Solution builder

You may not know it, but PA Consulting Group develops software solutions (we call this service 'Solution builder'). Whether it is developing a global e-procurement system in 15 weeks, or building the systems that run Singapore's deregulated electricity market, we have an unrivalled track record of delivery.

Twenty years ago research carried out by the Standish Group found that 80% of IT projects ran into trouble, either going over time, budget or getting cancelled altogether. Today, as PA's IT leaderships survey, carried out with Harvey Nash discovered, things still have not improved - with up to 60% of IT organisations experiencing a project going so badly that it gets cancelled.

PA has been building systems successfully for the past 20 years. So what are the key elements for success:

• solutions must be developed with a deep sector understanding. One technique that PA adopts is developing demonstrations informed by an ongoing understanding of the hot topics and trends. These demonstrations go a long way to help clients and their users to visualise a system, confirm their requirements and de-risk the build and implementation of the solution.

• the teams need to have the right combination of technical skills and relentless drive to deliver on time and to budget and with minimal rework

• users should be at the centre of the development approach to ensure the results meets their expectations. The key is if it doesn't work for your users, it doesn't work. An iterative approach that involves profiling users and creating scenarios to ensure that IT projects remain focused on delivering the optimum functionality and usability.

Through adopting these approaches you can manage risk and deliver the right solution. If you would like to know more about our software services or talk to someone at PA, please contact us.