by Doug Vincent, Managing Director, Mastt
I constantly observe project owners and client-side project management firms having issues implementing internally developed software and performance controls across projects and programs.
Whether it’s a spreadsheet, SharePoint, or custom software, the struggle is real for users who aren’t specialised in this capability.
The result is:
♦ A singular use platform: These systems are typically difficult to deploy as all projects involve many different parties and vary in use cases across sector, discipline, size and complexity.
♦ No one else wants it: Given the project-driven nature of the industry, nearly all client-side PM firms and owners are competitors. As a result, firms are reluctant to share innovations or improvements with each other.
From this standpoint alone, it’s clear that software systems should not be the property of, or controlled by, an existing single party in the transaction. For all parties to benefit, the system should be operated by a neutral third party.
A neutral, independent system not owned by consultants or owners
An independent platform can enable trust and efficiencies of scale to drive the successful management of an owner’s capital and infrastructure project.
Users of the system needn’t worry about how, when, and by whom, their data is accessed or controlled. The system should be secure but enable transparency and the ability to easily share information between the parties.
Everyone benefits
Owners and client-side PM firms can save time and money, and increase the bottom line by using neutral systems. Those who’ve discovered this have benefitted from the significantly higher levels of efficiency that a licenced, independent SaaS platform offers, including:
♦ Continuous improvement: Ongoing access to upgrades and enhancements
♦ Immediate start: Turn-key same-day deployment; there is no need for owners or consultants to have their own dedicated hardware or software
♦ Lowest possible costs: Lower cost of ownership than developing systems internally and lower whole-of-life costs due to economies of scale
♦ It can be free! For PM consultants, using a client’s neutral SaaS solution costs $0 and saves time — it’s a win-win
Considering a system?
If you’re an owner or client-side PM firm evaluating a system for your project, program or portfolio, please consider these seven key areas:
1. Licencing: A neutral third-party application provides benefit from economies of scale and lower costs of ownership
2. Singular focus on software: An experienced software vendor with industry experience will have complete Focus On Your System’s Success
3. Experience on a similar project: What experience does the neutral software vendor have? Has their solution been validated across industry sectors?
4. Tech: Modern software has virtually no limitations, whereas legacy systems and databases can limit functionality, security and service downstream
5. Vision: What’s the long-term development roadmap? Make sure your partner is developing their system for the long term, not just today
6. Data security: Who can access the data? Could this fall into the wrong hands to give an unfair advantage?
7. Collective benefit: Will a neutral third-party application benefit all of your network, clients and consultants or cause supplier attrition if others don’t adopt it? A platform should build trust with your clients, consultants and vice versa.
Mastt builds better capital works software for infrastructure owners & PMOs. Request a free demo at hello@mastt.com
This Sponsored Editorial, is brought to you by Mastt. For more information, visit mastt.com
