Enterprise systems are pivotal for business success as they help organizations manage resources more effectively and may drive operational efficiency if properly utilized. What is the Enterprise Systems “Sphagetti Ball”? Many organizations still approach enterprise systems in a reactive fashion. Some of them implement systems to solve particular problems or pain points. What is wrong with the “Pain Point” approach? The challenge with addressing pain points is that it can limit insights into the the specific situation to be addressed. The approach often results into the sub-optimal solutions that tie the organization’s resources into a configuration that they cannot easily undo for several years. What is the opposite of a better idea? According to Rory Sunderland, Ogilvy Vice Chairman, renowned advertising executive and behavioral scientist, the opposite of a good idea can also be a good idea. Rory suggests that sometimes, counterintuitive or unconventional ideas can be just as effective, if not more so, than traditional ones. While humans are intuitively inclined to optimise for operational excellence and reduce costs, sometimes the best innovative ideas require us to spend money on investments that generate strategic gains. So what does DigitAIzation recommend? At DigitAIzation, we recommend approaching enterprise systems from a strategic intent. If organizations take a holistic view of enterprise systems as part of their strategy, they derive enterprise value from both pain relievers and gain creators. Often times is is gain creators that set the business up for future success. Operating system approach In a situation where best of breeds are configured to bring about optimum and effective use of available technology, we recommend adopting an operating system approach. What is an operating system approach when it comes to finding the best tech stack and ensuring its widespread adoption within the organization? An operating system approach for selecting the best tech stack and ensuring its widespread adoption within an organization involves a structured and comprehensive process. Here are the key steps: Identify Requirements: Understand the specific needs of the organization, including performance, scalability, security, and compatibility with existing systems. Evaluate Options: Research and evaluate various technology stacks based on how well they meet the identified requirements. Consider factors such as cost, support, and community adoption. Prototype and Test: Develop prototypes or conduct pilot projects to test the selected tech stack in real-world scenarios. This helps identify any potential issues and ensures the stack meets the organization’s needs. Stakeholder Involvement: Engage stakeholders from different departments early in the process to gather input and build buy-in. This ensures the selected tech stack aligns with the needs and preferences of various teams. Implementation Plan: Create a detailed implementation plan that outlines the steps for deploying the tech stack, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies. Training and Documentation: Provide comprehensive training and documentation to help users understand and effectively use the new tech stack. This reduces resistance to change and ensures smooth adoption. Monitoring and Feedback: Continuously monitor the performance of the tech stack and gather feedback from users. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements. Iterative Improvements: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating the tech stack to keep pace with evolving business needs and technological advancements. By following this operating systems approach, organizations can ensure they select the best tech stack and achieve widespread adoption, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and overall business performance.