Managing a BI project can challenge even the most seasoned project manager. Due to the scope and wide range of interests and agendas, project managers often have to deal with very disparate technical and business goals, interests, and personnel. It has become almost cliché to hear of the BI project where the business users did not talk with the technical people, and the result was a predictable disaster.
One of the fundamental flaws that many organizations make with regards to BI applications is the vast difference in approach and implementation from operational applications. The core of this challenge resides with the fact that often due to a lack of upfront requirements gathering, a substantial amount of BI requirements will not be known until after the BI application goes live.
BI projects require a partnership between the business end users (consumers) and IT, often to a degree not experienced in other types of projects. Our experienced consultants are technically trained, so we can discuss everything from database optimization and ETL procedures with DBA’s to packet routing with network engineers. But we can also discuss financial and performance metrics and strategies with CFO’s, and still plan data visualization techniques with report designers.
We’ll work with you to manage the scope, schedule, and budget of your software implementation. While well versed in traditional methods of project management, for BI projects in particular we find an agile approach provides results better suited to the dynamic nature of BI projects. Development cycles, including training, documentation, and deliverable, within 90 days provide an effective method of managing the cost, scope, schedule, and effectiveness of your software project.
At Ironside Group, we understand the challenges of managing BI projects. It’s what we do every day. Our certified project managers can help you navigate the pitfalls and bring your project in on time and on budget.
