Project of the Month


"System selection matched to company size"

No one-size-fits-all analysis, but an approach scaled to business size and decision context.

RESULTS

  • - 25% coordination effort in the vendor phase: Because the requirements were documented once and consistently, vendors did not need repeated explanations of the same process and system needs.
  • - 25% discovery effort after project award: The selected provider could start with an existing requirements specification instead of restarting the process analysis from scratch.
  • 1 requirements specification as shared foundation: The requirements document served both as the basis for vendor selection and as the starting point for implementation.


Qualifikationsmatrix zur Darstellung von Mitarbeiterkompetenzen in der Produktion

THE CHALLENGE

Companies with lean or manageable structures often underestimate the value of a structured system selection process. The effort is frequently perceived as too high, even though a preparation phase scaled to the actual decision situation can significantly reduce later coordination work.

In day-to-day operations, existing processes often work through experience, direct communication, and pragmatic workarounds. Requirements for a new system are usually present, but not always fully documented or described in a way that allows vendors to respond consistently. Without structured preparation, systems risk being selected based on feature scope rather than actual business needs.

OUR APPROACH

  • Avoided a one-size-fits-all analysis and instead scaled the scope to company size, process complexity, and the specific decision situation
  • Captured relevant workflows only to the depth required for vendor engagement, proposal comparison, and later implementation
  • Structured existing information, processes, and requirements in a requirements specification with the right level of detail
  • Focused on decision-relevant topics such as system scope, interfaces, data migration, roles, training, support, and scalability
  • Prepared vendor discussions so requirements did not have to be explained repeatedly from scratch

CUSTOMER VALUE AND OUTCOMES

The project created a structured but appropriately scaled basis for selecting and implementing a new system. Instead of an oversized preliminary project, the company received the clarity needed to engage vendors efficiently and compare proposals on a consistent foundation.

  • Analysis effort matched to business size and actual decision needs.
  • Clear requirements without unnecessary detail depth.
  • Fewer questions and coordination loops with potential system vendors.
  • Comparable proposals based on consistently described requirements.
  • Reduced discovery effort after vendor selection.
  • Faster project readiness after the system decision.
  • System selection aligned with company size, organization, and actual business requirements.


From concept to realization: We at Lignum Consulting help wood-industry manufacturers select systems that fit their organization, operating model, and real decision needs.