Updated July 2021
Enterprise software development is an entirely different creature than a lot of other custom software development projects. Whereas software applications are usually developed for a specific kind of user experience and audience, enterprise software is made to be used across an entire organization by people from varying disciplines.
In short, the software development process has to cater to all of the individual users in an organization. That means it has to be developed to be used by a large variety of people in a way that still functions in line with its original intent.
This, by far, is the biggest challenge when developing enterprise software. When you add in multiple stakeholders, each with a slightly different vision for the project, things can get derailed pretty quickly.
Too Many Stakeholders, Not Enough Focus
For an enterprise software project to be successful, it ultimately has to fulfill its goal across the organization. This can be difficult when there are too many stakeholders with conflicting input. Unfortunately, this is often the case as a project that affects the entire organization tends to draw in a lot of parties interested in its development.
The United States Air Force faced one such situation with its failed Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) project that was essentially going to function as a logistics program. After 7 years of development time and over a billion dollars spent on the project, the Air Force decided to drop the ECSS and move on to simply using a third party software.
The official explanation of the project’s failure described “a confusing and, at times, ineffectual governance structure” which was “evident throughout the life of the program.”
Essentially, there were far too many stakeholders giving mismatched input that ground the project into a limbo of mismanagement where nothing was being accomplished. It took 7 years and an unfathomable amount of money for even one of the most well-organized institutions in the world to realize that they’d worked themselves into a corner that couldn’t be economically resolved.
If even the Air Force could find themselves in that situation, imagine just how many smaller companies and organizations face the same problem.
How to Manage Enterprise Software Development With Less Stakeholders
The solution to the problem of having too many stakeholders is simply to have less stakeholders. Essentially, the less cooks in the kitchen, the better the turkey. Hand the project off to a few people to oversee development and reconvene frequently to monitor progress.
More importantly, define the scope and end goal of the project before kickoff. The more fully you define what the finished version of the project will be, the less room there will be for changes and conflicting input during development.
Alternatively, using a third-party developer can ease a lot of the pains of enterprise application development. An experienced team can navigate many of the pitfalls that face large-scale projects and deliver a product that fits the original vision exactly. A good developer will have the portfolio and testimonials to back them up, and they’ll be well versed in maintaining communication.
Does Your Business Need Help in Your Enterprise Software Development Process?
If you are looking for custom software development we can help. Our web-based solutions are guaranteed to improve the competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability of your business. Asahi Technologies is prepared to meet all of your enterprise software development needs with the utmost confidence that we can deliver a product that lives up to your standards.
Here are some of the questions asked to us by our Manufacturing Industry and Financial Services Application Development Clients:
Q: I have a fairly decent idea of what I want to build. But, I do not have detailed specifications for my project. Is this alright?
A: Don’t worry if you don’t know all of the technical stuff. We’re happy to discuss your ideas and advise you. We have a highly experienced business team that can comfortably translate business functions and requirements into software project specifications, user stories, and wireframes. Most clients that come to us don’t have specifications, we develop these for them. We have satisfied global clients from many different industries – all of who were at very different stages of planning. To read some reviews of our Custom Software Development Company & Web Application Development Services check out our testimonials page.
Q: Why should I hire Asahi Technologies for my custom enterprise software development project?
A: At Asahi Technologies, we value the partnerships we create. Our clients represent more than just a project. As your technology partners, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your unique business needs by leveraging complex technologies and providing you the support and maintenance you require after a project is launched. We value creating purposeful and innovative projects that help your business grow, become more profitable and more efficient.
With head office in New York, we have experience working with the most demanding clients, for instance, in the financial industry. We have a strong business strategy team, which listens to client challenges carefully before crafting the most suitable technology solution and our technology team is passionate about building quality software solutions for clients. We blend the best and the brightest creative thinkers and engineers who are dedicated to excellence and revolutionizing your business with unique web solutions.
Q: Who will be my point of contact at Asahi Technologies?
A: The project manager assigned to your project will usually be your primary point of contact throughout the course of the engagement with Asahi Technologies.
Let Asahi Technologies help you develop your next custom application development project for your business.
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