7 IT Project Management pitfalls to avoid for success!
Every business has an IT infrastructure that employees rely on to perform their everyday roles. IT project management requires a little more than the typical project management tools and skills to complete.
In retail, this includes standard office IT systems as well as industry or store specific software and hardware. Inventory management is just one aspect to consider, but the technology that makes it easier for customers to purchase, both online and in store needs to always be on. Expanding, improving, upgrading or replacing parts of IT infrastructure is a vital part of keeping a business ahead of the competition, but careful planning is critical to success.
Project management is the practice of meticulously planning tasks, as well as preparing for and mitigating against any issues that may arise during the project life span. In this month’s blog we will look at IT project management, issues that can arise from poor planning and Pinnaca’s approach to successful project implementation.
“Many IT projects are not implemented successfully because of poor application of project management procedures.”
- Ilic, M., Rankovic, M., Stojčić, M., & Kastratovic, E. Critical Success Factors in IT Project Management. (2019).
IT Project Management success factors
An IT project is categorised as any aspect of technology that needs to be created, changed or repaired to benefit users. For most businesses an IT project will deliver a new service or enhance an existing one, and could be anything from integrating software, hardware, or cloud-based services on business premises, to managing a new store opening from the initial site survey to the grand opening.
The scale and scope of IT projects varies depending on what the business needs, but will ultimately aim to achieve the required cost, time and quality objectives. Successful delivery of these objectives relies on effective project management, which involves the planning, scheduling, execution, monitoring and reporting of IT projects.
An effective IT project manager needs to be aware of the technical details, as well as any potential risks, interdependent integrations, software updates, security weaknesses etc., and also assign and manage the team tasked to deliver the project. For many companies, especially smaller ones, this role is beyond the capability of existing employees, and many are turning to specialised experts to take on and manage their IT projects.
Scope Creep
The main enemy of an efficiently implemented IT project is constantly moving goalposts. It is vital to ensure the scope of the project is clearly defined from the start, as failure to do so could lead to an unexpected increase in time and costs.
Divergent Interests
A stakeholder is anyone with an interest in a project and whose influence can be a threat or opportunity. The success of a project relies on effective stakeholder management to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Failure to Innovate
A lack of awareness of the latest innovations in IT can result in costly projects delivering out-of-date solutions. With sufficient knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, projects can be delivered that not only keep up with the competition, but innovate to drive change in the industry.
Noncompliance
There are a myriad of laws and regulations that can trip up companies in the digital age and failure to comply may result in not only hefty fines, but also a loss of trust. Navigating the legal minefield relies on having the experience and resources to ensure compliance.
Lack of Knowledge
Implementing new IT systems can be complex, especially when integrating with existing systems, and doing so with limited knowledge and experience can lead to inefficiencies, faults and even failures that can have a negative effect on operations, specifically business downtime. IT solutions often represent a large investment for companies, so it is important to make the most of what is delivered and with minimum disruption.
Digital Vulnerability
Making changes to IT infrastructure can leave a business susceptible to cyber threats so it is of the utmost importance to be aware of, and patch, any vulnerabilities before breaches can occur. There is also the potential for loss of invaluable business data so careful mitigation and disaster planning is vital to a project’s success.
Poor Risk Management
Successful IT project management is not simply creating a step-by-step guide to deliver a goal. No matter how meticulous the plan there is always potential for issues to occur, and it is the preparation for, and handling of these issues that make for a successful project.
Pinnaca: The Ideal IT Project Management Solution
Pinnaca is your go to technology partner for the retail industry. Our IT expertise means we know our way around IT projects, and we successfully manage in excess of 300 projects a year for our clients, mostly in the retail sector.
Our team is highly skilled across many IT disciplines, and includes specialists in Network Management & Security, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Management, Anti Virus Software, Windows, Microsoft 365, Retail Pro, and Power BI, so we can draw on in-house expertise while putting a project plan together. We have extensive knowledge of the latest technology systems, solutions and innovations, and have practical experience in their implementation and utilisation.
“The wealth of knowledge that the guys have sets them aside from others in the industry.”
- John Haywood Epos Manager, UK & EU Black & Decker.
Our past projects range from small software updates to complete systems overhauls. We’ve managed single and multiple store openings, from initial planning to grand opening and everything in-between. Our experience not only means we provide the best IT solutions, but it gives us the advantage of knowing how to deal with many of the things that can go awry. So whatever IT project you’re planning you can rely on Pinnaca to help you get the job done.
Don’t just take our word for it, check out what some of our satisfied clients have to say.
MINISO
We are an IT partner for MINISO, and have project managed the opening of nearly 20 stores in the UK in the recent years, with three opening on consecutive days in November 2022! We were delighted when MINISO asked us to provide Managed IT Support services in London at their head office. We partner with Retail Pro International to bring the best retail management software, hardware, and support to their UK operation . . . read case study
Tooth Club
We provide comprehensive Managed IT Support services in London and the South for more than ten dental practices for Tooth Club. Tooth Club have grown rapidly, and we work on their practice projects from the day they sign the lease until the project is completed. We are a part of their team, and work closely with them to manage IT projects with precision . . . read case study
Pinnaca Manages IT Projects with Precision
Our IT project management guide will signpost you through the stages of an IT project, giving examples of the questions you need to ask at each stage to ensure your IT projects run smoothly.