Technology Projects: Solution
The key questions to ask when assessing how Solution (application, information, infrastructure, readiness) issues may impact a technology project
When conducting a health check or a lookback on a technology project, it's important to assess the solution aspects of the project, which include the application, information, infrastructure, and readiness components. Here are some key solution-related questions to ask:
1. Application:
- Was the application solution aligned with the project's objectives and requirements?
- Were the functional and technical specifications of the application clearly defined?
- Were there any issues or challenges related to the design, development, or implementation of the application?
2. Information:
- Was the information management strategy and data architecture well-defined?
- Were data requirements and data sources adequately identified and documented?
- Were there any data quality or integration issues that impacted the project?
3. Infrastructure:
- Was the technology infrastructure suitable and properly configured for the project?
- Were there any gaps or deficiencies in the infrastructure setup or environment?
- Were performance, scalability, and security aspects of the infrastructure addressed adequately?
4. Readiness:
- Was the organization adequately prepared for the implementation of the solution?
- Were the necessary training and change management activities conducted?
- Was there a clear understanding of the solution's impact on business processes and users?
5. Solution Integration:
- Were there any challenges in integrating the solution with existing systems or infrastructure?
- Were third-party applications or components effectively integrated?
- Were there any issues with interoperability or compatibility of the solution?
6. Solution Testing:
- Was there a comprehensive testing strategy in place for the solution?
- Were all necessary types of testing conducted (functional, performance, security, etc.)?
- Were there any deficiencies or gaps in the testing processes that impacted the solution's quality?
7. Solution Deployment:
- How was the solution deployed, and were there any challenges or issues during the deployment process?
- Were there proper deployment plans and procedures in place?
- Were there any configuration or installation issues that affected the solution's functionality?
8. Solution Maintenance and Support:
- How was the solution maintained and supported after its implementation?
- Were there effective processes for bug fixing, enhancements, and ongoing support?
- Were there any shortcomings or delays in addressing maintenance or support issues?
9. Solution Performance:
- Did the solution meet the expected performance requirements?
- Were there any performance bottlenecks or scalability challenges?
- Were there mechanisms in place to monitor and optimize the solution's performance?
10. Lessons Learned and Improvement:
- Were lessons learned captured and documented regarding the solution aspects throughout the project?
- Were the lessons learned shared with relevant stakeholders and future project teams?
- What steps have been taken or will be taken to improve solution-related aspects in future projects?
Final Thoughts
By asking these resource management questions during a health check or a lookback, you can gain insights into the project's solution aspects that contributed or will contribute to its failure, if left uncorrected. This information can help identify areas for improvement and enhance the design, implementation, and management of technology solutions on an existing and in future technology projects.