"Divide and conquer" was a strategy that was ingrained in me during my studies in Computer Science. It is a strategy that I continue to use today to tackle challenges like implementing a business solution. However, what I have learned is that you cannot simply divide a business solution implementation into neat, discrete individual silos, execute in these individual silos, and gather all of the individual results in order to create a successful business solution.

Every business solution implementation is a unique instance that requires research into possible adoption methodologies, as well as how to apply these disciplines during the implementation. The investment strategy that you should invoke in a business solution implementation should be prioritized based upon which areas have the greatest impact on implementation's success. Of the three components of a business solution (people, business processes, and technology), people have the greatest capacity to act, grow, react, learn, and evolve. Investment in your customers, your IT partner, and your Implementation Partners should be the cornerstone of your business solution implementation strategy. Technology and methodologies play a supportive role in successful business solution implementations, yet it is people that have the greatest impact on your success.

A successful business solution generates the desired business results. In the next chapter, we will discuss how to ensure that packaged software implementations focus on value-added business results.