Unlocking Success with the SBM™: A Guide to Installing an Information System
Finally, a Simple Way to Understand when and where Systems and Data Need to be Deployed
In today's fast-paced business environment, information is the lifeblood of any successful organization. Every decision, from day-to-day operations to strategic planning, relies on data availability and quality. Managing this influx of data efficiently can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategy in place, such as the SBM™, you can streamline your information management and install a new information system tailored to your company's unique needs.
This blog will explore leveraging the SBM™ to install a new information system in your company, ensuring smoother operations, better decision-making, and increased overall success.
Using SBM™ to Identify Needs and Evaluate Systems
Before diving into implementing an information system using SBM™, it's crucial to understand the significance of business information. Virtually everything that occurs within a business can be quantified and tracked, leading to the generation of valuable business information. This data is pivotal in aiding leaders to make informed decisions.
For instance, consider the journey of a new part arriving at your warehouse. This seemingly simple event has multiple implications, from its physical use in production to its impact on accounting. Different departments within your company may utilize this data for various purposes, creating complexity in management.
In the modern business landscape, several commercially available automated systems can assist in managing information. Among them, two prominent categories are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. ERPs focus on continuously collecting operational information, while CRMs facilitate customer-related data management.
Notable brands in these categories include SAP, Oracle, Epicor for ERPs, Salesforce, Monday, and Odoo for CRM. However, selecting the most suitable system for your organization can take time due to the many available options.
Here's where the SBM™ comes into play.
Ensuring Smooth Information Flow
The SBM™ can be an invaluable tool for identifying your organization's information needs and evaluating potential ERP and CRM systems. It provides a structured approach to assess the current state of information availability and flow within your company.
In the book, we offer an example of assessing the level of information available for different functions within your organization. This assessment helps you identify which functions require an information system implementation and the priority for each. I'd like to point out that each system module should cover one or more functions based on your organization's specific requirements.
Before implementing an ERP or CRM, performing an information self-assessment as part of your SBM strategy is highly recommended.
Efficient information flow within and between functions is essential for seamless operations. Interruptions in information flow can lead to various problems within the organization. For instance, miscommunication between the Sales and Delivery departments could delay delivery.
In the book, we demonstrate the importance of assessing communication fluidity between functions, highlighting potential areas of improvement.
When planning to implement an electronic information system, start by assessing the level of communication fluidity. Addressing communication gaps can significantly enhance overall operational efficiency.
Conclusion
In the age of data-driven decision-making, having a robust information system in place is crucial for business success. Leveraging the SBM™ can guide you in identifying your organization's information needs, evaluating suitable systems, and ensuring smooth information flow.
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can streamline the process of installing a new information system, making your organization more agile, efficient, and competitive in today's dynamic business landscape. The SBM™ is your strategic compass for improved information access and enhanced decision-making.
