In project management, particularly in technology implementations, things don’t always go according to plan. I recently worked with a customer whose technology implementation was on the verge of failure. Their system configuration had major gaps that were causing delays, confusion, and frustration. The problem? They weren’t technology experts, and their technical consultant was inexperienced, making it difficult for them to identify the issues or explain what they needed from their new system. This is where project management consulting stepped in and turned things around.

The Challenge: An Implementation Off Track

This particular customer was working on a large-scale software implementation, but they were struggling to get it right. They had no way of knowing that their system configuration had significant gaps that could derail their Go Live timeline. Both the technical consultant and the customer were at a loss: the consultant lacked the experience to identify the gaps, and the customer didn’t have the expertise to pinpoint what was wrong or clearly articulate their needs. It was a perfect storm of miscommunication and confusion that was jeopardizing the entire project.

The Solution: Identifying Gaps and Realigning Resources

As the project manager, I quickly recognized that there was a deeper issue at play. I dove into the configuration details and was able to identify the specific gaps that were causing problems. With this newfound clarity, I helped the customer and their team understand the root causes of the delays. I then presented several courses of action that would allow the project to move forward, while proposing a timeline that made sense for their new Go Live target.

The solution wasn’t just about fixing a technical problem—it was about ensuring the right people were brought into the project. It took some time, but I advocated for additional resources, ensuring that more experienced team members were assigned to the project. I also scheduled increased testing calls to give the customer more opportunities to interact with the system, build confidence, and understand how to use it effectively.

The Results: Getting Back on Track and Building Confidence

While it took time to secure the right resources and adjust the project plan, the end result was worth the effort. With more frequent testing calls, the customer became significantly more confident in their ability to navigate the system. This hands-on approach not only helped them understand the product better but also allowed them to troubleshoot and feel prepared for Go Live.

By the time we were ready to push forward with the revised Go Live date, the customer was no longer apprehensive. They felt empowered and fully confident in their use of the technology, which made all the difference in the success of their implementation.

Conclusion: The Power of Project Management Consulting

The success of this project highlights the importance of having an experienced project manager on board—someone who can identify issues that others might miss, advocate for the right resources, and put a plan in place that turns a troubled implementation into a successful one.

If you’re facing challenges with your implementation, or you’re unsure how to bring your project back on track, schedule a consultation today. With the right project management consulting, we can help identify your pain points, provide actionable solutions, and ensure your project is a success from start to finish. Let’s work together to make your next project a win.