At Amplifi, we have found that post-project success hinges on treating evolution as an ongoing journey, not a one-time task. This is exactly why we’re sharing this perspective - because we’ve been there often with clients or in previous roles. Working with clients who want more than just the status quo. If this resonates, maybe it’s time to ask: is your business evolving, or just maintaining?
Addressing future needs, for users and the business
Even with the best planning, detailed requirements, and thorough user acceptance testing, some of the most valuable insights only emerge once users are actively working with the new system. Until they’re using the solution day-to-day, those ideas that could really enhance the user experience and drive bigger benefits often remain hidden.
This can also be the case in IT-led change programmes, which can sometimes lead to user groups becoming disconnected from the project, despite best intentions. They may sign off without fully understanding the impacts, both positive and negative, and might not realise that opportunities to revisit decisions could be limited in future. Often things that are really valuable get raised during project but pushed aside due to project constraints such as budget, resources and time.
Organisations also vary widely in how they approach technology projects. In more mature setups, the business drives change, with IT as a partner guiding best practices to support business goals. In other cases, IT sets the agenda without fully appreciating what the business is trying to achieve. This often happens when projects attempt to do too much from the outset, aiming to accomplish everything at once. We’ve found that sometimes, the more effective approach is to launch a solution that meets around 75% of the needs initially, then build and improve based on user feedback and evolving requirements.
Examples we have seen
Our data experts have seen similar patterns across different clients, each showing why continuous improvement is essential.
Case Study 1: One client rolled out a solution but didn’t build in best practices for ongoing improvement. For two years, they made no updates, and over time, even routine projects became slow and challenging to sign off. To keep up, they had to keep adding staff to handle tasks manually, taking people away from more valuable work. Simple updates, like bulk changes, were still done manually when a smarter process would have saved time and effort.
Case Study 2: Another client kept requesting small improvements and adjustments as they went along, but the budget soon ran dry. Since the original project scope didn’t fully capture their long-term needs, some requests had to be dropped, and their partner hadn’t prompted them to rethink these goals from the start.
Case Study 3: This client realised they needed a continuous improvement strategy rather than a one-off project. Without a framework for ongoing updates, it became clear that the solution wouldn’t keep pace with their evolving business needs.
Case Study 4: Another organisation set up solid data foundations and is now ready to build on this with user-driven insights and predictive analytics. They want to keep evolving their systems so they’re not only useful now but also ready for future needs.
How can you approach continuous improvement?
Continuous improvement doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. Here are a few practical ways to make it work:
Setting aside a small, regular budget for updates, whether monthly, quarterly, or biannually, can have a significant impact. This consistent investment keeps users engaged and systems updated to match evolving organisational needs, helping to prevent technical debt and foster a culture of continual progress.
Clear product ownership is also essential for maintaining focus and direction. A dedicated owner can manage a well-organised backlog, ensuring that enhancements are prioritised and addressed effectively. This role captures feedback and new ideas, creating a sense of ownership and accountability that benefits the team.
Regular reviews of core systems help align them with your roadmap and business goals. Periodic assessments ensure your technology remains proactive and adaptive, ready to support future challenges and in step with your business’s direction.
Account for key considerations when planning your roadmap. Make sure your roadmap includes room for changes prompted by:
- Software roadmaps
- Industry advances
- Business changes
- Regulatory change
- Technology advances
Choosing the right approach for a steady rhythm of improvement is also important. Agile methodologies often work well for regular, incremental updates with flexibility and fast feedback, but both Agile and Waterfall can be effective depending on your team’s needs. The key is finding a method that supports continuous progress and fits seamlessly with how your business operates.
Staying open to innovation is another must for continuous improvement. By watching for emerging opportunities that align with your goals, you keep systems fresh, adaptable, and ready to leverage advancements that add real value. This approach not only keeps you competitive but fosters a proactive mindset within your team.
Partnering with an experienced advisor can further enhance continuous improvement, providing guidance on best practices and supporting you through each phase of change. With their expertise, continuous improvement becomes a structured, strategic part of your organisation’s success, driving sustainable progress.
What are the main benefits of Continuous Improvement?
The primary benefits of Continuous Improvement are vital for sustainable growth, efficient resource use, and maintaining a competitive edge in changing markets.
Strengthening stakeholder engagement
Regular feedback and collaboration foster stakeholder engagement by strengthening their buy-in. People feel their contributions are valued and aligned with company goals. Additionally, consistent improvements increase transparency, offering stakeholders a clear view of the business’s progress, which builds trust and accountability. For employees, this approach enhances morale, as they feel a stronger investment in the company's success, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.
Enabling business agility
This approach helps the business remain agile and aligned with its evolving objectives. It ensures that processes stay relevant and meet the latest business goals, preventing stagnation. By allowing for swift adaptation to market changes, technological advancements, and shifts in customer expectations, it also supports proactive problem-solving, addressing potential issues before they escalate and enabling the business to stay flexible and resilient.
Maximising return on investment (ROI)
A focus on efficiency plays a key role in maximising return on investment, particularly for substantial initiatives like Master Data Management. Streamlined processes and cost reductions boost ROI while fostering a culture of innovation that encourages continuous learning and adaptation. By adopting best practices and achieving steady performance gains, businesses see incremental improvements that result in significant ROI growth, ensuring maximum value from investments.
Where does Amplifi come in?
Amplifi plays a pivotal role in helping clients fully leverage continuous improvement by offering strategic support and expert guidance to keep their operations evolving. Through a collaborative approach, Amplifi works closely with clients to identify areas for enhancement, ensuring progress and preventing stagnation, even as teams shift to new projects.
Amplifi provides critical post-go-live support, acting as a second line of defence for numerous systems. When clients face challenges or require complex adjustments, they can rely on Amplifi’s expertise across the data landscape, including consulting directors and technical specialists, to address issues efficiently, keeping projects on track.
Our data and software strategy support evolves with clients’ needs. Amplifi’s continuous support offers clients access to specialised expertise for complex data requirements and strategic shifts. This ensures that as business goals change, Amplifi helps clients adapt their data models and strategies, staying prepared for future demands. By providing expertise in data and MDM, Amplifi enables clients to make Continuous Improvement a core part of their growth journey.
For further insights into how Amplifi can support your Continuous Improvement journey, take a look at our support case studies, download our Support Guide below to check out our MDM & PIM support offerings, or schedule a call with Dan to discuss your unique requirements.
