Requirement Analysis

For me there are two stages to requirement analysis that are inextricably linked - the first is information gathering for specification, and the second is information gathering for resources to fulfill that specification. It is proper research at this second stage which is most often overlooked or where things often start to go seriously wrong, so my focus here is upon this element of requirement analysis.

bespoke, off-the-shelf, in-house suppliers, third-party suppliers, a combination of the above?

Identifying the right solution can be a real headache with all this choice. However, thorough research should never be left undone. In one extreme scenario, I’ve decommissioned a six-figure project at this early stage simply because after a few day’s worth of research I identified an off-the-shelf solution that matched exactly my client’s needs. Without this research, the project could easily have been initiated and the package developed bespoke incurring an enormous waste of time, money and resources. In another instance, I managed to halt a large manufacturing project where the third-party supplier gave repeated assurances regarding the legality of using a particular component rather than its branded and better-known alternative. I only just managed to curb the enthusiasm of senior stakeholders and delay production long enough to uncover an ongoing legal battle involving this very component. Very shortly, a ruling was made banning this component from further production and all export was blocked from the country of origin.

I can’t emphasise enough that, with proper planning and research, such nightmare scenarios can be avoided most of the time. So either call me today on 0787 676 5317 or promise me that you’ll dedicate enough time and resource to this essential process.