Information Services Product Management

Even with the right technologies and resources, too many technology-related projects fail. Whether involving internal development efforts, contracted custom development, and software package integration, IS projects have a bad habit of taking too much time, too much money, or failing to deliver promised functionality.

What is “The Problem”?

Too often, technology-related projects become technology-centric. Lead by technical, IS staff, projects tend to focus on the development and integration efforts. Critical components of successful technology projects are often neglected. Agreement between management and workers on desired and needed features, clear definition of user requirements, understanding the impact on procedures and day-to-day activities, and measures for success are too often neglected as project teams focus on “what” the system will do, not “how” the business will use the system. The result: shifting project scopes and priorities, missed deadlines, and cost overruns.

The Solution: Information Services Product Management

Horizon’s IS Product Management (ISPM) service provides the necessary holistic approach for successful technology projects. Horizon consultants, applying proven product management theories to technology projects, manage the relationships and communications between project stakeholders to ensure project success.

Horizon’s role as liaison, or Product Manager, begins with negotiation and documentation of project requirements, including obtaining agreement on changes to business processes when needed. Requirements documents are prepared to guide development and integration efforts, as well as to give system users a clear view of the project outcome. Efforts continue through the development and test cycles with coordination of design reviews, test planning, testing coordination, documentation, migration, and implementation efforts.

While not responsible for development project plans, Horizon’s Project Manager oversees project schedules and resource allocations. Horizon actively works to obtain and maintain resource commitments and to keep all involved parties informed of status.