Technology is imperative to the success of nearly every business in today’s world. Yet, despite its importance, the deployment of technology remains underestimated for the role it plays in the overall success and return on investment (ROI) it can help achieve. When it comes to technology deployment, there are five common mistakes that can lead to a failed investment.

1.  An Incomplete Request for Quotation (RFQ)-

RFQs often place a strong focus on the hardware and software required for a project, without much consideration for logistics such as shipping, configuration, installation, testing and management. When a technology deployment company responds, they may only provide pricing for what’s included in the RFQ, leaving out the other key components to provide a more attractive price quote. But this can lead to delays and even failure due to inadequate budgeting and unclear cost expectations.

You need a deployment partner focused on the entire solution from the start. This helps you understand the true cost of the install upfront. A turnkey solution – which considers every piece of the project - might appear more expensive when compared to other price quotes, but paints a more accurate picture of the true cost, which impacts how you measure ROI.

2.  Overlooking the Statement of Work (SOW)-

Another key portion of the project that is often overlooked is the SOW. The SOW should provide detailed information including: Clear deliverables, assigned roles, agreed upon timelines and anything else needed for the deployment. It’s the who, what, where, when, why and how of the entire project. If the deliverables are vague or not accompanied with consequences for missing them, the project could fail.

A deployment partner with expertise in technology solution design, deployment and maintenance is your best bet to execute a cohesive and comprehensive SOW.

3.  An Unclear, Under Communicated Timeline-

As mentioned, a clear timeline is a core component of a professional SOW but is a common failure point in projects. Technology and the ROI it provides are almost completely correlated to the timeline. Every member of a team must be on the same page as it relates to the timeline and project expectations if they want to get the project done on time and on budget. And while it’s great to get a project done ahead of schedule, deployment experts should avoid cutting corners which can put the integrity of the project at risk.

It’s important to look for a deployment partner with training, certifications and years of experience implementing solutions. Armed with this expertise, trained teams can properly build and manage a timeline and get the work done faster without compromising quality. And faster, quality work, means more money in your pocket over time.  

4.  A Lack of Project Management-

Every project is different, but a tried and true method for managing the processes and teams within a project can make all the difference. A project management team needs to be led by experienced professionals who can provide input from the very beginning of the RFQ process and throughout the life cycle of the solution.

Rather than just assigning someone to manage a project, a deployment partner should provide professional project management. These project managers should be committed to define, implement and execute all necessary processes to ensure success and mitigate project risks.

5.  An Unqualified Deployment Provider-

This is arguably one of the biggest reasons technology deployments fail. Any company can position itself as a technology deployment provider, but without a team of expert technicians, experienced engineers, dedicated project managers and other key personnel, a deployment is almost sure to go wrong. A technology provider should never take a cookie cutter approach to deployment. It’s important to consider the specific needs and to design and deploy the correct solutions to meet those needs. Because at the end of the day, technology doesn’t solve problems; leveraging it in the right way does.  

Things like experience, certifications, references, tools, size and scale should be considered before ever selecting a partner. Price also matters, but it’s important to look beyond the “sticker price” and consider the true cost of a guaranteed, turnkey solution. While it might seem like more cost upfront, it can save the headache of a failed solution and will provide a better ROI in the end.

From day one of a project, the process for deployment should remain top of mind as a critical element to the success and ROI of the technology solution. To learn more about how Velociti designs, deploys and maintains technology, visit velociti.com.