(By Info-Tech Analyst Andy Woyzbun - Printed with permission from Processor magazine www.processor.com).

An appropriate description of requirements is essential to the successful deployment of a new application function, whether purchased or developed. Too often, we get the requirements wrong, and as a result, we fail to satisfy our internal and external clients. We miss opportunities. We may continually rework existing systems because they don’t really work well, wasting resources and delaying the availability of new business function. We may fail to select the best software package for the job. Or we may configure a package to reflect current practice rather than create improved processes. IT groups that have experienced any of these symptoms should take a sober look at their requirements gathering process and smarten it up.