The cobbler’s children are the worst shod – it’s infuriating!
Since I was 18, I’ve been working in digitalization and am constantly amazed at how poorly software providers are positioned. But why is that?
It is an ironic reality that software providers who develop and/or market project management tools often face challenges in their own project management. As technology experts and pioneers in their field, one would assume they could manage their own projects seamlessly and efficiently. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. In this blog post, we will delve into why software providers frequently disappoint in their own project management and what lessons can be learned from this.
Many aspects need to be considered in a project
Want to receive the latest news, interviews, and expert articles? Then sign up for the newsletter quickly. You’ll be the first to know everything there.
And why does project management often go so poorly?
Overly Ambitious Product Promises
Software providers naturally want to present their products in the best light to attract customers. This sometimes leads them to become overly ambitious in marketing and product promises. They promise features and performance that are not yet fully implemented in practice or only work under ideal conditions. When they manage their own projects with their own tools, they encounter the same challenges as their customers and sometimes have to realize that reality does not match the glossy promises.
Selling, but Not Using Themselves
The software provider sold you a great project management tool. Yet, when it comes to their own use, these providers usually resort to MS-Excel©, MS-Word©, and MS-Sharepoint© as tools.
Quite strange. Why is that? One reason could be that customers would also need licenses from the provider for the project, and the internal penny-pincher doesn’t want to spend that money.
Then you end up with a project plan in MS-Excel© and task management included.
Neglect of User Perspective
Software providers are often fascinated by the technical aspects of their products and sometimes lose sight of the user’s perspective. They are so engrossed in the development process that they do not always adequately consider the actual needs of project managers and team members. This leads to a discrepancy between what the software should offer and what users actually need to effectively do their work.
Lack of Adaptation to Internal Processes
Although software providers develop their tools for a wide range of companies, they often struggle to adapt their solutions to their own internal processes. Every company has its own workflows and project management methods. However, the provider’s software must be able to adapt to the specific requirements of its own company. Neglecting this aspect can lead to inefficiencies and friction if the software cannot be seamlessly integrated into their own workflows.
Lack of Internal Training and Support
It is not uncommon for software providers to inadequately train or support their own employees in optimally using their own project management software. This results in employees being unable to use the software effectively and not fully realizing its potential. It is important for software providers to ensure that their internal teams are comprehensively trained to get the most out of the tools developed.
Project Managers as “Freelance Artists”
For many software providers, project managers are treated like sacred cows. There is a shortage of “qualified” employees, and many are allowed to operate as they see fit.
Too much “micromanagement” could annoy the freelance artist and encourage them to resign. It becomes particularly interesting when internal and external (subcontractor) project managers use completely different methods or tools, or even manage projects “by feel” based on their experience.
Without guidelines, methods, and the appropriate tools, such projects always go off the rails, and then the customer, not the project manager and their project management, is blamed.
Prioritization of Customer Orders
Another reason why software providers struggle with their own project management is that priority is often given to customer orders. Internal projects and processes can fall by the wayside if resources are primarily used for the development and support of customer solutions. This can lead to delays and deficiencies in their own project management software.
Good Planning Tools Are Often Scarce in Projects
Conclusion
The irony that software providers often disappoint in their own project management should remind us that developing and implementing effective project management tools is a complex task. It requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of user needs and the ability to adapt the software to specific requirements. Software providers should view their own projects as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and continuously improve their solutions to offer their customers the best possible product. Only through critical reflection and an honest engagement with their own challenges can software providers ultimately gain the trust of their customers and successfully implement their projects.
If you want to know what constitutes good project management in digitalization projects, you can read about it in my book here. Along with many other topics that will ensure the success of digitalization projects.
You can find the book via this link
And if you want to revolutionize your project management for digitalization and work successfully, you can contact me directly. It starts with a free initial consultation.
To schedule an appointment, go here
Tip: Trust is good, control with your own knowledge is better
Image source: internal and shutterstock
