 

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Shed Seven - On Standby.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


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